Stone Eden Nursery School has continued to evolve since it opened in2005. It launched in a converted barn with three playrooms, extended twoyears later and then, not content with what it had achieved so far, ithad customised premises built. All the staff were involved in the designprocess so that they would have ownership of their new workenvironment.
The new nursery opened in November 2008. It has capacity for 76children, more than doubling the original number of places. Uniqueselling points include a state-of-the-art kitchen, three outdoor areasincluding a learning orchard and a sports field. There is also anon-site training facility. Parents now have a 30-space car park on site.Parking was previously limited, so this development has helped to makethe journey to and from nursery less stressful.
Nursery manager Wendy Feddon says, 'It is reassuring for parents to knowthat all of the features that we have at this exciting new facility willassist in creating positive experiences for their children throughoutthe time they spend with us.'
After only four months in the new premises, with staff and new teammembers still adjusting to the changes and the manager on holiday, thenursery gained outstanding in all areas of its Ofsted inspection. Thisnot only demonstrated the quality of provision but also the dedicationof the nursery team to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
Wendy adds, 'I feel that the nursery and its staff are a prime exampleof how we all should constantly strive to improve on, and reflect on,our practice for the benefit of the children and families that we workwith. The nursery consistently demonstrates how effectively we operateto the highest standards while continually seeking to further improvethe service we offer to the community.
'At present, the nursery is again planning to expand by openingadditional baby units, incorporating a soft surface exclusively for thebabies and relocating the office to be more central for parents toaccess. I have no doubt that whatever changes are put in place they willbe for the benefit of the children and will not affect the quality ofthe provision.'
HIGHLY COMMENDED
- Bents Farm Day Nursery, Halifax
Bents Farm Day Nursery strives to provide children with a home-from-homeenvironment. To promote inclusivity and reduce pre-school transitions,owner and manager Julie White changed the rooms so they are nowactivity-based, and children of all ages and stages of development mixand play freely together. Now they are all able to develop at their ownpace.
- Young Discoverers, Escrick, York
Young Discoverers offers childcare to children from three months up to11 through a day nursery, before- and after-school clubs and a holidayclub. After finding there was a need for out-of-school provision at thelocal school, company director Ruth Dowswell forged a partnership withthe headteacher and now offers this facility on the school site. Thenumber of children using the service has grown, and the company isplanning to take on more playworkers.
FINALISTS
- Bertram Nursery Group, Edinburgh
- Kinder Haven, Bradford
CRITERION
For a new launch of or significant expansion to an early years servicein the past 12 months.
