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Early Learning Steps Staplehurst


We are based in a Church Hall off the main High Street in Chapel Lane and can accommodate up to 20 children per session. We offer a nurturing, caring environment where children learn through their play.  There is a kitchen off the main hall and access to two toilets.  There is also a storage cupboard/office space and a cloakroom area with access to our outside play area.  The outside is mainly soft tarmac and a raised area with a mud kitchen.

We plan our activities based on the interests of the children and offer a wide variety of experiences at pre-school.  We also go out into the local community visiting the fields behind the lane and also the local community including the shops and library.

 

Who to contact

Contact Name
Katie Lipscomb
Contact Position
Manager
Telephone
07852935145
E-mail
els.staplehurst@outlook.com

Where to go

Address
Margaret Howard Hall
Chapel Lane
Staplehurst
Tonbridge
Kent
Postcode
TN12 0AJ

When is it on?

When is childcare available
Term Time Only
Carescheme Age Range:
2 year(s), month(s) to 5 year(s), month(s)
Opening Times
Opening Times
DayOpening TimeClosing Time
Monday 09:00 15:00
Tuesday 09:00 15:00
Wednesday 09:00 15:00
Thursday 09:00 15:00
Friday 09:00 15:00

Other Details

Table of costs
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
£19.50 Per session
ECD Type
Day Nursery
Offers pickups
No
Cost(s)
Cost details
Session Fees start from £18.00 for a three hour session
Fees are invoiced termly. Payment plans are available
Total vacancies
5
Vacancies Details
Only afternoons until September 2024
Immediate vacancies?
Yes
Contact Provider for Vacancy Details?
Yes
Vacancy range
Vacancy Range
Start AgeEnd AgePlaces
2 5 5
Vacancy Information Last updated Date
22/11/2023
Facilities
Music, Literacy and Numeracy, Computers / It, Messy Play Area, Cookery, Toys/dolls, Dressing Up, Dance, Outdoor Activities, Themed Sessions, Trike, Puppets, Water Play, Games / Puzzles, Garden, Walks, Arts And Crafts, Scooter, Reading, Books, Sign Language / Makaton, Bike, Kitchen, Songs, Slide, Climbing Frame, Stories
Languages Spoken:
English
Wheelchair Access
Yes

Ofsted Information

Ofsted URN
2538830
Link to latest ofsted inspection report 

30 Hours Extended Entitlement

30 Hours Partner Details (These are details of any other childcare provider(s) that this provider will work with to offer the 30 hours entitlement)

We accept children who are entitled to the 30 hours of funding and can offer the full 30 hours entitlement across the week

Support with Childcare Costs

Free for 2 (families with 2 year olds receiving additional forms of government support)?
Yes
Universal Entitlements
Yes
Working Parents Entitlement
Yes

Service status

Status
Open

Local Offer

Description

We are able to cater for children with special educational needs, a risk assessment and meetings with parents/carers will be carried out prior to a child starting with us to make sure we can fully meet the needs of the child.

Special Needs Support

How does the setting identify children with additional needs or SEND? 

Before children start with us we ask parents/carers to complete an "All About Me" form which gives us some background information about your child's likes/dislikes, favourite toys and how they are comforted etc.  Upon starting we assess your child's starting points and all this information helps us inform our planning.

We work closely with parents/carers to support children and to identify any additional needs.

If your child is 2 years old we will also complete the statutory assessment at age 2 and discuss this with parents/carers.

How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported? 

Upon starting with us, you and your child will be allocated a key person who will be involved from the first day.  This enables strong and positive relationships to be built with your child and you.  We work closely with our families and share information regularly.  We hold parent consultations three times a year with your key person to discuss your child's progress.  We also complete detailed learning journeys which include observations and photos of your child.  You are invited to contribute to this whenever you like.

How will the setting adapt the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for my child's needs? 

Every child is unique and we ensure planning meets their individual needs.  We plan around the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage - The Prime Areas which are Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development -  and the Specific Areas which are Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design.

What teaching strategies does the setting use for children with additional needs or learning difficulties? 

Our teaching starts with planning for the environment.  Areas are zoned to create different spaces both inside and outside with low level trolleys to support access to resources.  Soft furnishings and rugs help minimise noise and create quiet areas.

Resources are clearly labelled and we have a wide range of resouces appropriate to support children's development.  Our SENCo works with key persons to ensure specialist equipment is obtained if necessary.

Our staff are all trained in early years practice with some staff having received training in supporting children with additional needs.

What additional support does the setting provide for children with additional needs or SEND? 

Our SEND Policy sets out the gradulated approach we use to support children.  We assess each child's needs and provide the support required to ensure the child's needs are met.  Sometimes we may need to refer your child to other services such as speech and language therapy.  The key person and SENCo will discuss this with you.  Your child may be on a targeted plan and if your child receives support from outside agencies the targeted plan would then be changed to a personalised plan.

Sometimes a referral to the Specialist Teaching and Learning service through the Local Inclusion Team (LIFT) forum.  Your consent would be obtained first and if the referral is accepted a Specialist Teacher would then visit your child to provide additional advice and guidance.

How will the setting monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this? 

The child's key person carries out regular observations and uses this information to inform planning to support your child's learning and development.  We record observations in your child's learning journey book which we invite you to contribute to and to come and see at parent consultations.

Assessments are carried out 3 times a year with the addition of the Progress Check at age 2.

How do you ensure children with additional needs or SEND can be included in the same activities as other children, including trips? 

Our activities are adapted to suit the needs of each child.  We work hard to ensure all children are included.

How accessible is the building for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users? 

Our building is on one level and is accessible to children in wheelchairs and with mobility problems.  Whenever possible we will make any reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of the children, parents or staff.

How will you support my child's transition to a new setting or school? 

The key person completes a transition report which is sent to your child's next setting/school.  We work closely with local schools to ensure a smooth transition for the chiildren.  We invite teachers to come and visit the children in our setting and we encourage parents/carers to take children to visit schools on taster days.

How does the setting assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers take part in this evaluation? 

We hold regular staff meetings and attend Local SENCo forum meetings,  We send out parent questionnaires and review our policies and procedures on a regular basis.

We welcome any feedback from parents/carers.

Who should I contact if I am considering registering for a place at the setting? 

Please contact the setting directly to arrange a visit by telephoning or emailing the Manager.

What arrangements does the setting have for feedback from parents / carers, including compliments and complaints? 

We send our questionnaires at least once a year but have an open door policy and encourage parents/carers to feedback any views.

We have a complaints procedure policy which is available to all parents/carers.
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