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Chiddingstone Nursery School


Based in a converted stable block within the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle, we are a long established Committee run Nursery for children aged 2 years and above.   

Children enjoy a secure cobbled play area where they can experience a variety of activities including gardening, sand, water play, and ride-on toys.  This area is also used for curriculum based learning.  We have a small grassed garden area to the front of the Nursery and access to the wonderful and unique grounds of the Castle.

Situated in the heart of Chiddingstone, we have strong links with Chiddingstone Primary School and are regularly involved in village events.   

Our small size means we are able to provide a cosy and caring environment enabling children to learn, develop and grow.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Chiddingstone Nursery School CIO
Telephone
01892 871315
E-mail
office@chiddingstonenursery.co.uk
Website
https://chiddingstonenursery.co.uk/

Where to go

Address
Chiddingstone Castle
Hill Hoath Road
Chiddingstone
Edenbridge
Kent
Postcode
TN8 7AD

When is it on?

When is childcare available
Term Time Only
Carescheme Age Range:
2 year(s), month(s) to 4 year(s), month(s)
Opening Times
Opening Times
DayOpening TimeClosing Time
Monday 9:00am 3:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am 3:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am 3:00pm
Thursday 9:00am 3:00pm
Friday 9:00am 12:00pm

Other Details

Table of costs
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
£20.50 Per session am
£20.50 Per session pm
£7.88 Per half day
ECD Type
Day Nursery
Offers pickups
No
Cost(s)
Cost details
For funded children
30 minutes of a session are unfunded and charged at £7.88 per session.
Immediate vacancies?
No
Contact Provider for Vacancy Details?
Yes
Vacancy range
Vacancy Range
Start AgeEnd AgePlaces
30 months 36 months 0
3 years 5 years 5
Vacancy Information Last updated Date
02/11/2023
Notes

At Chiddingstone Nursery CIO we value every child as an individual. We are passionate about ensuring the children remain at the heart of everything we do.   In order to provide children with the freedom to learn we value learning through play.  Children are able to choose their own activities regularly.  We offer construction, role play, imaginative play, gardening, home corner and book corner.  Sensory activities include smelly playdoh, a potion station where children investigate pouring and mixing different coloured waters, a variety of smelly teabags, and herbs amongst other things.

We also plan adult led activities. Cooking is regularly enjoyed where we explore a variety of savoury, sweet and sometimes even themed food. Each session is carefully planned to make it fun and inviting.  Music sessions and sporting activities are also enjoyed.   

We aim to ensure that every child reaches their full potential in a warm, nurturing and caring environment.

Languages Spoken:
English
Wheelchair Access
Yes

Ofsted Information

Ofsted URN
2578690
Link to latest ofsted inspection report 

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
No

Service status

Status
Open

Local Offer

Special Needs Support

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

A baseline assessment using the milestones assessment tool is completed within the first term for all new children. 

We check the red book and complete two year check where appropriate.

Parent consultations allow for any findings or concerns to be discussed. 

We have an open door policy and encourage open communication with parents/carers by being present and available.

We regularly observe the children and as a small staff team are able to communicate concerns effectively between us to build a full picture of each child.

 

 

 

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

We offer a flexible approach when consulting with parents.  We are able to have regular catch ups in person, over the phone or via zoom.  Parents are encouraged to contact us as and when they need to.  We have an open door policy and make sure staff are regularly available at drop off and collection.  We have photos available on tapestry, and we can set up link books if children attend more than one setting.

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

We offer;

visual clues

regular audits on our universal provision

working relationship with outside agencies for advice through the LIFT process

makaton

ear defenders

traffic light system

Tizzy Tiger

Visual timetable

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

Parents are actively involved in bespoke personalised plans which are reviewed termly and led by the specialist teacher. Personalised plans have assessment levels checked each time they are renewed which is then fed back to parents.  We endeavour to work around parents offering face to face, online or telephone calls at a time that is convenient to them.  Staff are available daily at drop off and pick up for regular discussion.  Emails are sent to all parents weekly describing our activities and focus.

We arrange through early help courses for parents focusing on behaviour and SEND.  We regularly advertise the local childrens centre activities and courses on our facebook page.

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

Early help is available through the SENCO should parents require additional support.  We regularly advertise the local childrens centre activities on our Facebook page.  This is a fantastic resource and offers courses covering a range of activities for example sensory, makaton and behaviour as well as play sessions.

The core staff team all hold up to date first aid training and will undertake additional training as and when needed.  We have individual care plans for medication and staff can administer medication that is prescribed by a doctor.

We work closely with outside agencies to provide as much support as possible.

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

We monitor childrens progress through;

consultations

milestones assessment toolkit

regular informal and formal observations

The lead and deputy SENCO have up to date SENCO training.  The whole staff team is makaton trained.  As a staff team we aim to keep our training up to date and current.  Some courses attended include; intensive interaction,sensory circuits,emotional regulation and challenging behaviour, and handling training.  All training is cascaded to the whole staff team.

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

Activities are carefully planned and tailored with inclusion for all children in mind.  A range of materials and tools are regularly offered alongside noise cancelling headphones, small groups and one to one activities.  Safe spaces are available to have some quiet time, and we have regular access to outside space.

All trips are carefully planned and sites are visited prior to outings.  Personal risk assessments are carried out and shared with the staff team.  The staff team have regular first aid training which includes Epi pen training.  Parents attend all outings outside of the nursery setting. 

Equality and Inclusion are able to offer support and advise prior to LIFT and when needed. Through LIFT,  specialist teachers offer regular advise on creating inclusive activities and environments.  They advise on practice and help create personalised plans. 

We recognise each child is unique and individual and endeavour to undertake relevant training if needed on a case by case basis. 

In our nursery we offer visual clues, audio clues and regular audits on our universal provision.  Adults are on hand to assist when needed.

 

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

Our nursery offers wheelchair access at the rear but through a cobbled courtyard.  We have disabled toilets with raised bar.

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

When transitioning to school, teachers are invited in to visit the children and get to know them. We are able to liaise with teachers as and when is needed taking into consideration the individual needs of each child.   Transition documents alongside assessment levels using the milestone assessment toolkit are shared with parents and schools with parent permissions.  We can also offer accompanied settling in sessions at new schools if needed.

As we get closer to the transition we focus on going to school story books and share photos (if available) of the new teachers.

Lift offers ongoing advice and support.

We offer;

visual clues

regular audits on our universal provision

working relationship with outside agencies for advice through the LIFT process

makaton

ear defenders

traffic light system

Tizzy Tiger

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

To assess the overall effectiveness of our SEN provision an audit is carried out on the area of need for each child that attends LIFT.  An annual audit is also carried out using the best practice guidance.  The best practice guidance is often used in staff meetings and is available for all staff to access regularly.

We welcome feedback at all times.  Parent consultations and the annual parent questionnaire feedback into our provision and its effectiveness.

 

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

 

Nursery leader Jill McCoy

Lead Senco Megan Downing

Nursery administrator Natasha Lingham

 

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

We are a charity committee run nursery.  Parents are invited to be involved in the committee as and when they can.  We have a Complaints policy and procedure on our website for all to access.  This is also available as a paper copy clearly labelled in the nursery entrance hall.  We use an annual parent questionnaire for feedback and suggestions.  Staff are available at drop off and pick up to establish and maintain working relationships with parents.  We value and encourage open communication.  We also communicate through email or over the telephone for parents who are unable to visit. We have an open door policy and offer stay and play sessions at a time that suits parents/carers.  We offer consultations throughout the year and also use tapestry which enables a back and forth communication between staff and parents.

Decisions involving individual support and care are made collaboratively with the SENCO, parents, key workers and appropriate outside agencies.  Parents are consulted and involved every time a new personalised plan is created.  We use the plan, do, review cycle and evaluate individual plans each time they are renewed.  We are a small staff team and regularly evaluate our practice verbally and through staff meetings to make sure we are consistently offering the best care we can. 
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