OUR NURSERY

 

The name of our Nursery “The Owl and the Pussycat” was chosen from the traditional nursery rhyme by Edward Lear to compliment the large Victorian house in which the Nursery operates.

Built in 1873 the house is set in secure, large, and mature gardens, and along with a soft surface play area, it allows children the chance to play safely outdoors.

We are located at No. 1 Claverhouse Drive just off the Gilmerton Road, (behind the Liberton Northfield Parish Church) and offers unrestricted parking
<street>

We are conveniently placed for Parents working in the City Centre, Cameron Toll and the New Royal Infirmary as well as Dalkeith, Bonnyrig etc for those who work in <place>Midlothian.

 

OUR AIMS

 

We want your Child to feel that our Nursery is “the next best thing to home”.  A place  they look forward to coming to, where they can make new friends, learn new things and be fully prepared for their next big adventure -  Starting School !!!

We want every Child who attends our Nursery to achieve their full potential in a caring , safe and loving environment.

Having been a working parent myself I know how heart wrenching a decision it can be to leave your Child in someone else’s care and that is why we will promote a warm, welcoming and safe environment for your Child.

 

OUR STAFF

 

We aim to give your Child the best start possible in life by employing experienced professional staff.

Our Nursery Manager, Jem Wright, will lead the Team. She has had 15 years experience as a Nursery Manager and is highly respected for her Childcare knowledge and her professionalism.

She will ensure that the Nursery standards of service are continually enhanced.

All our staff meet rigorous vetting procedures which include an Enhanced Disclosure check to ensure that they are suitable people to care for your Child.

We encourage our staff to extend their qualifications and aim to have most staff trained in First Aid and Food Hygiene.

 

TALK TO US

We want to encourage Parental involvement as much as possible.  As well as being able to consult with a designated member of staff who works with your child day to day please feel free to ask either myself or the Nursery Manager any questions you may have.

We will organise Parents evenings and regular newsletters to keep you informed about what is going on in the Nursery and how your Child is progressing.

We will provide a Suggestion box so you can nominate outings and activities you would like to see included in your Childs Nursery day.

 

 

OUR BABY ROOM

 

The Babies in our care will be treated as individuals and as far as possible will follow the same routines they have at home.  Our experienced staff will keep careful records of each child’s day and will note any important developments which will then be passed on to the Parents.

Weather permitting, babies will be taking out every day for walks in prams.

We will encourage the Babies to experience different stimuli in the form of natural textures etc.

 

OUR TODDLER ROOM

 

Once the babies start outgrowing the Baby Room we will be gradually introduced to the Toddler Room where they will begin a new program of activities which will include baking, sand play, crafts, singing and stories.

As in the Baby Room staff will continue to monitor progress and observe interests.

 

THE JUNIOR ROOM

 

Children will be guided through an interesting and varied day where they are encouraged to make choices and develop their own personalities.

Staff will ensure a regular rotation of toys, jigsaws etc, as well as introducing planned themes for craft activities.

They will receive the benefit of regular outdoor play (weather permitting), free play in the home corner, baking, story time and singing.

Staff will help children to learn basic social skills such as considering others, sharing, good manners and taking turns.

 

OUR PRE-SCHOOL ROOM

 

Children will normally be moved to this room in their pre-school year but may be moved to this room earlier if staff feel it is appropriate for an individual child.

In this room Children are prepared for school by being given encouragement and individual attention.  Qualified staff will assess a Childs individual development in the 5 main Pre-school curriculum areas:

 

Communication and Language

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Knowledge and Understanding

Expressive and Aesthetic

Physical Development

 

OUR FOOD

 

We will provide healthy, balanced and nutritional meals and offer fresh grown fruit and vegetables every day.

We will encourage children to enjoy a wide variety of food allowing them to experiment with taste, colour and texture.

Please inform us of any special dietary requirements that your child may have which we will endeavour to accommodate.