Parent Information
Here you’ll find important information for families, including Nursery Education Funding (NEF), our nursery policies, and details on how we follow the EYFS framework and meet Ofsted requirements.
Nursery Education Funding
We are wholly committed to providing high-quality early years education, whilst ensuring that every child has access to fully funded hours without restrictions.
To find out more about NEF funding at Sandytots please download our handy guide:
Early Years Foundation Stage
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and meet the standards set by Ofsted, supporting high-quality care, learning and development.
The EYFS framework:
- Sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure children learn and develop well
- Ensures children are kept healthy and safe
- Ensures children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school
Children thrive when parents and professionals work together, so understanding and supporting the EYFS framework will benefit your child immensely and give you a greater understanding of how they are developing.
Makaton
Makaton uses signs and symbols to help people communicate. It is designed to support the development of spoken language. At Sandytots we have staff who are qualified in level 1 and 2 Makaton, we are proud to be using Makaton throughout the nursery.
Makaton can help your child:
- Communicate what they need, want, think or feel
- Make themselves understood by using signs / symbols
- Develop their attention, looking and listening skills
- Develop their understanding of speech and promote their communication development
- Develop their language & literacy skills
Your Key Worker
Sandytots Nursery runs a ‘Key Worker’ system. This means your child will be allocated a member of staff who has a responsibility for developing a trusting and caring relationship with you and your child.
It is important to us that children feel that they ‘belong’ and their Key Worker will ensure new children are settled into the group as quickly and easily as possible. Children develop a good relationship with their key worker through play and various activities provided.
Your child’s key worker will ensure your child is developing a range of new skills and is settled and happy. We aim to work in partnership with you to ensure that this happens and provide regular opportunities for you to discuss your child’s progress. Feedback is recorded on Tapestry for each child, providing information regarding activities, meals, sleeping and nappy changes. This ensures parents gain an understanding of their child’s day.
Tapestry
Tapestry is a comprehensive, award-winning childhood education platform designed to support strong relationships between early years settings and families, while reducing barriers to engagement. At Sandytots, we use Tapestry Journal to help staff and families stay informed and involved in children’s learning and development.
Starting Nursery
Tips For A Smooth Transition
Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, socialising, fun and independence. However, the transition can sometimes feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we share practical tips to help you and your little one adjust and thrive in their new environment.
OFSTED
Our latest OFSTED inspection was on the 28th August 2024, you can view our latest report below.
Our Policies
We implement a wide range of policies to ensure your little one is kept safe, nurtured, and happy during their time with us. All of our policies are available upon request.
Please feel free to pop into the office, or contact the nursery office on 01785 256155 or email office@sandytots.co.uk and we’ll be more than happy to share them with you.
Say Hi
Come and visit us
We would love to welcome you for a visit – get in touch to arrange a show around.
Address:
Sandytots Nursery, Faraday Road,
Stafford – ST16 3NQ
Phone: 01785 256155
Email: office@sandytots.co.uk