Welcome to Nursery
Introduction
Little Owls Nursery is located within the grounds of Hawthorns, in a purpose built unit on a secure site. We accept 2 year funded, 3 and 4 year funded, 30 hour funded and fee paying children from 2 years until school age. Talk to us about childcare vouchers or tax free childcare options. We are able to care for up to 26 children per session.
We offer term time only pre-school care, with flexible hours. Our morning session runs from 9am - 12pm, and the afternoon from 12pm - 3pm. Children may also stay all day. We also offer an early drop off and late pick up option, a charge is made for this.
Our nursery is overseen by the Early Years Lead at Hawthorns and the school SENDCO.
Our staff are qualified to Level 3 in childcare, with additional qualifications in First Aid and food hygiene, Makaton and working with children with autism.
We are proud of our Ofsted 'good' rating and look forward to welcoming you and your child to our nursery.
Meet the Team
Nursery Manager - Mrs A Walker
I have a level three qualification in Early Years and have worked at Little Owls for over ten years. I am especially interested in communication development in children. I live in Durrington and I have a daughter at college. I enjoy gardening, being outdoors and solving puzzles - from jigsaws to escape rooms.
Deputy Manager - Mrs C Nicholls, Safeguarding lead, H&S lead
I have worked at Little Owls for over ten years as an Early Years Practitioner, and I am now the Deputy Manager. I have attended Makaton courses and introduced the use of it into the nursery setting.
I have three children, one at work, two at college. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dogs, reading and watching movies. .
Nursery Practitioners
Mrs L Crompton - I have a level 3 qualification in childcare and education, and I have worked in various childcare settings for 20 years.
I enjoy supporting the children as they grow and develop whilst in my care, and the relationships I build with them during their time at nursery.
I have two daughters, one at high school and the other at primary school. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the cinema and going on walks – especially to the beach!
Miss K Mack - I have a level 2 qualification and paediatric first aid. I have previously worked in a local day nursery before joining Little Owls.
I enjoy getting to know the children and their families and like involving the children in creative projects.
I live locally and like spending time with my family.
In addition the nursery are supported by
Early Years Lead - Mrs V Ayles
SENDco/DSL - Mrs H Morris
Staff are qualified to Level 3 in Early Years Childcare, hold current Paediatric First Aid certificates, level 2 Food Hygiene certificates and undertake annual safeguarding training.
In addition, staff have qualifications in Makaton sign language, Autism Awareness and have attended CPD courses in a variety of subjects including speech, language and communication, behaviour management, attachment theory and working with children with English as an additional language.
The Nursery
Little Owls has been established for over 15 years, and is located within the grounds of the school, with it's own purpose built rooms and secure outside play areas. Our grassed front garden contains climbing and balancing play equipment with a climbing frame and slide. Our paved back garden is used year round, where children have access to role play areas, ride ons, water tray, mud kitchen and a large collection of toys. We grow our own fruits and vegetables together too.
In addition, we have use of the school hall and equipment, music room, regular use of the on-site 'forest area' and direct access to Longcroft park through a school gate.
Indoors, children are able to independently access many resources, and have opportunities to paint, draw and create. Children have access to messy play, with things like water, sand, play doh, cornflour and shaving foam. Our well resourced 'book room' provides a quieter space to play, and has a large collection of games and puzzles.
Children are encouraged to independently use the toilets - which are child size and there is a safe area for nappy change too.
Children have free-flow access to play indoors or outside, and come together during the session for an adult led activity, either in small groups or as a whole class. We sit together at snack time to share food, have a drink and a chat.
We end the session together with a story or songs.
Parents are invited to join us weekly for 'story and song' sessions, and termly for our themed Come and Play sessions.
Fees 2023/2024
Morning Session 9am - 12pm £17.25
Afternoon session 12m - 3pm £17.25
All day session 9am - 3pm £34.50
Early drop off/Late collection by prior arrangement only. A fee will be levied for this.
Early Drop off from 8.30am - £3
Late collection up to 3.30pm - £3
Unauthorised late collection - £5.75 after 15 minutes.
Fees subject to annual review.
Term dates
follow WSCC
Nursery re-opens to children September 11th 2023 to allow for staff training inset days and Home Visits