Meithrinfa Pontnewydd believes that play is fundamental to the physical, emotional, linguistic, social and intellectual development of children. Every opportunity to learn through play is provided at the nursery. Children, whatever their needs, benefit from the experience.
A structured play plan is maintained to introduce the Welsh language and to ensure that children develop in all the areas of the foundation phase. Learning is delivered through practical activities and active experiences both indoors and outdoors.
- Personal and Social Development, well being cultural diversity
- Language and Literacy, and communication skills
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Physical Development
- Mathematical development
- Creative Development
- Welsh Language development
Every opportunity is provided for families to support the Nursery experience of their children and we enjoy working in partnership with parents.
Statement of Values
We believe that every child has the right to:-
- Receive care, love and respect.
- Receive appropriate attention and support in order to meet their special needs.
- Benefit from all play opportunities.
- Guidance which will enable them to become a full member of society.
- Be stimulated in order that they develop to their full potential.
- Benefit from Nursery experiences through the medium of Welsh.
- Be treated as an equal regardless of religion, nationality, race, colour or social background.
Welsh Language
At Meithrinfa Pontnewydd we take pride in offering a rich-environment through the medium of Welsh, giving lots of opportunities to develop and communicate the children’s understanding. Activities such as discussions, story times, songs and rhyme’s as well as the use of IT interactive software and audio visual materials will promote the children’s Welsh Language further.
Learning two languages at an early age offers the child the opportunity to experience different cultures and enrich his/her Welsh identity. Welsh-medium education will ensure not only that your child grows to be meaningfully bilingual, but will also open up a rich world of culture, sporting and intellectual opportunities through the Welsh language.
In all groups we provide opportunities to use language, to interact, to share a focus, to talk, to take turns and to develop positive relationships with others.
The Welsh Language is developed throughout activities whether they are planned, structured or child-initiated. It is important to provide a language rich environment with a range of stimuli that will encourage children to communicate in Welsh to the best of their ability.
Additional Learning Needs
Research shows that organisations which best accommodate the individual needs of children, through their attention to detail across the setting, provide the best environment for all children to progress. We welcome everyone, including children with special educational needs. The levels of skill and experience amongst our staff mean that all needs are quickly and effectively identified and appropriate support packages implemented. Children are therefore enabled to access the curriculum as fully possible alongside their peers
In accordance with current legislation, individual programmes for children are planned, implemented, monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure progress. All of this is carried out in regular consultation with the child’s parents.
For further details and to request a copy of our Special Educational Needs policy please speak to a member of staff.
Meeting with staff
Parents are welcome to approach staff at the beginning or end of a session. If a more extensive discussion is required, parents are able to request an appointment with a specific member of staff. Six monthly appointments are routinely offered to all parents, whereby individual discussion with your child’s key worker takes place.
Open Access
We operate a system of open access to parent’s information and all our policies may be viewed at any time in the foyer.
Records
A parent may view their child’s record at any time. Nursery records are discussed with parents during the six monthly appointments held with your child’s key worker.
Communication System
We understand communication with parents is essential. To ensure that important pieces of information are conveyed to parents as the need arises we send out regular e-mails, text message and voice messages via our electronic communication system as well as regular newsletters.
In order to ensure that you, as parents, are kept fully involved in and informed about your child’s activities, achievements and progress, we operate the following:
Daily Diary
Nursery staff record each child’s eating, toileting and sleeping (if applicable) habits for the day, as well as any additional information or observation that may be significant- this may be beginning of a new skill, a particular like or dislike or a new friendship. Parents are encouraged to report, similarly, anything they consider important; staff find it especially helpful to be informed of any changes to the child’s circumstances at home as this may cause a change in behaviour or performance at nursery.
Funded children
We provide flying start places and the Free Child Care Offer
Wraparound Service
Some of our children attend local primary schools for part-time nursery sessions during term time. They are transported safely to various schools within the area.
Students
We support local colleges and schools through offering placements to students. All students are carefully supervised and are always supplement to the required staff: child ratios.
Admission Procedure
Prior to any child joining Meithrinfa Pontnewydd, parents will have:
- Visited the setting and met the relevant staff
- Received a copy of the parent handbook
- Completed the registration form
- Read and signed the parental agreement
- Completed our medication and emergency treatment consent forms
- Met the child’s key worker
- Arranged introductory visit dates
- Paid a deposit
Managing and Modifying Behaviour
Physical discipline is never used at Meithrinfa Pontnewydd. If necessary, the nursery will follow a consistent programme of behaviour management in accordance with the child’s age development and needs.
Equal Opportunities/Special Needs
We will ensure that your child is given the same opportunities as every child.
Compliments and Complaints
Meithrinfa Pontnewydd welcomes all feedback and comments. The complaints policy should be followed for anyone wishing to express dissatisfaction.
Child Protection
We will ensure the well-being, safety and development of every child in the nursery. We believe that children have the right to expect that every adult responsible for them will protect them from every kind of abuse. We will ensure that appropriate procedures are in place.
Leaving and Collecting Children
We will ensure that appropriate procedures are in place for collecting and leaving each child safely. We keep details of individuals who are likely to collect the child on form CP1 including photo’s.
CCTV is also installed within the nursery.
Meithrinfa Pontnewydd is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children. We follow the procedures of Torfaen Local Safeguarding Children Board. We will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their children. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when we will discuss concerns with Social Services or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedure). We will, of course always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents. Our safeguarding policy is available on request. We will update CIW on a regular basis of any changes.
Emergency
We have policies in place to deal with all emergencies e.g. Keeping Children within the premises, Health Safety and Welfare, Safeguarding Children. Should we need to contact you during the session we will telephone the number provided by you on the child registration form; therefore please ensure this is kept up to date.
Full copies of all policy documents are available at the Nursery.
The statement of purpose will be reviewed yearly in April.
Useful Contacts
Meithrinfa Pontnewydd: 01633 873893
Family Information Services: 0800 019 6330
CIW : 0300 7900 126
Welsh Government office,
Rhydycar Busines Park,
Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1UZ