Young Discoverers Nursery
Terms and Conditions and Further Information for Parents/Guardians
Location 7 Escrick Business Park
Escrick
York
YO19 6FD
Tel: 01904 728700
Email:
Ofsted Registered: EY389730
Opening Times 7.30am – 6.15pm Monday to Friday
Open 52 weeks per year (closed only on Bank Holidays)
Philosophy “Inspiration for Creative Minds”. At Young Discoverers we value
every child, and place importance on learning through play, which
is promoted through the wide variety of activities and experiences
both indoors and outdoors, by highly qualified and caring
practitioners.
A child’s most enduring educator is their parent(s) and we believe
that we can only do the best for that child if we work closely with
their parents so we can better understand and plan for each child’s
unique learning journey.
Prior to each child joining us we will offer a home visit which will
take place as close to the start date as possible, and this will be
undertaken by a nominated key person who will be responsible for
the care of your child. They will provide reassurance for your
child to enable them to feel loved, safe and valued, as we want to
give parents total peace of mind in leaving their most treasured
possessions with us.
The Curriculum Young Discoverers follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum for England and Wales, which is a statutory document that provides an umbrella under which our full range of children will fall with regard to their educational provision. Staff will use this guidance when they observe and gather information on each child’s progress. The significant range of activities and experiences we provide enable children to explore, make choices, and develop independence. We operate a free flow system between the environments in all weather on a daily basis for all children regardless of their age, so we ask parents to provide suitable clothing for children to enjoy the experience.
The relationship between a child’s parents and a setting is crucial to the child’s well-being. The welfare, safety and protection of your child are at the heart of everything we do. To enable us to make the best provision for your child we are officially required to ask for information to be provided to us. Please understand that there are sound reasons why we are required to ask these questions. We want to help your child it is not just because we are curious. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Nursery Management Team
Director
Ruth Newton lived in Escrick as a child, and still has close links with the village. She cares passionately about the needs of working parents and their children as a working mum herself. The girls are proud founder Young Discoverers, having been members of the Before and After School, and Holiday Clubs since they first started, and her son attends Nursery. Ruth has seen the need for a service that offers so much more than simply somewhere to leave the children, ensuring that they benefit from all the special moments that children enjoy whilst in their home environment. She also feels it is important for everyone to learn something new every day, and build fulfilling relationships with those we spend time with through work or play.
Ruth enjoyed a very successful career in banking prior to her role as Nursery Director, for the most time working in the commercial sector as a Branch Manager, and a Relationship Manager for a wide range of businesses, including a nursery or two, and brings with her a wealth of business and management experience. Prior to that she had a career in Retail Management with WHSmith Ltd. Ruth has sound commercial and financial knowledge, and has sought career moves that challenge her skills base and give her opportunity to grow. She has practical parental experience, as well as direct experience with the children in Nursery, but mainly manages the business administration side of Young Discoverers. She is qualified in Paediatric First Aid, Food Safety, and Health and Safety. She has also returned to her studies on founding the Nursery to complete her NVQ level 4 in childcare.
Nursery Manager
Kathy Wainwright has worked in childcare forever!!! or at least since 1980 when she qualified as a Nursery Nurse and began her career. She has worked in a day nursery in Leeds, been a registered childminder whilst her own children were young, and joined Young Discoverers from Escrick Pre School Playgroup, where she was Manager for the setting. She is passionate about her work with children and families, and is committed to providing the highest standard of care for each child joining Young Discoverers. Kathy is well known in Escrick, especially by the children in the village and surrounding area, and is keen to develop her links in the local community, to enable the Young Discoverers team to network in the childcare sector to provide the very best levels of care and education.
Kathy holds National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) and Diploma in Pre School Practice (DPP) qualifications, and her Foundation Degree in Early Years. She currently holds Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) role for the setting as well as Paediatric First Aid and is the designated lead professional responsible for safeguarding.
Pre School Supervisor
Rebecca Giles, or Becca as she likes to be known, has come to us from a Nursery in York where she previously held junior management responsibilities. She has a wealth of experience, is qualified to Level 3 in Childcare, and is currently extending her learning by completing the Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies, which will extend her qualifications to level 5. Becca takes overall responsibility for our Pre School Room organizing Woodland Adventures, French with Camenbear and preparing a stimulating and exciting learning environment to prepare our children for school.
Pre School Supervisor and Deputy Manager
Kirsty Hardcastle Bond is a valuable and experienced member of our team and holds her BTEC National Diploma in Childcare. Kirsty has had significant experience working in nurseries, as a supply team member for nurseries and also as a nanny. Kirsty has worked with our children in Pre School since joining the team in March 2012, and was successful in gaining well deserved promotion to Room Supervisor in 2014. She has developed relationships with local schools and Pre Schools to enhance practice in our environment, and has championed the delivery of French through Camembear for the children in her care. Kirsty works with Kathy as part of the senior management team.
Nursery Practitioners
Jess Shaw started with Young Discoverers as a level 2 Apprentice, and quickly progressed to a level 3 Apprenticeship. Jess has a natural way with children coming from a big family, and regularly helps out with her nieces and nephews. She is very in tune with the needs of young children, and whilst with us completed the Baby Room Project and then her level 3 Diploma in Leadership & Management. Jess left us for a short while to work in another day nursery and broaden her experience, and we are extremely glad that she has returned to the team to again work with us, as a valued and experienced member of staff. Jess works with out 2 year olds in our Shooting Stars playroom.
Jayde Seymouris a member of our team with a level 3 qualification in childcare which she gained in July 2013. Originally joining us as a Relief Practitioner in 2012 after completing a work placement with us, she joined the team on a permanent basis. Jayde is a caring and hard working member of our team and has a role as a key person Shooting Stars working with our two year olds. Jayde has also returned to her studies, and is completing the Foundation Degree in Early Years, attending College on her day off. Jayde cares for the children in our Shooting Stars room.
Sarah Martin joined the team in January 2015 as our Apprentice and in March 2016 gained her EYE ( Early Years Educator ) qualification Sarah is a caring member of the team who gets the very best from all the children, who love her very much. Sarah is based in our Shhoting Stars room supporting our wonderful 2 year olds.
Diane Jennison is a mum of 2 and has had many years of experience working as a TA in a primary school. Diane can be found working throughout the rooms giving cuddles to our little people.
Sophie Lonsdale has just returned back from maternity leave and as a level 3 qualified practitioner she is working in Pre School as a key person on a Tuesday. Mondays and Fridays Sophie will be supporting colleagues throughout the setting.
Karina Burmester- Lansdall has recently joined the team as maternity cover in Pre school. Karina is studying for her eye qualification but has had lots of experience working with children in sports camps. We are lucky to have Karina in our team.
Amanda Mahaffey has a wealth of experience as a qualified teacher, and has joined the team due to her specific knowledge with children with special needs. Amanda supports one of our Pre School children with additional needs on a one to one basis, and ensures that all of our children in the environment can benefit from inclusive practice.
Support Nursery Practitioners
Rachel Pickering is also a key member of the team in providing support to the Nursery. She has a very hands on approach, and thoroughly enjoys working with children of all ages. She has her food safety certificate and also provides cover for our cooks. Rachel is a mum of 4 children so has oodles of childcare experience, she is a bubbly member of the team and the children all adore her.
Nursery Apprentices
Emma Broadhead is working in pre School as our nursery apprentice as she studies for her EYE qualification, she is a key person who brings energy and lots of enthusiasm to the team.
Faith Muscroft is currently working towards her level 3 qualification but is based in Twinkle Stars as a key person. Faith is a caring member of our team who adores all our children and works with a real passion.
Paige Moore is also a support member of our team working with all children within the nursery. Paige is also studying towards her Early Years Educator qualification
Cooks
Andrew Newton joined us from a non childcare background, but has a good deal of experience in spending time with children as a practical Dad and Uncle. He brings a new dimension to the team, and gained his NVQ level 3 in childcare, whilst working as a Nursery Practitioner. He now works as the Before and After School Club Manager, but during his hours at Nursery, is our cook. He also brings some very practical help to nursery as a Mr Fix It.
Jane Young undertakes the roles of Nursery Practitioner and Nursery Cook whilst at Nursery as well as working as Playworker at the Before and After School Club. She is indeed a very versatile member of the team, and joins us from a retail background. Since joining us she has undertaken both Food Safety and Paediatric First Aid certificates, and qualified at level 3 whilst working for Young Discoverers.
Relief Staff
Katie Gardner, Ehlana Goldthorpe, Kim Wood, Lucie Trew and Siobhan Blake are all key members of the team who work for us to help cover holidays and other absences. Between them they have a significant mix of skills and experience, and assist in the operating of the Nursery
Maternity Leave
Lauren Tanton joined our team in March 2015 as a qualified practitioner holding her level 3 diploma in Children's Care , Learning and Development. Lauren has worked in a Play centre and crèche so has lots of experience. She is a caring, gentle practitioner who the children love, we are delighted that she is part of our growing team working with our babies. Lauren is currently on maternity leave.
Finlay Davison is a member of our team with a level 3 qualification in childcare which she gained in July 2012, and shortly afterwards began working for Young Discoverers. Finlay is a gentle caring and hard working member of our team and supports the staff and children in preschool. She has her own key group of children and takes an active interest in their learning and development, preparing them for school. Finlay has a keen sense of fun and enjoys making the children laugh. Finlay is also undertaking her Foundation Degree in childcare in her spare time. Finlay is currently on Maternity Leave.
Fees/Charges
For all children in our Nursery, regardless of age, we charge £26.00 for a morning session, £23.50 for an afternoon session, and and £46.75 for a full day session. We are a registered provider of the 3 and 4 year old funded places providing up to 15 hours per week of free childcare for qualifying children. Further details are available on this scheme, which we offer on a flexible basis to work with each family’s requirements.
We offer shorter sessions for 2 year old’s in addition to our usual sessions to provide parents with additional flexibility. A Two’s morning session is from 9-12 and costs £12.75. To extend the session until 1pm and include a cooked lunch is an additional £7.75. A Two’s afternoon sessions is from 1-4pm and costs £12.25 or the Two’s day session 9-4, including lunch will cost £31.00.
For those children who qualify for the 3 & 4 year old government funding, a special Pre School Session is available during the holidays when the funding isn’t available. This session runs from 9.00 – 4.30 each day, which mirrors a lot of the flexible sessions that parents use during term time, allowing continuity of care during the holidays, and costs just £35 including snack and a cooked lunch.