Our Childcare Approach
At Seedlings’ Tale we truly believe children mirror those around them, therefore we know that a happy, loving and enthusiastic environment is essential for children to thrive and blossom. We also understand that young children are more accustomed to a home environment, which is why we believe a home from home childcare setting gives them the familiarity and warmth to easily build on their self-confidence and help develop them further.
Learning Through Play
We follow the guidelines of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this allows us to put an emphasis on outdoor play as children learn so much through being outdoors and exploring. Even with a simple activity such as a walk to the shops, we ensure your child will still be having fun whilst also learning at the same time! For example, doing a sound walk with the children, or talking about any objects they see on the way to the shops that are square shapes. Any chance is an opportunity for your child to learn through play and have fun.
We take a holistic approach at children’s developmental needs; physical, mental and emotional. For example, physical development does not stop with exercise and outdoor activity, but also includes the use of fresh and when possible organic produce, using a variety of ingredients across our multi-cultural 2-week menu. Parents are always surprised to see what their child is willing to try and ultimately enjoy when eating in groups. From quinoa, to hummus, biryani and fish, your child builds a healthy understanding of foods, refining their tastes, and developing their bodies. We also use filtered water (with a state of the art solution at our Whitworth setting). Seedlings’ Tale is greatly tailored to give your child’s life the best start possible.
Qualified Staff
We are a happy and energetic setting and deliver a high standard of care. This is also extended to all our staff as we ensure they all have the 3 ‘Es’; Education, Experience and Energy. Your child’s well-being is our top priority and we ensure your child is coming to a comfortable and happy setting. Our aim is to deliver a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children, allowing them to develop, progress and thrive as they grow, while following the Early Years Education.
We prefer a smaller setting in comparison to a nursery, as we feel this allows us to spend more time with each child, which is vital to your child’s development. Our typical day has a limited 12-14 children and we have a minimum 2 day a week contract. This allows us to build a sense of family, understand you and your child’s needs and have a genuine impact in their life. It also allows your child to build real sense of routine, self-confidence and close friendships. Our numbers also provide a perfect blend of lower ratios (around 3:1), differing age groups and socialising. Babies learn how to walk or share from toddlers, toddlers learn how to climb or sound out words from the young children and the young children learning to be protective of the toddlers and babies or helping with tidying. Each age range has a positive effect on the other, while forming the closest of bonds.
Dedicated Space
All our settings benefit from dedicated spaces, such as:
- Baby rooms – providing a safer environment for our youngest who are not yet walking
- Toddler room – large enough for them to run around, with a large array of differing resources to explore, learn and play with
- Meal & Changing area
- Garden – vital to their physical development and general health
- Arts & Craft area – brings out the artistic side of them
- Nearby Parks – Further aiding physical development but also education, with nature walks and seasonal activities
One of our settings is also lucky enough to have a dedicated sensory room. Not only beneficial for SEND children, but an extra safe and calming room to help children collect their emotions.
We offer a range of activities from arts and crafts, physical exercise – ball, water, sand and outdoor play – construction, small world, puzzles, quiet reading and a mixture of adult and child led activities. We also believe following the children’s lead in their play and extending on this is important as this boosts their self-confidence and emotional well-being.
If you are looking for a warm, home-based, dedicated childcare space, providing a perfect place for your child to socialise and grow, please do get in touch. We would love to give you a tour of one of our settings!
Settling In
At Seedlings’ Tale we understand how difficult it can be, particularly for new parents, to leave their child in a new environment for full days at the outset. That is why we set no time limit on the settling in process. We work with you to provide both you and your child the easiest and most comfortable route during this process. All children settle at different speeds and in different ways and we believe it our duty to help navigate you through this time.
The first 6 hours of settling in are free, which can be split across 2 or 3 days. Parents are permitted to stay for up to 30 minutes of the first settling in session, as it is important your child adapts in this new space without the comfort of their parent. During the settling in process, parents are provided constant feedback using; messages, pictures and videos via Whatsapp.
Following the initial 6 hour settling in, we will discuss with you the best way forward based on your commitments and child’s progress. We may suggest moving to 2 half days for some time, then add a full day and so on until reaching contracted days. We aim to make the settling in process as easy as possible and believe this is a key part to shaping your child’s time with us.
Parent Communication
At Seedlings’ Tale we pride ourselves on the family like relationship we have, not only with our children, but with parents as well. Building trust, warmth and understanding with parents, helps us navigate both positive and challenging times and remain on the same page of your child’s development. By not having a large amount of children on our books, it gives us the chance to really learn about your child and help provide insights and assist in their development along with you.
Parents receive full updates at collection times, covering both physical and emotional well being. We will also inform you, of what and how much they ate, sleep, activities and any incidents.
Parents continuously receive updates on their child’s progress via Whatsapp. Whether it’s a picture of the meal they are eating, or a fun activity they are busy with or even an update on their emotional and physical well-being – these constant updates help build a feeling of trust and show a genuine desire for both you and your child’s comfort at our setting.
Additionally, we use BabysDay app, to mark key updates during the day, such as; sleep times, toilet times and any accidents or incidents that may occur.