abcs Creche

abcs is a multicultural childcare establishment in which we are committed in providing the highest quality of childcare. We accommodate children from 3 months to 8 years and all activities follow the curriculum, which is child led and appropriate. We are open seven days a week 09.00 to 17.00 at a cost of £5.00 per hour for under three's and £4.00 per hour for over three's.

You may book your child in for one hour, one and a half hours or two hours consecutively. Places are bookable seven days in advance through the creche during opening times and through main reception outside these hours.

We advise that all children should attend the creche for a settling in period. These should last approximately half an hour and the parent will be required to stay. This helps the child to compose and adapt in their new surroundings. We allow many visits as needed to soothe and settle your child if they become distressed.

Participation in the creche will enable your child to develop social, intellectual, physical, emotional, stimulating and fun environment which values and respects all the children in its care.

Our activities include the following:

Art and Design

This area is set up with a varied range of activities such as corn flour, painting, water, jelly, pasta and cutting and sticking. The children are encouraged to explore new textures and designs, to express their feelings, recognise colours and shapes and use their imagination to the full. All of these activities are used in a variety of ways, which includes using various equipment alongside.

Mathematics

There are various areas and activities such as water, home corner, shop etc that incorporate the use of numbers, number skills, shape, space, weight and volume. There will also be puzzles and games set out daily that covers this area. The children will be able to explain and develop their skills at their own pace with adult encouragement and interaction.

Language and Literacy

We cover the basic skills of talking and communicating with one another. The children learn these skills by being given the chance to express themselves at their own pace and in the knowledge that they are being listened to. To encourage this we have a book corner where the child can read on their own, in a group situation or even act out the story, which encourages sharing, and turn taking. We have an area where they can develop their writing and spelling skills using age appropriate equipment.

Music

This includes listening as well as playing, enjoying rhythm, singing, clapping and dancing. There is always one form or another taking place during the Creche day. This includes all ages. The children are encouraged to participate in simple rhythm and songs, using clapping and instruments to accompany the activity. The older children will be taught songs and listen to music from different cultures to extend their developing skills.

Science and Technology

This is about exploring and investigating. The children are encouraged to investigate, observe and ask questions. This can be done whilst playing with a variety of activities including messy, cooking, bricks and games where they will be encouraged to take note and discuss their ideas and observations and ways of meeting the need. They will also learn how to operate simple gadgets such as an electronic till and other battery operated children's equipment. They will learn to experiment with such items as magnets and objects that float and sink. Treasure baskets and heuristic play are also a large part of this area and the children will be able to explore a wide range of every day objects.

Geography and History

The children are taught about their surroundings and which names are given to landmarks such as supermarkets, post box, trees and telephone box. They will be encouraged to talk about where they live, by what means they come to the Creche, other places they have visited, what use to happen a long time ago, what happens to places with the passing of time, how they change and why. They will learn how people get from one place to another and about the seasons and climate. This will be done through games, stories, and trips outside, themes, photographs and discussion.

IF YOU'RE NEW TO ABCS New children to the establishment should have at least one settling in session of ½ hour before they are left for a normal session. Some children may require more than one session. These should be led by the child to ensure a trouble free time during the child's stay. There is no charge for these settling in sessions.

On leaving and collecting your child for any session within the childcare department you must sign the in/out book to show you have handed your child into our care.

We offer fruit, rich tea biscuits, juice or water whilst your child is with us, if you require your child to have anything further please bring this with you and hand this over to the staff on arrival, please do not forget to label all bottles etc. Please be aware that we are only able to heat baby food, toddlers must bring either food that does not require heating or finger foods, as we do not have separate Crèche kitchen facilities.

Please label all children's clothing and bags, as we accept no responsibility for loss or damage to items. Please also bring with you any nappies, wipes, special teddies or cloths that your child may require during their stay.

The Crèche is divided into areas to accommodate the various ages of children that may attend. The activities on offer follow the curriculum and are child led and age appropriate.

Participation in either the Crèche or an specific activity will enable your child to develop social, intellectual, physical, emotional and language skills in a safe stimulating and fun environment which values and respects all the children in it's care. The emphasis is on FUN at all times.

You will be able to participate and relax in all areas of the Hogarth Crèche, in the knowledge that your child is in the capable and expert hands of our dedicated, qualified and experienced childcare staff.