Welcome to our Nursery

Orchard Vale Nursery 

Information for Parents 

Welcoming children from 0-4 years

A Welcome from the Headteacher

Welcome to Orchard Vale Nursery.  

At Orchard Vale we believe every child deserves the very best start in life. We provide a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. 

Our dedicated team works closely with families to ensure every child develops confidence, independence and a love of learning. Through play, exploration and positive relationships, we support children to thrive and achieve their full potential. 

We look forward to welcoming your family into our community. 

Fiona Pearce 

Headteacher

A Welcome from the EYFS Lead

It is a pleasure to welcome you and your child to Orchard Vale Nursery. 

The early years are a very special time, full of curiosity, discovery and growth. Our aim is to create a happy, nurturing environment where every child feels secure, develops positive relationships and builds the confidence to explore the world around them. 

We know that children learn best when they feel valued and supported, and we work closely with families to ensure each child's individual needs, interests and strengths are at the heart of their learning journey. Through play, meaningful experiences and language-rich interactions, we help children develop the skills they need to flourish both now and in the future. 

We look forward to getting to know your family and sharing many exciting learning experiences together. 

Kayleigh Oldfield 
EYFS Lead  

Nursery Vision Statement

At Orchard Vale Nursery, we believe every child deserves a happy, safe and nurturing start to their learning journey. Through play, exploration and meaningful relationships, we create an environment where children feel valued, confident and excited to learn. 

Guided by our core values of Be Proud, Be Kind and Be Ready, we support children to develop independence, curiosity and resilience while celebrating the unique qualities that make each child special. We work closely with families to build strong foundations for learning, helping every child to grow socially, emotionally and academically. 

Our vision is for every child to leave Nursery feeling confident, capable and ready for the next stage of their education, with a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of belonging within our school community. 

Nursery Values

Be Proud

We are proud of who we are and what we can do.

In Nursery we:

• Try new things and have a go.
• Celebrate our achievements, big and small.
• Look after our learning environment.
• Develop confidence and independence.

Be Kind

We care for ourselves, others and the world around us.

In Nursery we:

• Use kind words and gentle hands.
• Share, take urns and work together.
• Respect and celebrate everyone's uniqueness.
• Help our friends when they need support.

Be Ready

We are ready to learn, explore and grow.

In Nursery we:

• Listen carefully and follow routines.
• Show curiosity and ask questions.
• Keep trying when things feel challenging.
• Approach each day with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

 Be Proud. Be Kind. Be Ready

Explore, Grow and Shine. 

Who We Are 

Orchard Vale Nursery is a day care setting providing high-quality care and education for children from birth to 4 years old. Located within the heart of our school community, we offer a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where children learn through play, exploration and meaningful experiences. 

We believe that every child deserves the very best start in life. Through positive relationships, engaging learning opportunities and a strong partnership with families, we create an environment where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. Our dedicated team supports each child to develop confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning. 

 

Our Setting Offers 

• Highly qualified and experienced staff who understand the unique needs of young children.
• Safe, secure and stimulating learning environments designed to encourage exploration and discovery.
• Rich outdoor learning opportunities that promote curiosity, physical development and a connection with the natural world.
• Strong partnerships with families, recognising parents and carers as children's first educators. 
• Inclusive provision where every child is valued, respected and celebrated 
• Personalised support for children with additional needs to ensure every child can flourish.

 

 Meet the Team

Fiona Pearce Headteacher Designated Safeguarding Lead

Gary Quilter  Deputy Head Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Hannah Day SENDCo Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Kayleigh Oldfield EYFS Lead

WILLOWS Kirsty Barrett 0-2 Years Lead, Foundation Degree	Olivia Shilleto Level 3 Apprentice
ELMS Claire Knight 2-3 Years Lead, Foundation Degree	Milea Deysel Level 3 Apprentice

 Learning and Development

Our Language-Led Curriculum

Language is at the heart of everything we do because strong communication skills help children learn, make friends, express their ideas, and grow in confidence. 

Our curriculum helps children develop vocabulary and understanding through carefully chosen topics such as family, feelings, food, homes, colours, shapes, and the world around them. These are brought to life through stories, conversations, play, and hands-on experiences. 

Our skilled practitioners support children by introducing new words, encouraging discussion, asking questions, and helping children share their thoughts and ideas. Children revisit key concepts throughout the year, helping them remember, understand, and use new language confidently. 

We work closely with families to share stories, vocabulary, and learning so that children can continue developing their language skills at home. 

What this means for your child

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Children develop: 

• A rich vocabulary. 
• Confidence in speaking and listening. 
• Strong communication skills. 
• Early reading and writing foundations. 
• A better understanding of the world around them. 
• Readiness for school and future learning. 

By putting language at the centre of every experience, we help children become confident communicators, curious learners, and successful learners for life. 

Our Mathematics Curriculum

We believe children learn maths best through play, exploration, and everyday experiences. Inspired by the principles of Let's Talk About Maths, our maths curriculum helps children develop confidence with numbers, patterns, shapes, measures, and problem-solving in a fun and meaningful way. 

Mathematics is woven throughout the day as children count, sort, build, compare, measure, and explore the world around them. Our skilled practitioners encourage children to talk about their thinking, use mathematical language, and solve problems independently. 

Through stories, songs, games, practical activities, and outdoor learning, children develop a strong understanding of early mathematical concepts while building curiosity, resilience, and confidence. 

By the time children leave us, they have secure foundations in mathematics and are ready for the next stage of their learning journey. 

Our aim is for every child to see themselves as a mathematician and to develop a love of maths that will stay with them for life.

Our Wider Curriculum

Our wider curriculum is built around the Prime Areas of Learning from Development Matters: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development. Through warm, nurturing relationships, children develop a strong sense of belonging, confidence and emotional security.  

Language is at the heart of everything we do, with adults modelling and extending vocabulary through everyday interactions, songs, stories, sensory experiences and play. Children are encouraged to communicate their needs, express their feelings and develop early listening and attention skills.  

Physical development is carefully woven throughout the day, enabling children to explore, move, climb, crawl, balance and develop control of their bodies while building independence in everyday self-care routines.  

Our curriculum recognises that young children learn best through meaningful experiences, exploration and responsive interactions that support their unique stage of development.  

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning is an integral part of our curriculum and provides rich opportunities for children to develop across all prime areas. The outdoor environment encourages children to move freely, take appropriate risks and strengthen their gross motor skills through climbing, balancing, crawling and exploring different surfaces.  

It is a language-rich space where adults engage children in conversation, introduce new vocabulary and encourage curiosity about the world around them. Children build confidence, resilience and social skills as they investigate natural materials, work alongside others and experience the changing seasons.  

Through outdoor play, children develop a sense of wonder, make important connections with the natural world and deepen their learning through first-hand experiences that support their overall development and wellbeing. 

 Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of our curriculum and is used to ensure every child makes excellent progress from their starting points. We use Development Matters to support our curriculum design, planning and assessment processes. The curriculum is carefully organised through long-term, medium-term and short-term planning, ensuring that learning opportunities build progressively across all areas of development. 

Practitioners assess children against the Development Matters statements through ongoing observation, interaction and professional knowledge. Assessment is embedded within everyday practice and takes place continually as children learn through play, exploration and adult-led experiences. This enables staff to identify children's strengths, interests and emerging needs in a timely and meaningful way. 

The information gathered through ongoing assessment directly informs our daily and weekly planning. Practitioners adapt learning experiences, resources and adult interactions to ensure activities remain engaging, challenging and responsive to children's individual development. 

Every half term, staff undertake a more detailed review of each child's progress. During these discussions, practitioners consider evidence from observations, conversations with families and children's learning experiences to identify next steps for development. These next steps support the planning of targeted teaching, interventions and enhanced learning opportunities. 

Guided by the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we carefully design our indoor and outdoor environments to support children's individual learning journeys. Resources, provision areas and experiences are continually adapted to reflect children's identified next steps and interests. Staff actively encourage, model and facilitate activities that help children achieve these developmental milestones, ensuring that every child is supported, challenged and enabled to thrive. 

Through this cycle of observation, assessment, planning and provision, we create a responsive learning environment where every child can make sustained progress and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for future success. 

 

Safe Sleep at Orchard Vale

At Orchard Vale, we understand that sleep and rest are essential for children's growth, development and emotional wellbeing. We work closely with families to ensure every child's individual sleep routine is respected and supported throughout their time with us. 

To provide a calm and comfortable environment, we have a dedicated sleep room where children can rest safely. Each child has their own individual sleep cot or sleep space, helping to create a secure and familiar environment that supports quality sleep.

Our staff follow current safer sleep guidance and carefully monitor sleeping children throughout their rest period. Babies are always placed on their backs to sleep, sleep spaces are kept clear of pillows, loose bedding and toys, and all children are checked regularly to ensure they remain safe and comfortable. 

Before your child starts with us, we will discuss their usual sleep routine, comfort items and any specific needs. We work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure children's sleep arrangements are consistent, nurturing and responsive to their individual needs. 

By providing a safe, peaceful environment and following recognised safer sleep practices, we aim to help children feel rested, secure and ready to enjoy their day of learning and play.

Nappy Changing and Toilet Training

At Orchard Vale, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. We are committed to providing safe, hygienic and respectful personal care that helps children feel secure, comfortable and valued throughout their day with us.

Nappy changing is carried out by trained members of staff in a dedicated changing area. We follow strict hygiene procedures, including handwashing, the use of gloves and aprons, and thorough cleaning of equipment after each use. Most importantly, we ensure that every child is treated with dignity and kindness, with their privacy always respected while maintaining appropriate safeguarding practices.

We work closely with parents and carers to understand each child's individual care routine and will communicate any concerns such as rashes, soreness or discomfort. We ask families to provide sufficient nappies, wipes and any creams their child may need during the day.

 

Supporting Toilet Training

When your child shows signs that they are ready, we will work in partnership with you to begin toilet training. Signs of readiness may include showing an interest in using the toilet, communicating when they are wet or dirty, staying dry for longer periods, or wanting to be more independent. 

To support toilet training, we will: 

• Encourage regular visits to the toilet throughout the day. 
• Praise and celebrate your child's efforts and successes. 
• Use consistent routines and language that match those used at home where possible. 
• Support children to recognise when they need the toilet and respond independently. 
• Help children learn handwashing and other self-care skills. 
• Provide reassurance if accidents happen, recognising that these are a normal part of learning. 

Our approach is positive, patient and child centred. We know that every child learns at their own pace, and we will work closely with families to ensure toilet training is a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Our aim is to build confidence, independence and self-esteem while supporting each child's personal development. 

 

Our Environment

Welcoming Entry	From the moment families arrive, our entrance provides a warm and inviting welcome. Comfortable seating, accessible information and carefully displayed books help create a family-friendly atmosphere. This space reflects our commitment to building strong partnerships with parents and ensuring children feel safe, secure and ready to learn.
Willow Class (0-2 Year Olds)	Our baby room is designed to be calm, nurturing and welcoming. Soft play equipment encourages safe physical development, climbing and exploration, while cosy spaces with natural materials provide opportunities for sensory investigation and quiet play. A canopy area creates a comforting environment where our youngest children can relax, explore and develop secure relationships with caring adults.
Elms Class (2-3 Year Olds)	The Elms classroom is a bright and engaging learning space where children can play, discover and develop independence. Resources are carefully organised and accessible, allowing children to make their own choices and follow their interests. Low-level furniture, inviting learning areas and plenty of natural light create an environment that supports communication, creativity and curiosity.
Outdoor Learning Area	Our outdoor space is thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, problem-solving and active learning. Children can climb, balance and investigate using natural resources and different textures. The environment offers opportunities for imaginative play, physical development, mathematical thinking and developing a connection with the natural world.

Together, these spaces create a stimulating, language-rich environment where children feel valued, develop confidence and build the foundations for future learning.

A Typical Day at Our Nursery

At our nursery, every day is filled with opportunities to play, explore, discover and grow. We know that young children learn best through meaningful experiences, caring relationships and having plenty of time to follow their interests. 

A Warm Welcome 
Children arrive from 8:30am and are greeted by familiar adults who help them settle happily into the day. They can choose from a range of engaging activities and begin exploring straight away, helping them feel confident, secure and ready to learn. 

Coming Together 
We start the day with a short welcome time where we sing together, talk about who is in nursery, discuss the weather, and share the day's events. These daily routines help children develop language, confidence and a sense of belonging. 

Learning Through Play 
Throughout the day, children spend extended periods exploring both indoors and outdoors. They are free to follow their interests, make choices, solve problems and develop new skills through play. Our experienced practitioners join children in their learning, encouraging conversations, extending ideas and supporting curiosity. 

Stories, Songs and Rhymes 
Books, stories, nursery rhymes and singing are woven throughout the day. These shared experiences help children develop communication and language skills, broaden their vocabulary and foster a lifelong love of reading. 

Healthy Snacks and Lunchtime 
Children enjoy healthy snacks and lunch in a relaxed, social environment. They are encouraged to develop independence by helping to prepare fruit, pour drinks and make choices, while also learning important social skills such as sharing, taking turns and chatting with friends. 

Supporting Every Child 
Care routines, including toileting and nappy changing, are carried out sensitively and respectfully. We take time to get to know every child as an individual and provide additional support where needed to help them thrive. 

Home Time 
At the end of the day, children leave with plenty of stories to tell about their adventures, discoveries and achievements. We work closely with families to share information and celebrate each child's learning journey. 

Safeguarding: Keeping Children Safe

At Orchard Vale Nursery, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every child are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a secure, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and able to thrive. 

We achieve this through: 

Secure Entry Systems 
Our setting has controlled access and robust security measures to ensure children are always safe and protected. 

Qualified First Aiders 
Trained first aiders are available within the setting, providing prompt care and support whenever it is needed. 

Robust Safeguarding Procedures 
We follow clear safeguarding policies and procedures to protect all children and ensure any concerns are identified and addressed swiftly. 

Safer Recruitment Practices 
All staff undergo recruitment and vetting checks to ensure they are suitable to work with children. 

Regular Staff Training 
Our team receives ongoing safeguarding, health and safety, and child protection training to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained. 

A Culture of Care and Vigilance 
We foster a nurturing environment where children feel listened to, respected and supported. Through strong relationships with families and a dedicated staff team, we work together to promote every child's safety and wellbeing. 

You can be confident that your child is learning and growing in a setting where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and where their welfare always comes first.

Designated Safeguarding Lead 

Name: Fiona Pearce, Headteacher 

Contact: orchardvale@thsp.org.uk

Staff Development and Personal Learning

We recognise that highly skilled practitioners have the greatest impact on children's learning, development and wellbeing. In line with the EYFS Statutory Framework, we are committed to ensuring all staff receive effective supervision, coaching, support and professional development to continually improve their knowledge and practice. 

Professional development is embedded within our nursery culture and takes place through regular staff meetings, on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, as well as access to high-quality external training opportunities. Staff benefit from professional learning through Early Years partnerships, SWIFT, Trust-wide training programmes, and specialist support provided by our EYFS Trust Lead. Practitioners also participate in EYFS networks, enabling them to share best practice, reflect on current research and remain up to date with national developments in early years education. 

Our training programme supports staff in all key aspects of early years practice, including: 

• Safeguarding and child protection 
• Paediatric first aid 
• Health, safety and risk management 
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 
• Inclusion and equality of opportunity 
• Communication and language development 
• Early literacy and reading 
• Early mathematics 
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development 
• Physical Development and gross/fine motor skills 
• Supporting behaviour and emotional regulation 
• Understanding child development and the characteristics of effective learning 
• Observation, assessment and planning 
• Curriculum development and pedagogy 
• Speech, language and communication needs 
• Trauma-informed practice and attachment-aware approaches 
• Supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable children 
• Outdoor learning and continuous provision 
• Working in partnership with families 
• Wellbeing and mental health for children and adults 

Through ongoing reflection, supervision, peer support and professional enquiry, staff continually develop their expertise and confidence. This commitment to professional learning ensures that every child benefits from high-quality interactions, an ambitious curriculum and the very best start to their educational journey. 

SEND and Inclusion

Every Child Matters 

At Orchard Vale Nursery, we believe that every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to thrive. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where all children feel valued, respected and supported to reach their full potential. 

We provide individualised support that is tailored to each child's strengths, interests and needs. Our skilled team carefully observes and responds to children's development, adapting experiences and environments to ensure everyone can access learning and feel successful. 

Through our inclusive practice, we ensure that all children can participate fully in nursery life. We celebrate diversity, promote belonging and remove barriers to learning wherever possible. 

We recognise that parents and carers are a child's first and most important educators. By building strong partnerships with families, we work together to understand each child and ensure consistent support between home and nursery. 

Where additional support is needed, we work closely with a range of external professionals, including speech and language therapists, health visitors and educational specialists, to ensure children receive the right help at the right time. 

Our approach is rooted in early identification, positive relationships and high aspirations, ensuring every child is given the best possible start on their learning journey.

SENDCo 

Name: Hannah Day 

Contact: orchardvale@thsp.org.uk 

Food and Nutrition

We encourage healthy lifestyles by helping children develop positive attitudes towards food and supporting them to make healthy choices. Mealtimes are an important part of the nursery day, providing opportunities for children to develop independence, social skills and healthy eating habits. We take allergy awareness and food hygiene seriously and work closely with families to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met safely.  

Our staff sit with children to model positive eating habits, encourage conversation and support children to try new foods without pressure. All snack and lunch times are carefully supervised to ensure children's safety and to create an enjoyable experience for everyone. Parents are kept informed about their child's snack and lunch time experiences through the Tapestry app.

Healthy Snack Time

We provide a range of healthy snacks, including fresh fruit and vegetables, with water and milk available throughout the day. Children are encouraged to take part in preparing their snacks, pour their own drinks when appropriate, and learn good table manners in a relaxed and supportive environment. 

Lunchtime

Children can either bring a healthy packed lunch from home or enjoy a school meal prepared by our catering team. If providing a packed lunch, we ask families to include a balanced selection of foods such as sandwiches, wraps, pasta, fruit, vegetables and dairy products, while avoiding sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks. 

Our school meals offer a variety of nutritious options each day, including hot meals, vegetarian choices, jacket potatoes and lighter alternatives such as sandwiches and wraps. Fresh fruit, salad, yoghurt, milk and water are available daily, and all special dietary requirements can be catered for.  

Sample menus: 

Funding and Fees

Government Funding

We accept: 

• Targeted 2-year-old funding.
• Universal15-hour funding for - 3 & 4-year-olds. 
• Working entitlement 30-hour funding for 9-month-olds to 4 years old.

When are children eligible

Please click here for more information about Government Funding.

Additional Fees

Additional hours are charged for as shown below: 

• 0-2 years: £10.38 
• 2-3 years: £7.76 
• 3-4 years: £5.80 

Children can have a school meal as a lunch option, these are charged at £2.70. 

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing. If your child is unable to attend a session, parents and carers must notify the nursery as soon as possible on the first day of absence, following the nursery’s reporting procedures. We monitor and track attendance closely and will contact families if a child is absent without notification. Where absences continue or attendance becomes a concern, we will work with families to understand any barriers and agree appropriate next steps. Wherever possible, requests for planned absences should be made in advance so that attendance can be recorded accurately and any necessary arrangements can be discussed. Consistent attendance helps children build strong relationships, develop routines and make the most of their learning opportunities.

Admissions

Joining our Setting

We welcome applications for our Nursery throughout the year. Once we receive your application, your child's details will be stored securely until places are allocated for their intake group. Allocations are usually made during the term before your child is due to start. 

We will then contact you to discuss the days and sessions available and work with you to arrange a schedule that best meets your needs. 

The sessions of the nursery day are as follows: 

• Session 1 08:30 – 11:30 (12:30 if staying for lunch) 
• Session 2 11:30 – 12:30 (lunchtime) 
• Session 3 12:30 – 15:30 

Drop Off and Pick Up

0-2- and 2–3-year-olds 

Drop-off and pick-up for 0-2- and 2–3-year-olds will take place at the door adjacent to the log cabin. The door will open at 8:30am, and staff will be there to greet you. 

If your child will be having school dinners, please let us know their lunch choice in advance. 

  

3–4-year-olds  

Drop-off and pick-up for 3-4 tear olds will take place in the Reception garden, where staff will be available to welcome you. 

If your child starts or finishes at 11:30am or 12:30pm, please come to the school office, where a member of staff will be available to assist you. 

Arranging a Visit

We would be delighted to show you around our setting and discuss how we can support your child. 

Contact us today to arrange a visit. 

Telephone: 01271 375074  

Email: orchardvale@thsp.org.uk