“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.”

Maria Montessori

Parents

Parents Welcome!

You play a vital role in your child’s education and we try to maintain a very open communication with you. We welcome parents to come and share culture, talents, or help on outings. As a parent you are automatically a member of our parent/teacher association charity known as Friends of Rainbow (F.o.R). Each class has a parent representative to help inform you of current events and future plans and parents have a regular newsletter which is posted on our website.

Visits

We welcome all pre-booked visitors. Please telephone 020 82922745 or 07977900473 to make an appointment to visit us for a guided tour of the nursery. Appointments are usually scheduled at 9:30 am for approximately 20 minutes.

Partnership with Parents

We pride ourselves in developing a close partnership with parents, which proves to be beneficial to the children’s care and education. We encourage parental involvement; if you have a skill that you would like to share with the children (e.g. storytelling, music, art, dance, gardening, sports, etc) please let us know and we will arrange for you to attend either as a one off session or on a regular basis.
*please note: we have currently paused this programme due to COVID-19 restrictions to help minimise spread of infection.

Parents Consultation

Parent and teacher consultations offer a chance to discuss each child’s progress on an individual basis.

Policies and Procedures

All our policies and procedure documents are available to view and can be found in the parents unit in the lobby area. To request an online copy of any policy please click the button below which takes you to our contact page then stating the policy you would like a copy of.

Newsletter

We produce a termly newsletter which is shared with all parents (copy in the lobby parents unit) Prospective parents can request a copy of previous newsletters via our contacts page

Communication

Parents can reach us by telephone on the contact number: 07977900473 or parents can email us at info@startrightmontessori.co.uk

Please note: Start Right Montessori operates term time only, therefore calls and emails will only be responded to during the term between the hours 08:30am – 3:15pm.

Inquiries

For all general inquiries please Email: info@startrightmontessori.co.uk

For all account related inquiries please mail: accounts@startrightmontessori.co.uk

Absences

If your child is absent please inform us by 09:00am text or email:

• tel: 07977900473
• email: info@startrightmontessori.co.uk

Notification of collection

If your child will be collected by anyone other than the person/s specified on your child’s enrolment form please ensure you have notified us by email to: info@startrightmontessori.co.uk

The following information must be included:

• The person/s full name
• Whether this is a one-time collection or long term arrangement (specify the duration)

Additionally, the person collecting the child must bring a form of identification, ready to show upon collection.

For an emergency on the day collection by someone other than named person please follow the steps above as well and contact us by telephone on 07977900473

Medication

If your child will need medication to be administered at Start Right Montessori please ensure:

• Medication is prescribed by medical professional and is in the original packaging labelled with your child’s details (we do not administer over the counter medication).
• A Healthcare Plan has been completed prior to your child attending the session.
• You have handed the healthcare plan and medication to management prior to your child attending the session.
• You can request a copy of Healthcare plan by email or by hard copy.

Parents administering medication

If you have administered medication prior to your child attending the setting such as CALPOL or any pain medications/antibiotics please ensure you have informed us.

If your child is taking antibiotics please ensure a healthcare plan is completed prior to your child attends the session.

Health & Wellbeing

At Start Right Montessori we are supporting Children’s Mental Health and emotional wellbeing as we know that the groundwork for positive emotional wellbeing starts in the Early Years. The information below offers a range of resources on the subject to provide parents with information focused on understanding child health and wellbeing.

Young Minds

Young Minds are the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. Their mission is to support a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what. Whether they need a reassuring conversation, specialist mental health support, or simply the knowledge that they are not alone in how they are feeling. Young Minds will make sure that all young people get support that meets them where they’re at as quickly as possible and empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives.

For more information please visit the Young Minds Website.

Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families vision is a world where children and families are supported effectively to build on their strengths and to achieve their goals in life. Families play a hugely important part in supporting each other at times of uncertainty or concern especially as you will probably be spending more time together due to home working and other public health measures.

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families provides some simple advice and guidance to parents to help support your child through the various changes they are experiencing and worries they may have during the pandemic.

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families mission is to transform the experience of children, young people and their families with mental health.

They do this by:

• Carrying out research to improve understanding of mental health and resilience and to evaluate and improve the treatments and services children and families are offered.
• Developing new approaches, tools and services to support children, young people and families in distress.
• Teaching and training a new generation of professionals and researchers in the latest skills and tools to improve mental health globally.
• Taking a leading role in the development of policy and practice in the UK and beyond to ensure that it is built on science, tested experience and has the input of children, young people and their families.
• Collaborating nationally and internationally in partnerships which jointly develop a step change in child mental health and wellbeing.

For more information please visit the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families Website.

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families: https://www.annafreud.org/

Parents page: https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/

Place2Be

Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling and mental health support and training in UK schools. As parents and carers we play an important role in teaching children and young people how to understand and manage their feelings as they grow

Place2Be believe that children should not have to face mental health problems alone and offer support to parents.

For more information please visit the Place2Be Website and blog.

Place2Be: https://www.place2be.org.uk/

Parents page: https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/

Eat Better, Start Better

The Eat Better, Start Better guidance and supporting material (link below and copy available in the lobby parents unit) is a great guide for parents as it has been developed to meet the nutritional requirements of a healthy, balanced and nutritious food and drink for young children.

https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Eat-Better-Start-Better1.pdf

Dental and Oral Health

At Start Right Montessori Nursery we are committed in our mission to support children’s oral and dental health both at the nursery setting and supporting families at home. In line with the government initiative of ‘All Our Health’ programme, child oral health guidance and information has been created to help support families improve their child’s dental health.

In England, tooth decay is remains a serious problem. Worrying findings from Public Health England’s survey of 5 year old children showed that a quarter (25%) of 5 year olds had experienced tooth decay, having on average 3 or 4 teeth affected.

We know that tooth decay can have a negative impact on not only the child’s health, but also their wellbeing, and that of their family.

Children with tooth decay can experience much pain and discomfort – this can affect their ability to eat, sleep, and play, all of which can disrupt their learning and development.

The good news is that childcare providers can play a huge role in supporting good oral health in children.

Our messages for children are simple:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Have a balanced diet and learn the importance of cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
• Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

We support the children’s learning and development in understanding and taking ownership of their oral and dental health. Some initiatives have included imbedding the oral and dental health in our curriculum and weekly planning.

Currently due to COVID-19 we have paused some of our tooth brushing practices and programme that would usually take place at the nursery setting in line with COVID-19 measures to maximize protection and prevent possibly spreading COVID-19 to others.

For more information please see the guidance below in our Health and Wellbeing Guidance pack.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-oral-health-applying-all-our-health/child-oral-health-applying-all-our-health

Further reading, resources and good practice

Advice for patients and the public

The NHS provides a range of information and support on child and adult oral health.

Change4Life campaigns have a range of information and resources to support families to make healthier choices. Change4Life provides a guide for dental teams providing key oral health messages to support Be Food Smart and also a Top Tips for Teeth Toolkit.

https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/

Change4Life Be Food Smart app alerts parents to the hidden sugar, saturated fat and salt in everyday food and drink and highlights the harm this can do to their child’s health, including oral health.

https://www.my-therappy.co.uk/app/change4life-be-food-smart

The Eatwell Guide shows the types of food which are needed to have a well-balanced diet.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-eatwell-guide

Dental Helpline: If you need any help of advice, the Oral Health Foundation has a team of fully trained experts who can help.

https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-helpline

Fees and Conditions

• Please contact the nursery to receive full fee list.
• Minimum weekly session for 2 year olds is 2 sessions per week.
• Minimum weekly session for 3 year olds is 5 sessions per week (unless there are any factors that may restrict the child from attending 5 sessions per week please discuss with the manager).
• If your child enters in to a new age bracket within the term, the new rate is applicable from the term after your child’s birthday.
• Government funding – please see links below:
  https://www.gov.uk/check-eligible-free-childcare-if-youre-workinghttps://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-3-to-4-year-olds

Nursery Grant/Childcare Vouchers

Children are eligible to receive the free government educational grant from the first full term after their 3^rd birthday.

Eligible children are entitled to receive Free Educational funding to a maximum claim of 5 sessions of 3 hours of which, we charge for additional services we provide which exceeds the free entitlement provided. The additional services we provide include the Montessori method, Montessori environment consisting of Montessori materials and equipment, music, voice and movement sessions, drama, creative arts and crafts sessions, cooking, organisation of party day, Concert, yoga, sign language etc.

The Start Right Montessori charging policy &/or parental contract details this in the parents policy on display in the lobby and parents shelf unit detailing for parents accessing hours over and above those for the Free Entitlement.

Tuition Fee

School Fees are due by the last day of the previous term and £20 monthly late payment surcharge applies on all late payments.

Enrolment

Admissions Policy & Procedure

Places are allocated on a first come first serve basis. We are an inclusive setting and therefore welcome all children to our setting. If your child has special needs we will endeavor to ensure that their needs are met so that he/she is able to access the full curriculum on offer. We are an accessible nursery, based solely on the ground floor and with accessible toilet facilities.

On receipt of a completed application form and a £50 Montessori enrolment fee, you will receive a letter of confirmation and a starting date. If we are unable to offer you the sessions of your choice we will telephone you and offer you an alternative. This is a non refundable fee however, if we are unable to offer you a definite place due to over subscription in the term of your choice, or the following term, your enrolment fee will be returned to you in full.

A Montessori waiting fee of £150 is charged (refundable subject to t&c’s) for all new applicants to the school, payable one term before the child starts school. This will be refunded/deducted from the final term’s payment when the child leaves the school (subject to t&c’s).

Changes in Sessions: Changes in your child’s sessions must be given to the manager a full term in advance in writing (subject to session availability).

Reception Year at Start Right Montessori

An application (link below) will need to be completed and submitted to the nursery if your child is to attend Start Right Montessori reception year. This also includes any existing child enrolled at Start Right Montessori attending nursery.

The application deadline is by 31st January of each year.

A confirmation letter will be sent if your child is accepted to reception class and a consultation meeting will be arranged to discuss the details.

After you will be invited as we welcome you and your child to our reception school and an opportunity to meet the class teachers.

Withdrawal

Once enrolled into START RIGHT, all parents are required to give one full terms notice of withdrawal in writing to the Principal. Written notice ensures that one term’s fees are not required in lieu of notice.

General School Information

The School Year

The school year consists of 38 weeks and is divided into 3 terms Autumn, Spring and Summer each of which, has a half term holiday. The terms are approximately 11-14 weeks in duration and generally correspond to the half term holidays of the Borough. We have included below holidays/religious festivals and important dates for your calendar, please let us know if there are any religious / cultural festivals that are not listed that you would like for us to celebrate at nursery.

Planned Activity Schools

In addition to the 3 terms we also occasionally run Activity Schools during the holidays.  These are optional weeks and come with an additional cost.  They are subject to a minimum of 10 enrolments and the nursery reserves the right to cancel activity school at any time.

Extended Sessions/One Off Sessions

We have responded to the parents’/carers’ needs by offering early morning day care prior to the normal start time of 9.00am.  Children may attend for Day care from 8.30am-9.00am.   If you require daycare throughout the whole term, the daycare fee can be added to your child’s termly invoice.  If you just require one off daycare sessions you can notify a member of staff (giving at least one day’s notice) and you will be invoiced accordingly (payment to be made when dropping off the child).

If we have the space available we can occasionally offer ‘one off’ sessions at a cost of £7.00 per hour.  Should you require any ‘one off’ sessions please inform a member of staff, giving at least one day’s notice, and you will be required to pay cash in advance.

Nursery Information

Illnesses/Absences

If your child is going to be absent e.g. due to holidays or an appointment etc you can write it in the communication book in the lobby or hand us a note. Please telephone the nursery on 07977 900473 if your child is going to be absent due to an infectious illness or is going to be absent for two or more consecutive days. There will be no refund for sessions missed during term time. Children that are absent from the nursery for more than 10 days without notifying the nursery manager in writing stating the reason for the absence and when the child will be returning, will be removed from the Montessori nursery registration. (Fees are not subject to adjustment of absences, variations, illness, holidays etc)

Snack Rota

Mid morning snacks are provided by parents on a rota basis (usually one or two days per child per term depending on the number of children/days in the term). The children help to prepare and serve the snack. Mid morning snacks consist of fruits, dairy products (e.g. cheese), bread (e.g. pitta, scones, crackers, breadsticks etc) and fresh fruit juice (diluted with water). Another food item that is very popular with the children is dry cereal!

For the safety of our children we are a NUT-FREE nursery. Please ensure that any items you provide both for the snack rota or your child’s individual packed lunch contains no nuts whatsoever.

For the benefit of all children, we ask that no sweets, chocolate or gum be included in mid-morning snack. Crisps, biscuits or cakes which are additive free and low in salt/sugar content are welcome.

Packed Lunches

Children who are staying for the afternoon session need to bring a packed lunch with them. Their food should be in a suitable lunchbox/bag (no plastic bags/breakable containers for the children’s safety) and labeled clearly with their names on the outside so that they are easily identified. It is essential that each lunchbox/bag contains a freezer block/cool pack to keep the contents cool. Children may bring food to be heated up in the microwave (please make sure the containers are microwaveable). For the benefit of all children, we ask that no nuts, sweets, chocolate or gum be included in children’s packed lunch.

Birthday Celebrations

At Start Right Montessori we celebrate children’s birthdays by having a birthday walk. This takes place during our morning circle time and if you wish to join in with your child’s birthday celebration you can join us at 9.15am. During which time the birthday child carries a globe slowly around the circle as his/ her birthday story is told. This symbolic walk introduces the idea that it takes a whole year for our earth to orbit the sun (a candle is used to symbolise the sun). This opportunity to mark the passage of a year in a child’s life enables the child to develop the sense of time. If you wish to bring a cake please make sure it is shop brought – (no nuts, no chocolate and no homemade cakes for health and safety reasons). Traditionally, the birthday boy/girl practices the act of giving on their special day by offering one gift to all the children to use at school e.g. a book, game or puzzle.