The Baby room
The baby room is a calm and relaxing room. The baby room accommodates up to 10 babies (3 months to 1 year old).
Settling in
Before starting each child visits the nursery with a parent so that both parent and child feel happy about joining the Nursery. The number of these settling in visits depends upon the individual child. Each new child is settled in by a member of staff. A 'baby book' is given to each baby parent to write down their baby's routine as well as any additional information. The staff may need to know for example what comforters does the child use, how does s/he prefer her/his milk (heated, not heated), etc. A record of the children's daily routine is also kept by the staff.
Activities
Each day the room is set out with various toys. We have building blocks, shape and colour sorters, spinning tops, balls, musical instruments, seesaws, activity arches, rattles, etc. All are safety checked for this age group. They all stimulate the children's sensory explorations. The children also have the opportunity to join in various activities, e.g. wet sand, pasta, water play, painting, play dough, etc., all under close supervision. Weather permitting the children are taken out to play in the specially designed garden area, or they might go for a walk to the local park. We often go to the Royal Fort Gardens, which are very close by.
Sleeping and nappy changing routine
There are separate sleep rooms equipped with cots/mattresses suitable for children of all sizes. Each child has their own head sheet and blanket. Both babies and toddlers are checked every 15 minutes while sleeping. Children bring their own nappies. Nappies are changed in a changing area within the room.
Feeding
For the younger babies parents bring in bottles of milk which are clearly labelled with the baby's name. The bottles are kept in the fridge until feed time. Feeds are given to the babies on our comfortable sofas. The older babies have snack time, milk and fruit provided by the nursery. Lunch varies for each baby. The food is provided at the correct consistency depending on the stage of weaning. Everything is sterilised for our younger babies. Usually by the time the babies are 1 year old appropriate nursery lunches are provided.