Harrow

We have specially designed four bright learning rooms with your child’s best interests at heart, each tailored to one of our particular age groups of babies, pre-toddlers, toddlers and pre-school complete with carefully selected sophisticated resources, facilities and modern technology suited to encourage children’s exploration for plentiful learning opportunities. Each room has direct access to outdoor space allowing the free flow of learning and playing both indoors and out.

• Milky Way Room: Under 2 years old

  A warm welcome to the Milky Way Room where we accommodate our babies and pre-toddlers from 6 months onwards. We have created a safe, caring and stimulating play area which is bright and spacious to welcome all our little ones as they move around safely in a clean and caring environment. We operate a strict no outdoor shoes policy in this room. We have also incorporated a separate sleep area so all our babies can get the rest they need in a peaceful and calming atmosphere. The Milky Way Room also features its own milk kitchen and a multi-sensory room to encourage children to use their senses and explore. Due to the age group in this room, your baby’s care routine can either be mirrored by their Key Person to synchronize what you give your baby at home including feeding, nappy changes and sleep routines, or, alternatively their Key Person can support and structure your baby’s routine to merge with the Nursery routine.

  Our passionate and caring staff provide an array of activities to stimulate each and every child. Through the use of movement, sound, colour and touch the babies’ are encouraged to explore, develop, make independent choices and above all feel settled and comfortable in their Nursery environment where a home from home environment is incorporated. Practitioners within this room understand sensitive care-giving, which is needed to support babies’ early development and understand their emotional needs. This helps build attachments which is vital for babies’ in their early years to give them a sense of belonging.

  As the babies get older and begin to explore and gain confidence, they are given the opportunities to participate in a wide range of educational and fun activities that will be planned around play and learning. Free-flow outside play forms a large part of their day where a wide range of toys and play equipment are available helping develop their balance, co-ordination and physical strength. At this age, babies also begin to take in interest in books and nursery rhymes and we have a designated cosy corner to encourage this. Group activities are gradually introduced which help develop the babies’ concentration and language skills. For example, the staff offer a bespoke ‘Baby Sensory’ session enabling your baby to experience a wide range of new emotions. We work closely with you as parents to help encourage all of these new skills.

• Galaxy Room: Under 2¼ – 3 ¼ years old

  As your baby begins the transition from a well-developed pre-toddler to becoming a confident 2 years old, we welcome them to the Galaxy Room where we accommodate these pre-toddlers in preparation for their transition to the Orion Room. The Galaxy Room is a cosy, safe and stimulating environment specifically created for children who are confidently walking. It is a recognised fact that children of this age develop fully intellectually, emotionally and physically when they are free to move and explore their environment safely. Our carefully planned environment is bright, offering high ceilings, rich in colour, print and physical experiences indoors and outdoors. As pre-toddlers explore and use all their senses to learn about the world around them, our learning room offers easily-accessible materials, including a role play area, creative and mark-making tools, puzzles and shape sorters, sand and water and free flow outdoor access.

  Our practitioners help to strengthen the children’s concentration levels to prepare them for the Orion Room and for the later teaching style of learning. For example, the children are encouraged to participate in small circle times on the carpet area, having opportunities to socialize, form friendships with their peers and take turns in simple adult led activities. The cosy book corner is a comfortable spot for looking at picture books and reflecting, the children can look through photos from home and share their personal experiences with each other. Our visual timetable helps the children to learn routines and feel safe and secure by knowing what is happening next. As your child grows, their Key Person will support them to help prepare them for their transition into the larger toddler Orion Room. It is essential your child feels confident and happy before transitioning, therefore the pre-toddler Galaxy Room offers a fantastic opportunity to merge routines at certain times of the day with the toddler Orion Room, e.g. sleep routines and outdoor learning opportunities, thus providing your child with exposure to the older children as well in a larger and safe environment.

  As well as focusing on the Prime Areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we also start to introduce the children to technology, mathematics including shapes and counting in accordance with the Specific Areas. Children enjoy learning basic tasks, taking ownership and responsibility. We encourage the children to develop their independence by helping them to dress themselves, teaching them how to use a spoon and fork to eat and how to drink from a cup.

• Orion Room: 2¼- 3¼ years old

  A warm welcome to the Orion Room where we accommodate our toddlers. The Orion Room is a spacious, bright and stimulating environment with high ceilings and access to a free-flow outdoor area, leading onto the large outdoor play area. This is a time of exploration and discovery for your child when we build on their developing physical skills and intellectual abilities. Primarily, the children have free choice as to what to explore, however, we encourage active times for exercise and play and quiet times for calmer, structured activities and speech development.

  Language comprehension develops at an increasing rate at this age and we spend time looking at picture books and reading to children to build their vocabulary and a love of books. We also spend more time learning in groups, including pretend play, to better understand other people’s feelings and to continue to learn how to co-operate with others. The LCD computer screens are used to reinforce learning about phonic letters and sounds using the Ben & Betty Programme.

  The children are encouraged to participate in ‘Show and Tell’ group activities, sharing their personal experiences with their peers. Additionally, during small circle times, the children start to learn the days of the week, months of the year and the weather. As well as participating in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, the children also take part in weekly Science and Botany activities, and learn about Geography and Culture, both forming part of the BLS Learning Programme. Children develop at different rates and each child’s progress is individual to them. The Key Person’s role is very important to encourage exploration and self-help. Children will be encouraged and supported to dress themselves, wash their hands before meals, learn to self-serve their meals and eat using a fork and knife at meal times. When your child is ready, their Key Person will support them with the transition from nappies to toileting. Their independence will grow in preparation for the pre-school Supernova Room. Your child’s Key Person will continue to assess their development through the 7 Areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and they will complete a ‘Two Year Old Development Check’ to ensure your child is reaching the expected developmental milestones and their own full potential.

  Adults are important role models in children’s early development, therefore we encourage the ‘Golden Rules’ including good listening and good sharing. Practitioners also model polite language and respect, forming part of the fundamental British Values. Praise is always given for new achievements to build self-esteem and confidence. We encourage sibling time at Nursery, as well as strong parent partnerships, inviting parents in to join in with their child’s learning and development.

• Supernova Room: Over 3¼ years

  

  A warm welcome to the Supernova Room where we accommodate our pre-school children aged from approximately 3¼ years to 5 years old. Within the Supernova Room our aim is to ensure that your child is ready and eager to start school. The Supernova Pre-school Educators  ensure the children can access a structured programme of learning, which is based on activities in preparation for the transition from Nursery to ‘big’ school. Following the 7 Areas of the EYFS and the unique BLS Learning Programme, we use a structured programme of rich and varied activities. All of the EYFS Areas are reflected in the learning rooms and outdoor areas, featuring Communication & Language, Physical Development, Personal Social & Emotional Development. Mathematics, Literacy (including phonics, ‘reading’ and mark making/writing), Understanding the World and Expressive Arts & Design.

  We encompass a ‘School Day’ within the nursery day. This includes, whole group ‘teaching’ sessions, adult-led small group activities and child-initiated learning.  We combine both adult-led and child-initiated activities to encourage independent learning and motivate children. We continue to encourage good table manners, children confidently self-serve their meals and snacks, as well as using a knife and fork at meal times. Children are confident to dress themselves and are familiar with toileting in preparation for school. The children enjoy helping the adults in everyday tasks such as preparing the routine and tidying away afterwards. They also have opportunities to take part in various extra-curricular activities.

  At this stage the children are becoming more aware of their place in the community, our unique low level windows provide an additional learning opportunity to observe the environment in which they live. Children’s language is now much more complex therefore we encourage them to join in conversations, learn to use longer sentences and to begin to think about the past, present and future.

  

  Literacy and numeracy can develop rapidly with the support of a wide range of resources e.g. Numicon. Jolly Phonics and Read Write Inc. are used to support letter recognition and formation. The children are encouraged to contribute to group times with ‘Show and Tell’ activities, as well as reflecting on their interests, sharing their family life, culture and beliefs.

  Their increased interest in joint play, such as make-believe, construction and puzzles, helps to develop comprehension and planning, as well as reinforcing important social skills such as sharing and co-operation. Strong parent partnerships are vital for a smooth transition to school, therefore we meet with you regularly to update you on your child’s progress and development.

  With all the above mind and in order to be able to access the learning provided in our pre-school room, we have room entry requirements.

Take a look at around our nursery and see all that we have to offer you and your little one.

At Bright Little Stars Nursery, for your convenience, unlike many other nurseries our fees include an exciting range of extra-curricular clubs, freshly prepared meals and snacks cooked by our on-site chef and milk (excluding formula milk).

We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm, 50 weeks per year excluding Bank Holidays for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Our sessions comprise of a choice between part-time or full-time discounted care. Children can be dropped off and/or picked up anytime within their relevant session time. Fees are charged on a monthly basis.

In the best interests of each child, for private care, we ask you to commit to a minimum of 2 full days per week.  This ensures that each child is well settled and is able to participate fully within the curriculum at Nursery.

For further detailed information about our fees or any discounts we are offering please see below or contact our Nursery Manager who will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

y

• Registration, Offers/Discounts and Additional Charges

  Application, Registration and Fees

  A signed and fully completed application form and parent contract together with a non-refundable Registration Fee is required prior to confirmation of a place. Registration does not guarantee a place for the start date / sessions required.

  Offers/Discounts

  Siblings Discount

  To reward our loyal parent partners, we are happy to offer a 10% siblings discount to the eldest child of two children, including twins, attending our Nursery at the same time. For three siblings, we are happy to offer the eldest child a 10% siblings discount and the second child a 5% siblings discount when all three children are attending our Nursery at the same time*.

  Additional Charges

  Please note parents are expected to provide nappies, wipes and formula milk.

  Registration Fee:	£75.00 non-refundable
  Deposit:	2 weeks fees refundable subject to Terms and Conditions
  Late Collection Charge:	£10.00 for every 15 minutes
  Nursery Outings:	As and when they take place

• Funding, Tax-Free Childcare and Vouchers

  Government Funding

  The Government funds Local Authorities to offer subsidised early education places in settings inspected by Ofsted. We fully participate in offering your child 15 or 30 hours’ funded childcare per week.
  Currently, this will commence the term after your child becomes eligible for funding. Local Authority conditions apply. Extended funding for eligible parents will be rolled out in phases in line with government criteria:

  From April 2024, working parents of children aged 2 will be able to access 15 hours free childcare.

  From September 2024, working parents of children aged 9 months and above will be able to access 15 hours free childcare.

  From September 2025, working parents of children aged 9 months and above will be entitled to 30 hours free childcare per week.

  Funded Early Education entitlement commences the term after they become eligible for funding and are entitled to 570 hours of childcare which is 15 hours per week for 52 weeks a year.  In addition, 3 and 4 year olds of eligible, working parents may also be able to access a further 570 hours of funded childcare; this means 3 and 4 year olds could receive a total of 30 hours funded childcare per week over for 38 weeks a year, providing they meet the government eligibility.

  Bright Little Stars stretches this funding entitlement over the year and adds the cost of providing the many additional services that BLS prides itself on providing for our privately funded sessions. This includes nutritionally balanced meals designed by a qualified nutritionist, extra-curricular clubs, ParentCam, digital access to your child’s online learning journals with real time updates, a home learning platform, qualified teachers leading our pre-school, regular nursery events for children and parents, parent educational workshops with an extensive database of recordings, individualised support for school applications and many other additional services.

  To qualify for the 9 months plus Funding each parent (or the sole parent in a lone parent family) will need to earn, on average, at least the equivalent of 16 hours on the national minimum wage per week and no more than £100,000 per year.  Self- employed parents and parents on zero-hours contracts will be eligible if they meet the average earnings criteria. Families where one parent is not in paid employment (or neither parent works) will usually not be eligible for the additional 15 hours. There are exceptions for parents who are on parental, maternity, paternity, adoption or sick leave. Parents who are studying or in training will not be eligible unless this is combined with paid work which meets the minimum average earnings threshold.

  To find out more please visit the Childcare Choices website.

  Please note:  Whilst we participate in 15 and 30 hours funded entitlement to Early Years Education this does not guarantee the availability of a place.

  Tax-Free Childcare

  All BLS Nurseries are registered and accept payments from Tax-Free Childcare accounts.  Tax-Free Childcare is a more accessible alternative to the Employer Childcare Voucher scheme offering tax efficient savings when paying for your nursery fees. Tax-Free Childcare will be open to all qualifying parents, unlike childcare vouchers which can only be bought by people whose employer offers the scheme.  It is a scheme by which the government will top up a designated childcare bank account by 20p for every 80p deposited, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year.  It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure the Tax-Free Childcare payments are set up in line with the terms of the Bright Little Stars Contract.

  Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the 15 and 30 hours funded entitlement to Early Years Education and will support families with their childcare costs.

  To find out if you are eligible or for more detailed information and how to register, please visit the Government Childcare Service website.  Please also see the Frequently Asked Questions in our Parent Information for further terms and conditions.

  Childcare Vouchers

  We accept Childcare Vouchers from employers who offer this benefit to their eligible employees as an e-voucher. Vouchers are non-taxable and exempt from NI contributions for employees, whilst offering NI savings for employers. Both parents are eligible to claim as long as they are both in employment.

We are pleased following our first Ofsted Inspection to have been graded ‘GOOD’ in all areas at our Harrow Nursery.

You are welcome to download a copy of our Ofsted Inspection Report.

Key Highlights:

“Staff provide a welcoming and nurturing learning environment. Children settle readily and develop a strong sense of belonging and self-worth.”

“Staff attend well to the needs of babies. Babies play and squeal happily.”

“Staff know the children well and support their learning effectively. Children make good progress from their individual starting points. They are well prepared for the next stages in their learning and development, including the move on to school.”

“Staff work effectively with parents and outside professionals to provide consistent and coordinated care and learning for children.”

“Safeguarding is effective. The provider uses robust vetting procedures to help ensure that all staff are suitable for the role.”

“Children keenly join in play and relate well to each other.”

“Staff are good role models for the children. For example, they remind children to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and support their social and emotional skills effectively.”

“Children enjoy outdoor play and socialise well with their friends.”

“Children are making good progress and any gaps in learning are closing.”

“Managers seek the views of parents and others to help provide a good service.”