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Thurston Childcare Hatchlings

Preschool

Are you looking for childcare, to care for your child with love and all-round personal attention? Then you've come to the right place! We provide a caring and warm-hearted family atmosphere for all children with fantastic facilities.  We have lovely provisions with an open and natural space, our aim to support your child's personal development and prepare children for the future. Visitors are always welcome, so please come and take a look for yourself. 

Thurston Childcare welcomes children from age 12 weeks to rising fives. We have 2 sites and are open 51 weeks of the year 7.30am - 6pm.

Hatchlings is situated on Cavendish playing field opposite the Church. It is a large space with a lovely outdoor area and use of the playing field. This is our baby unit and we take children from 3 months to rising 2 year olds. This setting was awarded by Ofsted 'Outstanding' in July 2022.

This setting has children from 3 months to 2 years, after which they progress to The Nest our two year old provision in preparation for Fledglings.

Care for children age 0-2 years

Our large baby/toddler area is equipped with a wide range of play and sensory equipment. Our room is warm and nurturing environment where your baby/toddler can explore and learn. We have on offer a variety of resources that promote early learning through play, exploration and discovery. Your baby/toddler will have the opportunity to explore new and exciting experiences such as paint, water, sand, gloop and shaving foam.

We employ qualified baby practitioners who are skilled and experienced, and are able to meet the needs of young babies/toddlers. We like to continue home routines wherever possible to help our youngest ones feel safe and secure.

The ‘key person’ system which operates across all settings and is crucial in the Hatchlings provision. A key person ensures continuity of care and allows staff to really to get to know your babies/toddlers. We feel babies/toddlers learn to be independent by having someone they can depend on, therefore a secure relationship with the key person is essential.

The key person is responsible for the baby’s/toddler’s routines, nappy changes and other individual needs. After a few weeks we will choose a key person based on who your child seems to have built the best relationship with.

We aim to offer a home from home provision and after continuous risk assessments and if deemed safe to do so, we may integrate babies with the toddlers if they wish. This is lovely for the younger and older children it allows our children to mix and perhaps allow siblings, cousins and older friends to solidify relationships.

We organise the day so that the children participate in both child led and adult led activities that aim to stretch their minds, language and ability. These take into consideration the individual needs of each child and their differing energy levels throughout the day.

All children have the opportunity for outdoor play which contributes towards their good health, physical development and knowledge of the world around them.

When it’s time for a well-earned nap, the babies/toddlers have their own cosy sleep area which is peaceful and soothing. Comfy cots, fluffy blankets and calm music set the atmosphere for a lovely snooze. 

Care for our two year olds at The Nest

The setting is divided into different areas, e.g. sensory, messy play, quite area, construction area and much more, the children are able to access the indoor/outdoor environment with doors leading to the garden area.

We have a ‘cosy’ reading area and a huge selection of age and stage related toys and resources. Our equipment is at a low storage level so that the children can choose freely when playing or selecting activities.

All children are encouraged to learn through play and children here are encouraged to share, interact and help their peers in activities such as tidying up, role play and story time. The children will also have access to the outside play area which includes an all, weather porch and a vast amount of play equipment. This adds to the bigger, bolder and different experiences can be had enhancing your child’s physical development. Covering all areas of the EYFS we aim to excite and stimulate your two year olds thirst for knowledge. As they begin to grow they are encouraged to make more choices whilst staff are on hand to assist with play and learning. Activities aim to develop the beginnings of social skills like sharing and playing with friends.

Fledglings is our relatively new preschool building located next door to the new primary school. We take children aged rising 3 to rising 5's. We have a wonderful large garden where children can be curious in exploring and experimenting.

We are currently a committee organised registered charity, with our committee overseeing the management of the preschool. 

Fledglings has good links with Thurston Primary School which ensures a smooth transition from the preschool to school.  If you are coming from farther afield, we will also liaise with your child’s chosen school and provide support for an efficient smooth transition.

As a charity our aim is to benefit our children, not to make money.  All monies raised from fees and fundraising goes directly back into the setting to ensure we can update all areas of the settings.

Our intention is to make our preschool genuinely accessible to children and families from all sections of both the local community and from farther afield.  We are Ofsted registered and our last inspection was May 2022 rated Outstanding.

It is our policy to ensure that our provision meets the needs of each individual child and family. As such, we take into account any special need that a child or family member may have. We will support children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities and those for whom English is an additional language.

Our large and relatively new Preschool setting is equipped with a wide range of play and sensory equipment. Our room is vibrant and a stimulating environment where your child can explore and learn. We have on offer a variety of different activities that promote learning through play, exploration and discovery. We make sure that we have experiences such as paint, water, sand on offer for every session. We make sure that we have experiences to manipulate/malleable activities, e.g. playdough, painting, water and sand play on offer for every session.

We employ qualified practitioners who are skilled and experienced, able to meet the needs of your children. Positive and strong relationships with members of staff which equals learning and development. We are always over ratio to the ensure all the children’s needs are met.

The ‘key person’ system which operates across all settings is embedded in our preschool. A key person ensures continuity of care and allows staff too really to get to know your children.0 The key person is responsible for the child’s care routines, nappy changes and other individual needs. The key person will also be responsible for completing Blossom daily and reports throughout the academic year. After a few weeks we will choose a key person based on who your child seems to have built the best relationship with to ensure positive outcomes.

The setting is divided into different areas, e.g. sensory, messy play, quite area, construction area, reading area and much more, the children are able to access the indoor/outdoor environment with double doors leading out to the garden area. The setting has a lovely large room and separate 1:1 room for our nurture groups. This is lovely for the younger and older children within in the setting and it allows our children to mix and perhaps allow siblings, cousins and older friends to solidify relationships. We have a ‘cosy’ reading area and a huge selection of age and stage related toys and resources. Our equipment is at a low storage level so that the children can choose freely when playing or selecting activities.

 Thurston Childcare Zoom our Before and After School Club

We provide Ofsted registered childcare which is Zoom our Before School and After School Club, we operate out of Thurston Church of England Primary Academy. Thurston Childcare Zoom Club has been incorporated into Thurston Childcare it began its journey from September 2014 - this brought an exciting opportunity for Before and After School care in the school hall and on the school grounds.   This brings great benefits:

*Additional wrap around care will be available through a Breakfast Club and After School Club

*Children will be chaperoned to the Thurston Primary School Academy school hall at the collection point from Thurston Primary School Academy by Thurston Childcare staff.

*Children have the opportunity to attend sports club after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

*Staff provide lovely healthy breakfast/snacks for Before and After school Club.

*Staff also provide great planning to ensure children’s inquisitive minds are busy or provide a relaxing area so children can chill out with a book after a busy day at school.

 

Ofsted inspected in May 2022 where we were awarded Outstanding.

 

We are currently full in all areas of Thurston Childcare until 2026

3 & 4 year old funding Ofsted grade: Outstanding

Who to contact

Name
Sarah Simmons
Position
Thurston Childcare Manager
Address
Church Road
Thurston
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
Postcode
IP31 3RU
Telephone
01359 234993
07743 134734
Email
thurstonpreschool@yahoo.co.uk
Website
https://www.thurston-preschool.co.uk/
Charity Commissioning Number
1144602

Venue Details

Venue
Thurston Preschool
Address
Church Road
Thurston
BURY ST. EDMUNDS
Suffolk
Postcode
IP31 3RU
View IP31 3RU on a map
Venue Email
thurstonpreschool@yahoo.co.uk
Venue Website
http://www.thurston-preschool.co.uk
Parking available
Yes
Parking details
Parking available at the Cavendish hall car park for Hatchlings
Notes

Our Baby Unit site named Hatchlings. We are a purpose built setting located on a large playing field opposite St Peters Church, and next to the Cavendish Hall.

Bus route: Bury St Edmunds to Stowmarket.

Nearest train station is Thurston.

Our Preschool site named Fledglings is a large purpose built setting located on Pond Field Road next to the Primary School.

 

 

Additional contact

Name
Sarah Simmons
Position
Manager
Telephone
01359 234 993
Email
thurstonpreschool@yahoo.co.uk
Address
Thurston Childcare
Pond Field Road
Thurston
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP31 3RU

30 Hours Extended Entitlements

Registered to provide 30 Hours?
Yes

Vacancies

Last updated
18/01/2024
Immediate vacancies
No
Other information
Please contact Thurston Preschool for vacancy information.

Days & times

Monday to Friday: 7.30am - 6.00pm

Inclusive Provisions

Wheelchair access
Yes
Cultural provisions
Yes
Individual dietary needs
Yes - Cultural and dietary needs are respected at the setting. All children are offered a wide variety of foods (excluding nuts and any other allergies or preferences are catered for)
Recent experience of supporting children with additional needs
Yes
Specific additional needs this setting has experience of
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Aspergers Syndrome
Asthma
Autistic spectrum
Challenging Behaviour
Communication difficulties
Downs syndrome
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Eczema
Emotional needs
Epilepsy
Global Delay
Hearing Difficulties
Hypermobility
Learning difficulties
Mentally Disabled
Motor impairment
Muscular dystrophy
Physical impairment
Reflux
Serious allergy
Severe dietary needs
Social development impairment
Speech and language difficulties
Visual impairment
Williams Syndrome

Costs

Table of costs
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
£29.70 3 & 4 year old – daily rate
£5.00
50.00
£6.50 for 3.20pm - 4.30pm
£11.00 for 3.20pm - 6.00pm

Other Details

Facilities
Accessible parking, Arts and crafts, Baby facilities, CCTV, Climbing frame, Close to parks, Computer, Enclosed outdoor play area, Equipment for all ages, Forest school, Games consoles, Garden, Healthy eating, Homework support, Kitchen, Out-door play, Outdoor play equipment, Pet fish, Playroom, Private changing area, Quiet area, Sensory play equipment, Sensory room, Sleeping area, Slide, Swings, TV - DVD, Take children on outings, Village walks
School pickups
Thurston Church of England Primary Academy (Bury St Edmunds)
Further information about pick-ups
Drop off at the Primary School after Breakfast club and collect from the Primary School after school.
Cater for over 8s
Yes
Age Range
From 0 Year(s) 0 month(s)
To 11 Year(s) 11 month(s)
Notes

Makaton friendly setting level 1- 4

Index for inclusion

We are a diverse and inclusive setting, the needs of the children are paramount and would be able to cater for any additional needs or requirements. We have an experienced SENDCo on site and staff partake in training regularly update and learning new skills.

 

Offers Tax Free Childcare
Yes

Ofsted Information

Ofsted URN
EY442936
Link to latest ofsted inspection report 
Inspection history
Inspection History
Inspection DateInspection typeInspection Outcome
17/09/2012Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
29/09/2016Inspection (Early Years Register)Good
05/07/2022Inspection (Early Years Register)Outstanding

Support for people with disabilities

Experience of including people with special educational needs and disabilities

Makaton training stages 1 to 4

Index for Inclusion

Designated SENDCo

Advanced Speech and Language training

ADHD training

Autism, Asperger's semantic disorders

Anaphylaxis Awareness

Transition/passport training

Signs of Safety

Mental Health and Wellbeing training

Promote positive behaviour

Equality and Inclusion

Child Neglect Level 2

Supporting Positive Behaviours

Mini Movers -Physical Development for the Under 5s

 

 

 

Contact
Lauran Collins or Sarah Simmons
Telephone
01359234993
Email
thurstonpreschool@yahoo.co.uk

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