A Parent’s Visit to Woodlands Early Roots nursery: The staff at Woodlands provided me with support, comfort and help. In particular I knew that i needed to be able to ‘play’ again, to feel the light heartedness of sitting on the floor and singing nursery rhymes and playing ‘peek-a-boo’, as well as understanding what Andrew’s life was life when he was in their care. Of course as a parent I had chosen Woodlands with care when I placed my precious child in their capable hands but you can’t truly know what goes on until you spend a few sessions joining in the activities, meals and laughter. Woodlands management team allowed me to spend some quality time with Andrew’s Keyworker and his friends in the Busy Bees unit. I also returned to Baby Bees to spend a little time with the little ones as Andrew had been in that unit for a year prior to moving up to Busy Bees. The organisation of the Woodland team is truly amazing, it has to be said, I as a Social Worker would be daunted by the prospect of managing 30 toddlers but not the Woodlands team. There are 3 rooms in Busy Bees, and the children are split off into smaller groups. 3 to 4 staff, including the children’s Keyworker, oversee each group / class. I arrived in Busy Bees just before 8am. Prior to breakfast and while children are arriving and being handed over to their Keyworkers, children are encouraged to ‘free play’. There were a large selection of toys for the children to choose from. However, the favourite activity was running up and down the hallway, sitting on the end step and playing ‘peek-a-boo’. Why is it that the simplest of games can enthral a child? The Woodlands staff embraced the game created by the children which generated much laughter and definitely burnt off some energy! All meals are in the above mentioned groups. The children and their Keyworkers all eat together replicating a family atmosphere where healthy and good eating habits can be encouraged. Fussy eaters where encouraged to try again, praise was given to those who did well and where needed gentle discipline and boundary setting was given. There was also seconds for those who needed a little bit more. Throughout the day the children were busy, never stopping until the post lunchtime nap. Once ‘free play’ and breakfast were over the Woodlands team worked like a well oiled engine. While the children were having music and movement time in the next room painting was being set up and once ready the children moved seamlessly on to the painting activity. While this activity was going on in the background a Keyworker was setting out their coats and shoes for the next activity – outdoors playtime. In the meantime paint was happily everywhere, no stress in a easy wipe down environment, no child worried about getting clothes dirty because they were all wearing their Woodland’s T-shirts and painting overalls. When this activity was completed hands were washed and dried and children went and put on their coats and shoes. Busy Bees are lucky to have a terrace garden which has added a wonderful dimension to the upstairs unit. As Andrew’s class were going to the terrace one group left through another door. Once again seamless organisation aided by the buildings design to enable classes to naturally flow from one room to the next without tripping over one another. The terrace holds all the outdoor games you can imagine, sandpits, Wendy house, slide etc. Keyworkers join in the games but also importantly know when to step back and allow children to develop their own games and rules without adult interference. Although, the staff are always on hand if needed. After half an hour it was off to the next activity, snack time! Various fruit and snacks are offered as well as milk and water/juice. Staff encourage children to experience different tastes and textures while ensuring their diet at Woodlands is balanced and nutritious. After snack time staff needed to change nappies. At this age some are ready for potty training while others are not. The staff meet the individual needs of each child with care and heaps of praise. For those who may wee in a potty for the first time there is the reward of a much sort after sticker! During this time I sat and read stories to an attentive audience. So attentive and eager to hear a story I almost had 5 children sitting on my lap! A keyworker quietly but firmly asked the children to put ‘bottoms on the floor’. It worked, no shouting or raised voices just boundaries given with patience and skill born out of experience and knowledge. I was much impressed. The dressing-up box was plundered for outfits so that children could be fairies, princesses, kings, knights, to mention a few. Make believe is encouraged allowing little minds to develop communication skills and creativity. I wasn’t sure where the time went but it was now lunch time. While the children and staff were eating in their groups a couple of staff were setting up two of the rooms with sleeping mats, sheets and blankets. Once lunch was completed it was nap time. The children are allocated mats etc for the week. Children snuggle down while some gentle classical music is played in the background. A member of staff is with them throughout the time. Of course some children need a little more encouragement then others and in these cases a little patting or rubbing of the back seems to work like magic. I’ve given you a snap shot of my visit to Busy Bees. Baby Bees was just as organised although as the children are younger there are a greater staff to child ratio. This unit is based in its own little house or should I say home. For children under 2yrs I thought it was lovely to have a homely environment. Carpeted, with a no shoes policy, and soft cushions to sit upon. This is the perfect environment for those to learn to crawl, totter and walk about. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and management at Woodlands. Never once did the staff stop or loss focus on the children. They were organised, efficient, hard working while being caring, gentle, encouraging and willing to get down on the floor and be silly. Always ready with cuddles and kisses when needed. The place was full of laughter and joy. I take my hat off to them! I really couldn’t have asked for a better place for Andrew to go while I went to work. He grew and developed in the positive and happy environment of Woodlands. I’m only sorry that he’s not here to continue his journey with the Woodlands family. Thank you all the team who cared for Andrew in life and for me in his death you have my eternal gratitude. Sarah-Jane McCall

Names deleted . “I wanted to write and tell you how delighted ***** and I are with Woodlands.” “Since joining the nursery at 6 months ***** has never had a bad day to my knowledge. The attentiveness of your staff in the Baby Unit was second to none.” “I was concerned that moving to Busy Bees in March the new team there would not be able to match the high standard of the Baby Unit. However, my fears were, again, unfounded and despite **** being tired for a few weeks at first the greater freedom afforded to the toddlers has been perfect for him and he gets very excited by the idea of going to “school”, as it is known in our house. Once again I continue to learn my parenting skills from your team. Clair and her team have such huge enthusiasm (especially with the new building!) that it is infectious. A special mention for Haley is a must. As **** key worker she sensitive to every detail of his life but has the even handed approach that is essential.” “The new building is excellent and ***** and I were both impressed with it during our viewing at parents evening this week.” “I’ve said a lot about the team at the coal face but I do recognise that as they are only able to perform well if they have the backing of the logistical staff and management.” “This effort by you makes the team work well under good leadership and for this all round effort ****** and I cannot praise you and the team enough.” “**** and I cannot imagine a better place for our son in these important early years. I suspect his development will be more advanced as a result of your nursery rather being left to his father teaching him bad but amusing habits.” “Keep up the excellent work.”

Thank you to Baby Bees Thank you is hardly enough to say For how you've cared for Isabelle each day From 6 months old to nearly two She's had such a great time with all of you From a quiet little baby to toddling two's Every milestone you have seen her through Starting to crawl & learning to walk Making friends and beginning to talk Isabelle has loved her time with you So many toys & activities to do From feeding rabbits & messy play So much fun to have everyday It's clear to see how much you all care With all the love and cuddles you share Not just the babies but supporting mums to I can't thank you enough for all that you do I didn't always make the time to say How much this means to me everyday To leave her with you and always know What an amazing place for her to learn & grow With grateful thanks to you all Love from Sara & Isabelle July 2010