St. John the Baptist Parish Centre
Dale Road
Purley
Surrey
CR8 2EF
Tel: 020 8660 1641 Mobile: 07591232264
info@whytebeams.co.uk
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PROSPECTUS
OUR VISION
Our aim is to be a centre of excellence, providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment with a rich, broad and balanced curriculum where children can reach their full potential and grow at their individual level. We want to challenge and support children, showing them the magic and wonder in the world around them whilst teaching skills for life, and preparing them for school.
We hope you find the information in our prospectus helpful however if you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email. We understand that choosing a childcare provider is one of the most important decisions you will make and are at hand to discuss any worries or questions. Please book a visit so you can see us in action any morning we are open by emailing or calling us.
Contact : April Alderton, Nursery Manager and Kate Searle, Nursery Administrator.
Whytebeams Nursery, Purley is a trading name of Whytebeams Ltd., a company registered in England,
No. 4460083. Registered office: The Granary, Brewer Street, Bletchingley RH1 4QP.
Directors R S Robinson & K M Searle
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About us
Whytebeams Nursery is well established in the local community and has been welcoming children and families since 1975. The nursery operates from St John the Baptist Community Centre where we have a large spacious hall, smaller side room and large garden with onsite parking. Whytebeams is registered by Ofsted and our last inspection was in March 2020. We are delighted to have achieved the judgement of ‘Outstanding’ in all areas and maintaining our ‘Outstanding’ status since 2009. Our report is available in the setting or at www.ofsted.gov.uk.
Opening Times
We are open during term time, on the following days; Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 9am to 3pm and Fridays from 9am to 12 noon. Sessions can be attended by morning from 9am to 12 noon, afternoon from 12 noon to 3pm or as a full day.
Admission Policy
Whytebeams is open to all children and their families. We accept children aged 2 to 5 on a “first come first served” basis and begin a wait list once we become full. We always encourage a visit to the nursery first for prospective parents and children where you can see the nursery on a normal day and take a tour. Should you wish to enrol your child you will need to complete an enrolment form and select your preferred choice of days. We will try our best to accommodate requests and this is dependent on availability.
Once we have received your completed enrolment form and booking fee if applicable, we will email or write to you confirming your child’s place and choice of days. At this time, it is helpful to know any extra days that might be required the following year to avoid the possible disappointment should days not be available. We send out regular reminders asking if any extra sessions are required, and if there are any spare sessions, we will happily allocate them. We require a terms notice should you wish to change your child’s days and fees may be incurred for any changes with less notice than this. However, if there are any spare sessions, we will happily allocate them.
As we are usually in the fortunate position of being oversubscribed and operate term time, we have our main intake in September. We have a second intake in January for children who are not yet 2 years old at the start of the school year and would be too young to start. Places can be held open for these younger children starting after September and a charge of 50% of normal fees is made to compensate for the loss in pupil numbers incurred. We also consider intakes in between these times if space and ratio allow.
Waiting List
If we are full at the time of required entry, we can add your child’s name to the waitlist. In this instance parents should complete and send an enrolment form which we will hold on record, along with any deposit due. Places on the waiting list will be allocated on a first come first served basis and should a place become available we will contact the parents to arrange a start date.
Siblings
Regarding the placement of siblings, parents should make a new enrolment and follow the admissions procedure. If a child leaves to start school that place cannot become available to subsequent siblings unless a separate application has been made and accepted through the usual process. It is still necessary to book early to obtain the required dates.
Funding
3-4 Year Old Funding
All children can receive 15 government funded hours per week in the term after their third birthday. This means that all children who are aged three before 31st August will have no fees to
pay if they attend for 5 sessions or less. Extra sessions can be booked and paid for in addition
if required. Please see our fees section below. Anyone receiving funding who wishes to access a sixth or seventh session for their child will need to pay the sessional rate.
For families entitled to 30 hour funding we can offer up to 21 hours of these with a valid government funding code. Funding may be split with another provider or childminder.
The cut off dates for allocation for funding are: 31st December, 31st March and 31st August.
Paid for places
We accept children on a paid for basis from the age of two and a huge benefit is early education and social interaction which set the foundations for success and confidence. 2 sessions (is the minimum requirement.
2 Year Old Funding
Some families are eligible for 2 year old funding and we offer places for children with a valid 2 year old funding code from the government. Please enquire about eligibility or see the criteria on the Government’s website. Places may be limited due to the enhanced adult to child ratio required for 2 year olds.
Statement of Educational Intent
At Whytebeams we ensure that each child has a loving, caring and safe environment in which to flourish and reach their full potential. We provide a warm, welcoming and stimulating atmosphere where each child is respected as an individual and allowed to develop at their own pace. Through a balanced and varied curriculum, based on play, we aim to provide children with a solid base for primary education by the time they start school. At Whytebeams we work hard to build close and trusting relationships with our families and value their involvement as the prime educators of their children.
At Whytebeams we work within the guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and use the guidance ‘Birth to 5 Matters’ and ‘Development Matters’ to help children progress from their starting points, work towards, and reach the expected milestones as well as reach their full individual potential. Children’s personal social and emotional wellbeing is supported as a priority and in addition, we teach children skills for life, such as safety, confidence, and independence to name a few. Our strong partnership with parents enables us to learn and build on previous experiences to plan for children’s future development.
Our Curriculum & The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Our curriculum is based on the EYFS guidance which continues through to reception class at Primary School. There are seven areas of learning and development.
The three prime areas include:
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development
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Communication and Language
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Physical Development
The four specific areas are:
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the World
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Expressive Arts and Design
We have an annual curriculum planner which encompasses many varied learning topics and themes. There is a different theme every two weeks where staff plan fun and exciting activities for each of the seven areas of learning. Further activities are also planned based on children’s interests and learning goals and allow for spontaneous events.
Observation, Assessment and Planning
To support each child’s individual learning, we have a process of
Each term we follow a pattern of Observation Assessment and Planning. During a child’s first month with us we establish their development starting point (base line assessment). Staff do this by spending quality time with their key children and observing them in the learning environment then using the Birth to 5 Matters guidance to determine which development stage the child is at upon entry. We also create our own unique Development Tree, which shows children’s stage of learning and progress against the Birth To 5 Matters Guidance.
Our tiered learning environment and curriculum should then support children to make progress at their own level as they pick up skills and gain new experiences. Staff will support children and build on their strengths whilst identifying areas to work towards until the next observation period begins. Then children’s development will be assessed again to gain perspective on their progress. Extra support may be put in place if needed.
Observation and Assessment happens at key stages through the term in the months of September, December, March, and June. Observations and assessments uploaded to Tapestry for parents to see at the end of these months along with a Development Tree (unique to Whytebeams) which shows the age range their child is currently at and as time passes, their growth.
EYFS Records and Tapestry
We use a software package called TAPESTRY to generate a secure online record of your child’s Learning Journey and EYFS Record. This includes observations, notes, photographs, assessments, and celebrations, and what we are working towards with your child too. Each time additions are made to the Learning Journal, they are sent by email to parents for a live update. Parents can expect a weekly update and 4 in depth long observations as well as special observations such as a child’s first lunch or birthday. Parents and carers can view their child’s records online and contribute to it, making sharing information easier and more holistic. When a child leaves Whytebeams, parents are sent a link to download the journal to keep. It will also be forwarded to the next setting or school if they use TAPESTRY.
Our Daily Schedule
We open our doors at 9am for the morning session and 12 noon for the afternoon session. Morning sessions end and afternoon sessions begin at 12 noon where we have a changeover period. There is a lunch club available between 12 and 1pm which you can add on to the morning session for £9.
Whytebeams Daily Routine
9.00 am
Doors open. Registration.
9.25 am
Sit down together. Say hello. Celebrate birthdays and any special news!
9.35 am
Free Flow - Learning through play, indoors and outdoors.
Self-selecting and child-initiated activities. Adult-led activities. Focus activities.
10.15 am
Wash hands, snack and circle time.
Planned literacy and maths sessions, adult-led circle time.
10.45 am
Return to free flow.
11.55 am
Children going home gather in hall or little room.
12.00 pm
Come together to sing our going home song and goodbyes.
Give out any art work and creations or anything brought from home. Check register.
Children staying for lunch continue play whilst children arriving join in. All children are taken to the toilet and wash their hands.
12.30 pm
Sit and eat lunch together.
1.00 pm
onwards
Children put their lunch box away and join a member of staff for a story or rhyme time. Children attending staying for lunch club go home at 1pm.
1.15 pm
Activities commence in the hall or outside.
2.30 pm
Early pick up, some children go home.
2.45 pm
Children come together for circle time to sing songs, play games or quiet activity to prepare for home time.
3.00 pm
Come together to sing our going home song and goodbyes.
Give out any creative work when appropriate.
Check register.
Staff and Ratios
We aim to provide the highest standard of care and education for your child and employ staff of the highest calibre who have a genuine passion for childcare. We have strict recruitment, induction and safeguarding procedures. All our staff hold the Level 1 Safeguarding qualification, with Deputies trained to Level 2 and the Manager to Level 3. All staff receive regular supervision and training. The majority of our staff have Early Years qualifications, and we have over the required ratio of staff with a paediatric first aid qualification.
We are fortunate to have a low staff turnover and most of our staff have been with us for a number of years. We ensure our ratio always meets the requirements. There is sufficient staff to cover for sickness, holidays, and emergencies.
Key Worker System
Each child is allocated a keyworker who will be responsible for their care and development, EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) record and as a point of contact. Keyworkers have a partner who is there as a back-up in case your keyworker is not available. We arrange a welcome meeting between parents and keyworkers during a child’s first term and offer further parental meetings during your child’s time with us. All staff build relationships with our children and care for them collectively so parents can approach any member of the team to discuss their child. You can always make an appointment to meet privately with your child’s keyworker.
Settling Your Child
It is important that parents and children feel comfortable, and secure at Whytebeams. Our experienced and caring staff will help and support both children and parents with settling in. Settling in sessions take place in the term prior to a child starting the following term. Once these are completed and a child starts, we find they settle more effectively with our drop and go system. Children say goodbye then register and put away their belongings before joining an activity with an adult. Staff will provide children with comfort, distraction and reassurance. Parents are welcome to call at any time to ask how their child is doing and we will always call parents if a child is unusually unsettled.
Providing A Safe Environment
Whytebeams provides a safe and secure environment and we risk assess our nursery areas twice a day. A full and thorough risk assessment is carried out annually. We encourage children to think about risk and support them to manage it in their daily lives. We do this at the time of the perceived risk and also plan talks about safety for circle times. Fire and emergency evacuations are carried out regularly as a general policy in such a way as not to alarm the children.
We ask parents to dress children appropriately for play and the weather when they come to Whytebeams. This is for their safety and full enjoyment. Children may get dirty, messy or wet. Leggings, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts and jumpers are ideal. We require all children to wear plimsolls or soft shoes to avoid hurting each other and help prevent any trips or slips. Children with pierced ears should wear studs only and other jewellery is not permitted.
Safeguarding and Promoting Children’s Welfare
Safeguarding is the process protecting all children from abuse, both physical and emotional or neglect, preventing impairment of their health or development. We believe the welfare, safety and protection of children are paramount and therefore have rigorous safeguarding policies and procedures in place. These ensure we meet the government’s statutory guidance ‘Working together to Safeguard Children’ and ‘The Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements of the EYFS.
As part of these requirements and our policies, we report any form of suspected child abuse or neglect that may become apparent whilst a child is in our care. Our staff all receive regular safeguarding training and updates. By working closely with children and families, staff are well placed to spot any concerns, signs of abuse or suspected abuse and to deal with a disclosure of abuse sensitively. Any concerns or disclosures will be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead who will take the appropriate course of action.
Illness
Young children are best nursed at home within familiar surroundings where they can rest and recover. Children are very tactile and play closely at this young age making germs easy to spread. We do understand that it is difficult for working parents to take time off to look after their sick children, but equally we have a duty to protect all children from cross infection as well as our staff so we can operate effectively and safely.
Should I Keep My Child At Home? Golden Rules for Children Under Five.
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Unwell children with a temperature should not attend nursery and should rest at home.
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Children must not attend nursery if they are vomiting or have diarrhoea. They cannot not return until 48 hours after the vomiting or diarrhoea has ceased.
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If your child has a rash, skin infection, respiratory illnesses or other infections we ask that you inform the manager who will make a decision about whether it is safe for the child to attend for their own safety and that of the group.
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Colds are infectious. A mild cold will cause little distress. However, a child with a heavy cold or flu who has a temperature should be nursed at home.
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In the event of a child becoming ill during a session every effort will be made to contact the parent/carer so the child may go home.
Infectious diseases: Parents should tell the nursery if their child has been diagnosed with an infectious disease and we must be told of any notifiable disease; chicken pox, scarlet fever, German measles (rubella), tuberculosis, meningitis, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, mumps, septicaemia, whooping cough, typhoid, e coli, shigella, cryptosporidiosis. You must inform us if your child has rubella (German measles) in case they have been in contact with anyone in early pregnancy.
Absence
If your child will be absent from nursery for any reason please do inform us by email or phone on the morning of the absence or sooner, giving the reason. We are required to log all absences as part of our safeguarding duties. Please call 020 8660 1641 or 07591 232264 to inform us if your child will be absent due to sickness or another reason, including holiday.
Snack
We provide a healthy snack during the morning for all children. We offer fruit, raw vegetables, and breadsticks. All children come together for snack after washing their hands and collecting their water bottle. It is a social event followed by a group learning session.
Lunch
Lunch is held from 12.00 until 1pm in the hall where all adults and children sit together to eat. If your child is staying for lunch, please provide a healthy packed lunch with a drink and cool pack. Lunch boxes must be clearly named. Children are always encouraged to eat sandwiches and savouries first before fruit, yogurts or sweet treats.
For the safety of our children with allergies, we do not allow; nuts or nut products including peanut or nut butter, Nutella or cereal bars containing nuts, chocolate bars, sweets, fizzy drinks. To prevent choking hazards, grapes, olives and cherry tomatoes must be cut in half. Olives must be free of pips.
We are dedicated to teaching our children to be healthy as part of the curriculum. We ask for your help in providing a balanced, filling and healthy packed lunch. Whytebeams is part of the ’Healthy Early Years London’ initiative.
Toileting, Nappies & Change of Clothes
We encourage you to potty train your child before they start nursery but if they are not ready we can help when the time comes once training has been established at home. All children require a change of clothes in a clearly named bag which should be hung on the white coat racks. If your child is wearing nappies, please add nappies to the bag and hang it in the trolley in the bathroom. We ask that your child is clean and dry at the start of each session. If your child is in a nappy and stays for lunch we will change them at lunch time. If your child attends a single session and is in a nappy we will change it if soiled or very wet.
Medication & Medical Conditions
To keep your child healthy and safe we ask that you inform us if your child has an illness, medical condition or needs prescribed medication, including creams or lotions. We are permitted to give any prescribed or over the counter medication or cream for specific conditions. You will need to complete a medication consent form before we can administer it. We need to know about any changes to your child’s medication or medical needs so we can best provide for their needs.
Security and Collections
We require parents or an authorized person to be available while your child is with us. If it is not possible for you to collect your child we must be informed in advance of the name and telephone number of the person collecting; they must be over sixteen. A “collection book” is kept in the foyer and we require parents/carers to fill in details of any alteration to their daily collection routine. We operate a password system, which means if you are not collecting your child the person collecting will be required to tell us a previously chosen password.
Information for Parents and Policies and Procedures
We have policies and procedures in place for the smooth and consistent running of the setting. They are kept in our ‘Parental Information’ folder in the foyer and are available at all times for the parents to look through. They can be emailed by request. They are reviewed annually and staff and parents can contribute to the policy making should they wish by speaking with the manager. The folder also contains information on the EYFS, staff names and qualifications and other information, which may be of interest to you. We also use our Facebook group and email to update parents. Our policies can also be emailed at your request.
Inclusion
We are committed to taking positive action to encourage and develop attitudes that help combat bias. We will endeavour to provide an environment free from discrimination where all of the Whytebeams family will be respected as individuals. Our aim is to show respectful awareness of all the major events in the lives of the children, staff and families at Whytebeams, and in our society as a whole, and to welcome the diversity of background from which they come.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Whytebeams provides an inclusive environment where children with SEN will be supported according to the SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act 2010. We endeavour to accommodate children with SEN and will as such make reasonable adjustments to enable children to reach their full potential. Safety will always be considered and assessed. Our Special Educational Needs Coordinators or SENCOs work closely with parents and the local authority to best support each child.
Managing Behaviour
We help and support children to understand basic rules and boundaries at nursery. It is important that we work closely with parents to establish these. We encourage positive forms of behaviour such as kindness, listening, sharing and helping in the nursery. Children will be encouraged to deal non-aggressively in their play. Bullying and teasing will not be tolerated. We help children to talk through disagreements with each other in order to reach a solution without an argument or confrontation. However, from time to time it may be necessary for a child to have a period of reflection with an adult in a calm space. After a few minutes they should return to play. Physical punishment is never used. We are always available for parents to discuss their child’s behaviour.
Parental Involvement
We are aware that parents have the most knowledge and understanding of their children and sharing this knowledge with us enables us to build on previous experiences and plan their future development. Parental input is always valued and as such all parents are welcome to spend a session with us. This can be arranged in advance by asking the nursery manager. We will make you feel very welcome.
Musical Theatre
Miss Penny, a fully qualified dance teacher and her assistant dance teacher attend once a week, on Friday mornings. This is a musical theatre class consisting of mime, movement, singing and exercise to encourage and help children with their overall physical development and creativity. This also encourages musical appreciation and a love of dance. An open class is held once a year and parents are welcome to watch. To participate in the Musical Theatre there is a charge of £60 per term.
Photographs
A professional photographer comes to Whytebeams twice a year. Individual photographs are taken of the children in the autumn term. A group photograph is taken of all the children and staff in the summer term and individual photos will also be taken at his time. Younger siblings can come along to be photographed with their brother or sister. You have the option to purchase these.
Shows
At Christmas and at the end of the Summer term the children take part in a fun and interactive show with music and dance that all the family are invited to watch. The show is recorded by a professional and you may buy a DVD/USB as a keepsake. Should you wish to withdraw your child from the show please do let us know.
Parking
We are very fortunate in having a large car park for you to use, and ask that you park safely in the marked bays and drive in and out with care.
Session times
Mornings Afternoons
Monday 9.00am – 12.00pm Monday 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am - 12.00pm Tuesday 12.00pm - 3.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 12.00pm Thursday 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Friday 9.00am – 12.00pm
We offer an early start which runs from 8.30 – 9.00am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Breakfast is not provided and the cost is £7 per morning pay in advance.
We offer a lunch club which runs from 12.00 – 1.00 pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. You will be required to provide a packed lunch for your child. The cost is £10 on an ad hoc basis.
Dates 2024/2025
Autumn Term 2024 Half Term
Tuesday 3 September 21 – 25 October inclusive
Friday 13 December
(Monday 2 September is an inset day)
(Friday 18 October is an inset day)
(Friday 13 December is show day) (14 weeks)
First week of term returning children booked morning sessions only
Tuesday 3th and Thursday 5th September settling in afternoons for new starters
Spring Term 2025 Half Term
Tuesday 7 January 17 – 21 February inclusive
Friday 4 April
(Monday 6 January is an inset day) (12 weeks)
Summer Term 2025 Half Term
Thursday 24 April 26 - 30 May inclusive
Friday 18 July
(Tuesday 22 April is an inset day)
(Friday 23 May in an inset day)
(Friday 18 July is show day) (12 weeks)
Our Fees
In September 2010 the government began funding all children the term after their third birthday for 15 hours each week. This means that all children who are aged three before 31st August will have no fees to pay if they attend for 5 sessions or less.
The cut off dates for allocation for funding are: 31st December, 31st March and 31st August.
Anyone receiving funding who wishes to access a sixth or seventh session for their child will have to pay the new sessional rate.
Our fees are laid out below and are payable termly:
2 sessions £700
3 sessions £1050
4 sessions £1400
5 sessions £1750
6 sessions £2100
7 sessions £2450
We do accept childcare vouchers.
Please note that fees are non-refundable and in the event of emergency closure due to unforeseen circumstances we are unable to refund or replace lost sessions. This also includes government polling days when we are forced to close due to safeguarding reasons. Please see our emergency closure policy and safeguarding policy for further clarification.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolling your child in Whytebeams.
Once you have completed the Enrolment Form please return it to us with a £100 non-returnable booking fee. This will ensure a place for your child for the appropriate period. Although the £100 is not refundable it does entitle your child to a sweatshirt when starting at Whytebeams as well as a number of extras throughout their time here. Please make cheques payable to Whytebeams.
A term’s notice, in writing, is essential if you no longer require a place or if varying the days originally booked. If less than a term’s notice is given we reserve the right to charge fees in lieu.
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