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Childbase Partnership wins top customer service award

Pictured L-R: Awards host and children’s TV presenter, Emma-Louise Amanshia, Melissa Parisi, Quality Manager at Green Park Day Nursery, Katie Rose, Childbase Partnership Marketing Executive and awards judge.

‘Going above and beyond’ in supporting parents with children in the company’s 44-day nurseries in the South of England, has won Childbase Partnership a prestigious award in the Nursery World Annual Awards 2022.

Already rated ‘World Class’ and a top UK workplace for over 13 years, the Newport Pagnell-based, employee-owned Childbase Partnership picked up the ‘Working with Parents’ trophy at a gala event in London.

Particular praise was given to the company’s exclusive parent portal giving parents access to ‘out of hours’ expert support, resources, and on-line events designed to address a range of issues arising from the Covid-19 lockdowns impacting children’s communication and language, physical, social and emotional development.

Childbase Partnership Operations Director, Louise Hill, said:

“We couldn’t be more delighted with this recognition. Strong, collaborative parent partnerships are vital to our efforts to successfully meet the needs of every child in our care and ensure they not only thrive but reach their full potential.”

Since its launch in 2021, all sessions offered via the parent portal are fully booked each month with over 1,500 parents so far accessing webinars and workshops with an external specialist teacher and educational therapist.

These sessions provide training and strategies on, for example, managing behaviour, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and former and current front line emergency responders provide First Aid training.

The library has over 21 original books, to view on-line or download, detailing the approach in nursery and offering guidance on milestone events like the introduction of a new sibling, bereavement, and moving house as well as behaviour related to toilet training, biting, fussy eating, and sleep routines.

Bespoke story books, illustrated by a nursery practitioner, and fun events and activities promote environmental awareness.

“The Childbase@home website is a fantastic perk, so much information available at the click of a button,” is just one of the many parent reviews of the site.

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Paying tribute to the Queen at Hampstead Gate Day Nursery

Children from Hampstead Gate Day Nursery in Milton Keynes have been celebrating the Queen’s extraordinary life and service with a series of tributes and activities at the setting.

From making picture collages and reading themed books to co-researching the new King, there were learning opportunities at every turn for children at the award-winning setting on Eelbrook Avenue, as they learnt more about the Royal Family and British history.

Following an interest in Paddington amongst the group, pre-schoolers were also delighted to discuss Her Majesty’s special Jubilee visit from the beloved bear, before making their very own marmalade sandwiches for their afternoon snack by way of tribute.

Hampstead Gate Day Nursery Team Leader, Ashleigh Smith explained;

“We were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, especially after the wonderful Jubilee celebrations we enjoyed over the summer at nursery. We are sensitively handling the children’s questions and are now focusing on celebrating her amazing life through painting, crafting and discussion.”

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Celebrating the life of the Queen at Seabrook Day Nursery

Children from Seabrook Day Nursery in Luton have been celebrating the Queen’s extraordinary life and service with a series of tributes and activities at the setting.

At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Lewsey Road, children showcased their creativity by making picture collages and drawing their interpretations of Her Majesty, as well as looking at iconic photographs and moments in history from her 70-year reign.

As part of the learning experience, pre-schoolers also baked their very own scones for a special afternoon tea in the Queen’s honour, where they discussed the Jubilee festivities over the summer, which included a garden party at the setting with families in attendance.

Seabrook Day Nursery Manager, Becky Smith explained;

“We were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, especially after the wonderful Jubilee celebrations over the summer at nursery. We are sensitively handling the children’s questions and are now focusing on celebrating her amazing life through painting, crafting and discussion.”

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Gnomes given a home at Grasshoppers Day Nursery

Children from Grasshoppers Day Nursery in St Albans have been practicing their writing and communication skills, all with the help of some special gnomes in the garden outside.

In order to build literary skills in preparation for their next steps in education and instil confidence for the journey ahead, children from the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on York Road have been writing to the gnomes about their transition to school, penning any worries or questions they may have, before posting the letters to the garden.

Following the writing session, pre-schoolers were delighted to receive individual replies from the gnomes, re-assuring them of any concerns, as well as the gift of a ‘paint your own garden gnome’ each which they could take home to showcase their creativity.

Grasshoppers Day Nursery Manager, Jenny Pratt explained;

“The gnome writing initiative has been such a success amongst the children and this has been beneficial in so many ways. Not only has this been hugely exciting for the group, but has been a great outlet for them to express their feelings, all whilst practicing their mark making and building fine and gross motor skills in readiness for school.”

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The Childbase Academy launch – a £1.6 million investment in Apprenticeships

Barista style refreshments on tap and chef-prepared home-cooked meals are just some of the perks for Apprentices taking award-winning training at The Childbase Academy of Excellence.

The official launch of the Academy at the Buckinghamshire headquarters of the employee owned, Childbase Partnership marks the completion of a £1.6 million investment to create inspiring learning environments and upscale wellbeing amenities.

Emma Rooney, Chief Executive Officer at Childbase Partnership, said of the 200 Apprentices from the company’s 44-day nurseries in the South of England currently undertaking studies:

“I want our Apprentices to be ambitious, so nothing is left to chance when it comes to securing the best possible outcomes for them at the beginning of their careers with us.

“Experienced and dedicated trainers and mentors delivering Princess Royal Award-winning training not only make for happy, confident practitioners in nursery but underpins the outstanding quality of our provision.”

“As employee owners, we are all invested in each other and ensuring that the children in our care receive the best possible start in life. Talented, skilled and ambitious colleagues on clearly defined career paths will get us there,” she added.

The Academy’s modern bright learning environments and ‘chill out’ zones, invested with the latest technology, were officially dedicated by Frances Howell, HSBC Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking, Midlands Region.

“This is the most imaginative building I‘ve seen in a very long time and a clear demonstration of your commitment to redefine excellence at every opportunity. This remarkable learning and working environment is a credit to you all and I thank you for the honour and privilege of dedicating this centre of excellence,” she said.

Currently, The Childbase Academy is committed to providing L3 Early Years Educators and L2 Early Years Practitioner courses to approximately 150 learners every year. In July a L3 Team Leading Apprentice course was introduced, and by the end of this year a L5 Early Years Lead Practitioner is being launched.

This in addition to the company’s extended learning platform, bespoke curriculum training and two annual Inset Days when nurseries close for whole team training to keep them up to date with the latest Early Years research and practices methods.

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Top environmental award for Lavenders Day Nursery pre-schoolers

After receiving a prestigious ‘Green Flag’ award in 2020 as part of the international Eco-Schools scheme, children and practitioners from Lavenders Day Nursery in Bedford were delighted to learn they had gained the esteemed accreditation once more, with a distinction.

The accolade, which is the highest achievement in the programme, has been awarded to the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ setting on Bushmead Avenue, following a sustained environmental project which involves children of all ages, from babies using recycled shredder paper for sensory activities, to older children creating bug hotels for insect observations and growing vegetables which are then used in meals by Nursery Chefs.

Activities, which also include crafting with natural and recycled materials, are designed to promote the development of personal, social and emotional life skills as well as introducing the children to basic maths, science and environmental messages.

Following their submission, Lavenders were commended by assessors who praised their passionate eco-committee, consisting of children who drive forward ideas for change, as well as colleagues Karolina Rajkowska, Angie O’Boyle, Rachel Strangwick and Heather Bull.

Delighted Lavenders Quality Manager, Oli Baucutt, said the award was the result of years of continuous dedication by staff and children, working together in the programme, which involves millions of children across 70 countries.

“We aim to give children the best possible future here at Lavenders and looking after the environment plays a huge part in that. The respect and care the children have for the nature around them is inspiring to see and bodes well for their adult lives”, he explained.

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Raising money for Bliss at Seabrook Day Nursery

In their continuous efforts to raise money for charity Bliss, colleagues from Seabrook Day Nursery in Luton have pulled out all the stops with a week-long bake sale at the setting.

At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Lewsey Road, families enjoyed a selection of sweet treats, baked and provided by devoted staff, raising a grand total of £145.00 for the worthy cause, which will now go towards helping support babies born premature or sick.

The cake sale is the latest in a series of fundraising initiatives for Seabrook, whose colleagues have recently spent the night ‘sleeping rough’ under the stars as part of the Childbase Partnership ‘Big Sleep Out’ as well as other team challenges.

Seabrook Day Nursery Quality Manager, Gemma Bell explained;

“Raising money for charity has always been hugely important to us as a team and we are always trying to find opportunities to help. Bliss is an incredibly worthy cause and we are very proud to be supporting them this year with the help of our amazing nursery families.”

Seabrook Day Nursery have adopted Bliss for a year-long fundraising drive.

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Maples Day Nursery children pay tribute to the Queen

Children from Maples Day Nursery in Winchester have been celebrating the Queen’s extraordinary life and service with a series of tributes and activities at the setting.

From devising a timeline of Her Majesty’s reign and making picture collages, to exploring sensory bags themed with red, white and blue materials, there were opportunities to showcase creativity at every turn for children at the award-winning setting on Hatherley Road, as they learnt more about the Royal Family and British history.

As part of the experience, pre-schoolers also created cards filled with well wishes which will be sent to Buckingham Palace, as well as co-researching the visible changes we will see moving forward to items such as stamps and currency, as well as the national anthem.

Maples Day Nursery Deputy Manager, Lou Rowe explained;

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Westwood Day Nursery children celebrate Roald Dahl Day

There were ‘swashboggling’ celebrations at Westwood Day Nursery in Coventry as delighted children dressed up as beloved storybook characters to mark the annual Roald Dahl Day.

Celebrated each year on the iconic author’s birthday, children and colleagues from the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Westwood Way showcased their creativity with costumes from his famous works, including Matilda, The Enormous Crocodile and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as taking part in a series of themed activities.

From creating their very own marvellous medicine in the garden outside using buckets and spoons, to making Roald Dahl inspired arts and crafts and reading the popular tales, there were exciting learning opportunities at every turn for the group of young book lovers.

Westwood Day Nursery Manager, Carly Ward explained;

“We had a brilliant day immersing ourselves in the magical world of Roald Dahl and celebrating all that the occasion had to offer. We hope to nurture a life-long love of reading in our children and these activities are also brilliant for capturing the imagination, building literary confidence and developing communication skills.”

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Sharing stories of the Queen at Windmill Hill Day Nursery

Children from Windmill Hill Day Nursery in Swindon have been celebrating the Queen’s extraordinary life and service with a series of tributes at the setting.

As well as taking part in a range of themed activities, children from the award-winning setting on Windmill Hill Business Park were delighted to share their personal connections to Her Majesty, including a pre-schooler who proudly showcased a picture of her father meeting the Queen, having been awarded for his bravery whilst working in the Royal Navy.

This inspired a conversation about medals amongst the group and the special honours given by the Queen, before co-researching her life and 70-year reign and showcasing their creativity by making their very own flags and pictures of remembrance.

Windmill Hill Day Nursery Manager, Lora Worthington explained;

“We were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Queen, so it was lovely to hear the children recall their own memories of her, including our Jubilee celebrations over the summer. We are sensitively handling their questions and are now focusing on celebrating Her Majesty’s amazing life through painting, crafting and discussion.”

Month: September 2022

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Childbase Partnership wins top customer service award

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Paying tribute to the Queen at Hampstead Gate Day Nursery

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Celebrating the life of the Queen at Seabrook Day Nursery

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Gnomes given a home at Grasshoppers Day Nursery

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The Childbase Academy launch – a £1.6 million investment in Apprenticeships

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Top environmental award for Lavenders Day Nursery pre-schoolers

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Raising money for Bliss at Seabrook Day Nursery

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Maples Day Nursery children pay tribute to the Queen

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Westwood Day Nursery children celebrate Roald Dahl Day

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Sharing stories of the Queen at Windmill Hill Day Nursery

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