Norfolk


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<p>Nervous about your child taking the first leap into Early Years education? You want to make absolutely certain it’s the right place for them, which is why we turned to Allison Skipper, Head of Nursery &amp; Pre-Prep at <a href="https://langleyschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Langley School</a>,&nbsp;for her insights and tips on how to choose the right nursery, preschool and reception.</p>



<p>Langley Prep School in Taverham is a co-ed day school for children aged 6 months to 13 years, set in 100 acres of green parkland. It champions children experiencing an outdoorsy, wholesome, nurturing and opportunity-packed childhood and education. Opening at the end of May, the brand-new preschool building, Woodland Nursery, introduces an imaginative role-play mini village called Bluebell Town featuring scenarios like a fire station, café, supermarket, vet and doctor surgery. </p>



<p>Sounds pretty awesome, but what are the other important considerations to have on your checklist? Over to Allison:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50997" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-nbsp-should-parents-consider-when-choosing-an-early-years-setting-nbsp">What&nbsp;should parents consider when choosing an Early Years setting?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Whilst it is important to do your research and gather information, gut instinct plays a huge role in assessing whether an Early Years setting is right for your little one. Nobody knows your child and what would work for them better than you, but here are a few pointers to help with your search.</p>



<p>A warm, nurturing and inclusive environment is vital to the happiness and confidence of your child and how effectively they learn. Look for a setting where staff really know the children individually and will support your child to develop at a pace that is right for them. You should be able to see clear evidence of how learning is tailored to meet the diverse needs and abilities of all children, and how emotional wellbeing is promoted and supported.</p>



<p>Effective communication<strong>&nbsp;</strong>channels and parental involvement are essential for supporting children&#8217;s learning and development. Find out how you would be informed about your child&#8217;s progress and experiences, and what opportunities and events there are for you to participate in life at the setting.</p>



<p>A setting might have a particular USP &#8211; for instance, an emphasis on outdoor learning or specialist academic teaching like Mandarin &#8211; but consider how well-rounded the overall offering is. Look for a balanced&nbsp;curriculum&nbsp;covering all seven areas of learning: communication and language, physical development, personal, social, and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. </p>



<p>It is also important that the setting uses a variety of&nbsp;assessment&nbsp;methods to track children&#8217;s progress and inform effective teaching practices, including observation, documentation and parent partnerships. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51000" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-should-you-look-for-at-an-open-day-or-individual-visit">What should you look for at an Open Day or individual visit?</h2>



<p>An Early Years setting might look good on paper, but it&#8217;s important to see the space and facilities for yourself to assess if the setting aligns with your expectations and your child&#8217;s personality and needs. On a visit you can experience the atmosphere of the place, interact with staff, and observe how children are cared for and whether they are happy and engaged.</p>



<p>Is the environment stimulating and inviting? Look for well-maintained, clean play areas with plenty of drawings and creative displays on the walls.&nbsp;Do the children have plenty of age-appropriate activities to engage them?&nbsp;A good setting will provide well-organised, age-appropriate resources and learning materials that encourage hands-on learning opportunities.&nbsp;Also investigate whether there is access to digital technology and how it is used purposefully to enhance learning experiences.</p>



<p>Look for friendly, warm and knowledgeable staff who are nurturing and responsive to children&#8217;s individual needs and interests. Do the children seem at ease with their teachers and key workers? The team should be able to welcome you and talk confidently about the setting and the children in their care.</p>



<p>Explore life outside the classroom too. What are the grounds and various play areas like? Consider how effectively the setting uses its outdoor environment. Ample outdoor space, like the 100-acre grounds here at Langley Prep School, offer children limitless opportunities for physical activity, exploration and connection with nature, whilst supporting children&#8217;s physical and mental health, and promoting creativity and problem-solving skills.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years7-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-much-steer-can-you-get-from-an-isi-report">How much steer can you get from an ISI report?</h2>



<p>Whilst an <a href="https://langleyschool.co.uk/reports-and-policies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inspection report</a>, such as an ISI or Ofsted report, offers valuable insights into a registered nursery setting for under two years, it&#8217;s important to view it as just one piece of the puzzle. These reports provide a snapshot of the setting&#8217;s performance against statutory requirements and guidelines, focusing on aspects like safety, wellbeing and educational provision.</p>



<p>The report can indeed offer crucial guidance, indicating if the setting meets the necessary standards to ensure your child&#8217;s safety and wellbeing while supporting their developmental needs. It gives you an overview of the setting&#8217;s strengths and areas for improvement, helping you make an informed decision.</p>



<p>However, it is important to combine the insights from the inspection report with your firsthand observations and the views of current parents who attend the setting, so you can make a more comprehensive assessment of the setting&#8217;s suitability for your child. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-important-questions-to-ask">What are the important questions to ask?</h2>



<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid to dig down into the nitty gritty. When it comes to safety and wellbeing, questions to ask are:&nbsp;How do you ensure the safety and security of the children within the setting? What are your emergency procedures, including fire drills and first aid protocols? What is the provision for changing, toilets and medical care?</p>



<p>In terms of education, ask for details about&nbsp;the&nbsp;curriculum and teaching approach. How do they individualise learning experiences to meet the needs and interests of each child? How do they assess children&#8217;s progress and communicate with parents about their development? </p>



<p>It’s important to ask about staffing, for example about qualifications and experience; staff-to-child ratio, supervision and interaction, and how the setting supports staff’s professional development and ongoing training.&nbsp;Don’t be scared to ask about staff turnover – stability is crucial for young children, and it’ll tell you a lot about how happy the team is.</p>



<p>To find out about inclusivity, ask: What accommodations and support do you provide for children with additional needs or disabilities? How do you ensure that all children feel valued and included in the setting&#8217;s activities and community?</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-an-ideal-age-to-start-nursery">Is there an ideal age to start nursery?</h2>



<p>There isn&#8217;t a one-size-fits-all answer. As a parent, you know your child best and so you need to consider what works best for your child and your family situation. Every family is different, and factors such as your child&#8217;s personality, developmental readiness, and your family&#8217;s needs and circumstances play a role. Trust your instincts and make a decision based on what feels right for your child and your family.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-you-hope-a-child-would-be-able-to-achieve-by-the-end-of-reception">What would you hope a child would be able to achieve by the end of Reception?</h2>



<p>Our greatest hope is for children to become kind individuals with a diverse circle of friends, who feel happy and ready for the journey ahead as they progress in their educational journey. By the end of Reception, we would hope that a child has achieved all the Early Years milestones across the seven areas of learning and beyond, and that they are becoming a confident learner who embraces challenges. We want to give the children a flying start, developing soft skills such as independence, resilience, collaboration, participation and creativity that are essential for their ongoing growth and success. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51002" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years6-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-scandinavia-literacy-doesn-t-start-until-age-6-shouldn-t-it-all-be-about-play-at-this-age">In Scandinavia literacy doesn’t start until age 6. Shouldn’t it all be about play at this age?</h2>



<p>While literacy is, of course, hugely important, it is understood that a balance between play and structured learning activities is essential for children&#8217;s holistic development, and literacy threads through all areas of learning whether play-based or adult-led. At this age, it&#8217;s crucial to provide children with a variety of learning opportunities that cater to their individual needs and interests. </p>



<p>Play-based activities offer children the chance to explore, experiment and make sense of the world around them in a hands-on way. Through self-directed exploration and enquiry, children develop critical thinking skills and a sense of autonomy and responsibility for their learning. By creating a supportive learning environment, teachers play a vital role in facilitating meaningful experiences and scaffolding children&#8217;s learning to help them achieve their full potential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-they-ve-taken-the-leap-nbsp-how-do-you-settle-in-a-new-child">They’ve taken the leap.&nbsp;How do you settle in a new child?</h2>



<p>Settling a new child into nursery involves a personalised approach that recognises each child&#8217;s unique needs and preferences. Ultimately, the goal is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and confident as they transition into nursery life. </p>



<p>Here at Bluebell Nursery at Langley School, we ensure a smooth and positive settling-in experience by closely collaborating with parents to understand the child&#8217;s individual characteristics, including what comforts them, their interests, and any specific needs they may have. We provide settling-in sessions tailored to each child&#8217;s pace and comfort level to help them become familiar with the nursery environment, routines and staff members gradually. We are always happy to be flexible and to offer additional sessions to ensure the child feels comfortable and secure in their new surroundings.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50998" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/langley-prep-early-years2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-important-is-it-to-keep-the-next-step-in-mind-when-choosing-a-childcare-setting">How important is it to keep the next step in mind when choosing a childcare setting?</h2>



<p>Considering the next step is crucial to help provide your child with a supportive and cohesive educational experience, from Early Years through to primary school and beyond. As our nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School are on the same site, it is a natural progression and staff collaborate to facilitate smooth transitions, with effective handovers to ensure that all your child&#8217;s needs are met. </p>



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<p><strong>Book a personal tour at Langley Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep by emailing <a href="mailto:prepadmissions@langleyschool.co.uk">prepadmissions@langleyschool.co.uk</a>, then do your homework with&nbsp;<a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/langley-prep-school-taverham/#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy’s insider review</a></strong>.</p>



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First steps! How to choose the right Early Years setting for your littlie

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