Nursery Handbook Part 3
Below is an online version of our Nursery Handbook, including useful information on the day to day running of the Nursery along with highlights of Nursery Policies and the curriculum.
See Also....
THEMES FOR THE YEAR- Cuspairean
Although the topics below form a basic structure for the year, they may be subject to change as the year progresses and different circumstances arise, we endeavour to ensure that all activities are child led and child centred.
Term 1 August - October Getting to know Nursery
Autumn Divali
Term 2 October - December Bonfire Night
Christmas
Term 3 January - March Winter
Chinese New Year
Night and Day
Term 4 April - June Easter
Spring/Summer
Liaison with Infant Class on
integrated project work.
The Curriculum of the Gaelic Medium Nursery, language apart, is the same as that of all other Nurseries in terms of methodology and content. Language is the only main area of difference in that not only is a language other than English used, but also the Gaelic Medium Nursery is for most children the beginning of the process of learning a second language.
Gaelic is the sole language spoken in the Nursery classroom by the Gaelic Medium Assistant and Auxiliaries, with the proviso that English may be used to settle children in and to give instructions in matters affecting health and safety.
Children will be encouraged from the beginning to express themselves fully to the Nursery staff and to each other even if they are only able to do this in English. They will acquire an understanding of Gaelic largely through being immersed in it; in other words, through hearing it spoken in the classroom while they are doing the activities associated with nursery education and through hearing stories - particularly those with a strong story line and lots of repetition.
The staff will use gestures, pictures, mime and any other appropriate actions to convey the meaning of the words being used so that the children begin to associate the Gaelic words in a direct way with objects, actions or feelings. They should be encouraged to speak Gaelic when they are ready to, but this process should not be forced. Various means will be used to encourage children to speak in Gaelic, including role-play, games and modelling of correct usage - for example, saying in Gaelic what the child has just said in English.
When youngsters in the Gaelic nursery first begin speaking the language they will make many mistakes, including basic grammatical errors. The Teacher will correct such mistakes, selectively and always in a positive, reassuring way: the main method of correction will be by modelling correct usage.
Children will understand a good deal of what is said to them by the end of their year in the Gaelic Medium Nursery and although they may use only isolated words and phrases in largely English sentences, will have laid down the foundations for using the language actively in the early years of primary school.
Communication with School
Mallaig Nursery operates an open door policy. Parental involvement is a welcome and vital part of Nursery education and we hope that you will feel free to speak to us at any time if there are queries arising. As parents, you know your child better than anybody, so it is helpful to chat and exchange information at regular intervals, with nursery staff.
While slightly more formal meetings will be held by arrangement, twice a year, if there is any matter which you wish to discuss immediately, please, in the first instance, contact the Nursery Assistant and thereafter the Head Teacher, if necessary. Children’s records are open to parents at all times; please feel free to ask Nursery staff to se these at any time.
The start of session may be a traumatic one for both child and parent and we will strive to ensure that the first day is as happy and relaxed as possible! If your child seems unsettled, please stay as long as you wish in the nursery - although it must be added that in our experience, the tearful child usually settles very quickly following mum's departure!
There will be an 'Open Day', at a date in June and parents and children are invited to attend.
Once routine has been established and the children are totally familiar with their surroundings, parental assistance with trips, parties, swimming sessions etc will be actively sought! We will welcome the airing of views and making of suggestions. Those of you who do not have commitments may be willing to share specific skills in areas such as Art, Cooking, and Music.
The Notice Board outside the Nursery will contain up-to-date information on what is happening in nursery and in the community and how we are developing the curriculum.
Clothing
Although uniform is not compulsory sweatshirts/poloshirts displaying the Mallaig Nursery School logo in both English and Gaelic can be ordered through the Nursery. However, do dress your children in what you feel is most appropriate and comfortable for them. All-in-one suits/dungarees can give problems with regard to toilet visits so these are best avoided. Please label all jackets and footwear (name on both shoes!) It is essential for each child to have one spare set of underwear/tights/socks and perhaps trousers, kept in a labelled bag inside the nursery. It is preferable for children to change into different shoes inside the building and these could perhaps be of the style which is suitable for PE. Please ensure that your child has a jacket suitable for outdoor activities during both summer and winter.
Current prices of Nursery Sweatshirts/Poloshirts are £7.00 and £6.00 respectively.
Hair
For a variety of reasons, it is helpful if long hair can be tied back, then it does not become mixed up in glue, paint etc. Also, although we have had only a few outbreaks of head lice in past years, it is important to be vigilant about checking your child's hair at regular intervals and reporting (in confidence) any findings which give you cause for concern.
Snack Money/Personal belongings in the Nursery
It would be appreciated of a small amount – currently £2.00 per week (40p per day), could be brought as a contribution towards the children's snack and baking activities. The desired method would be to send the cash at the start of the week as opposed to daily.
We also prefer not to have youngsters bring personal toys from home as these can be easily mixed up with our own or be lost. However, where a child is especially attached to an item, then it is perfectly acceptable for this to be brought with him/her, particularly in the early days of attending the nursery. Birthdays are another exception - there are always lots of new toys that children like to show their friends!
Junk Collection
Occasionally we will make requests for craft materials such as margarine tubs, egg boxes etc. Unfortunately, lack of storage space means we are unable to keep a constant bank of these in the school but if you have any interesting junk or 'one offs' eg carpet roll, large polystyrene sheets etc, please ask if we could use them - remember - one person's junk is someone else's treasure!
Gaelic
Parents who have enrolled their children in Gaelic Medium have done so as a matter of conscious choice and in many cases the nursery will be seen as a bridge to Gaelic Medium primary education. It may be possible to provide classes in the language for parents of those children enrolled, in order that Gaelic may be spoken a little in the home. We do understand, of course, that not all will be able to give a commitment to join any such classes but we will provide tapes of basic Gaelic for Parents
While the basic curriculum to be followed within the nurseries will be identical, the added dimension of the Gaelic Language will necessitate that the parents of children in this section have some extra contact with the nursery staff so that they are fully aware of progress being made in the language.
Complaints
If during your child’s time at Nursery you have any complaints, you should in the first instance speak or write to the Nursery staff or the Head Teacher. You may also use the Care Commission complaints procedure which is available on the parents’ notice board.
We do hope that you and your child will enjoy their time in Nursery. If you have any queries about any points highlighted in this brochure please do not hesitate to contact us at the school.
GAELIC MEDIUM CURRICULUM-Clàr-oideachaidh tro bhith na Gàidhlig
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT- Cuideachdadh parant
