Guidance
We believe in the creation and facilitation of a positive environment, where children can express their feelings and needs comfortably and confidently.
Small Talk’s core ethos is that children learn through play. This is facilitated through themes that each class follows.
Small Talk staff are trained to use positive language at all times, to intervene and prevent problems from escalating whenever possible and always to condemn unacceptable behaviour, never the child.
The teachers will advise you about the best way to help your child settle and adjust to school, please accept their guidance.
We do not leave a child alone and distressed and will contact you if they cannot be comforted.
There are five classes, each catering to different age groups (child : adult ratio)
Tinies Class: Children aged 18- 23 months, 4:1
Rainbows Class: Children aged 2 – 2.7 years, 5:1
Sun Class: Children aged 2.8 – 3.5 years, 6:1
Comets Class: Children aged 3.6 - 5 years, 8:1
Small Talk’s core ethos is that children learn through play. This is facilitated through themes that each class follows.
Small Talk staff are trained to use positive language at all times, to intervene and prevent problems from escalating whenever possible and always to condemn unacceptable behaviour, never the child.
The teachers will advise you about the best way to help your child settle and adjust to school, please accept their guidance.
We do not leave a child alone and distressed and will contact you if they cannot be comforted.
There are five classes, each catering to different age groups (child : adult ratio)
Tinies Class: Children aged 18- 23 months, 4:1
Rainbows Class: Children aged 2 – 2.7 years, 5:1
Sun Class: Children aged 2.8 – 3.5 years, 6:1
Comets Class: Children aged 3.6 - 5 years, 8:1
Drop off & Pick up
Working hours:
18 - 23 months (Tinies): 8:15AM - 1PM
2 years and older (Rainbows, Sun, Comets): 8:15AM - 3PM
The timing for the youngest children (Tinies & Rainbows) is flexible as each child has different needs. Our doors are open! Parents are welcome. We recognise that the hours may be too long for some of the younger children and will work closely with you to ensure we find the best timing for your child.
We do prefer the Comets and Suns to be in by 9.00 as the teachers gather the children together to plan the day.
The first part of the morning (8.15 to 9.00) and the last part of the day (2.30 to 3.00) (Tinies: 12.30 – 1.00) are ideal times for parents to meet each other and the staff. Please ensure that you pick up your child on time as it can be distressing for him/her if you are late.
Only adults whose names are on the child’s file will be allowed to collect a child unless there is written permission from the parent.
A 3PM pick-up does not mean that ALL children have to stay till 3PM. This is something each parent can choose as they know what's best for their child. There will be a lunch/play break around 1PM so it would be an easy time to collect the children without them feeling they were missing out.
18 - 23 months (Tinies): 8:15AM - 1PM
2 years and older (Rainbows, Sun, Comets): 8:15AM - 3PM
The timing for the youngest children (Tinies & Rainbows) is flexible as each child has different needs. Our doors are open! Parents are welcome. We recognise that the hours may be too long for some of the younger children and will work closely with you to ensure we find the best timing for your child.
We do prefer the Comets and Suns to be in by 9.00 as the teachers gather the children together to plan the day.
The first part of the morning (8.15 to 9.00) and the last part of the day (2.30 to 3.00) (Tinies: 12.30 – 1.00) are ideal times for parents to meet each other and the staff. Please ensure that you pick up your child on time as it can be distressing for him/her if you are late.
Only adults whose names are on the child’s file will be allowed to collect a child unless there is written permission from the parent.
A 3PM pick-up does not mean that ALL children have to stay till 3PM. This is something each parent can choose as they know what's best for their child. There will be a lunch/play break around 1PM so it would be an easy time to collect the children without them feeling they were missing out.
Dress Code
Children must be dressed in comfortable and practical clothing that does not limit their movement. No long skirts please. They should wear shoes or sandals that fasten, as we are trying to encourage the children to be independent whilst dressing and undressing themselves. Flip flops (shib shibs) are not allowed, as they are not safe for running.
No jewellery except for small stud earrings please. Send a hat for the hot weather and please apply sunscreen at home. Nails must be short at all times. Any jewellery lost is not the responsibility of Small Talk.
No jewellery except for small stud earrings please. Send a hat for the hot weather and please apply sunscreen at home. Nails must be short at all times. Any jewellery lost is not the responsibility of Small Talk.
Possessions
Children are not permitted to bring toys to school unless requested by the teacher. Toys of a violent nature, such as guns, are NEVER allowed and will be confiscated immediately. Any toys lost are not the responsibility of Small Talk.
First Aid & Sickness Policy
If any child becomes unwell during the day, he/she will be checked by the Nursery's Nurse or a certified First Medical Responder. If it is necessary for your child to go home, a pick-up will be arranged and must be made.
Please do not send your child to school if he/she is unwell. Staying home will speed up their much needed recovery and will reduce the risk of infection to other children and staff members.
Please make sure to inform the Manager and Class Teacher of any allergies your child has or may have.
Please do not send your child to school if he/she is unwell. Staying home will speed up their much needed recovery and will reduce the risk of infection to other children and staff members.
Please make sure to inform the Manager and Class Teacher of any allergies your child has or may have.
Snack times & ideas for healthy eating
Snack time is important at Small Talk and is part of the learning process. The children learn to wash their hands before eating, sit down together for a meal with their teachers, and become independent in packing away their food when they have finished. They are encouraged but not compelled to eat what they have been given and sharing is definitely not encouraged. Whatever the child does not eat is returned to their lunch box so that the parents know what has been eaten.
We talk a lot about healthy food and ask that you cooperate by sending in appropriate 3 of 5 snacks: a sandwich, crackers, some vegetables (carrots, peppers, cucumbers), fruit, raisins, salad, yogurt, fresh fruit juice as well as water, are all fine.
Please do not send chocolate or sweets and candy and only put in a few crisps or similar snacks, not a whole packet. Small amounts of a variety of things usually work best and if the same thing is coming home daily uneaten please change the menu!
The children are encouraged to drink plenty of water and it helps if they each have their own water bottle they can identify and open – with their name on please!
Small Talk is built on a foundation of love and support that honours the goodness and unique gifts of every child. Small Talk, recognizing that food allergies may be severe and even life threatening, has implemented a Nut-Free School Policy.
We talk a lot about healthy food and ask that you cooperate by sending in appropriate 3 of 5 snacks: a sandwich, crackers, some vegetables (carrots, peppers, cucumbers), fruit, raisins, salad, yogurt, fresh fruit juice as well as water, are all fine.
Please do not send chocolate or sweets and candy and only put in a few crisps or similar snacks, not a whole packet. Small amounts of a variety of things usually work best and if the same thing is coming home daily uneaten please change the menu!
The children are encouraged to drink plenty of water and it helps if they each have their own water bottle they can identify and open – with their name on please!
Small Talk is built on a foundation of love and support that honours the goodness and unique gifts of every child. Small Talk, recognizing that food allergies may be severe and even life threatening, has implemented a Nut-Free School Policy.
Birthdays
Your child may celebrate his/her birthday at school if you wish. We suggest a simple cake or cupcakes, and juice for everybody. No cakes with nuts are allowed, as many children are allergic to nuts.
Cartoon character shows or music DJs are not allowed.
Please arrange your child's party with the class teacher.
Cartoon character shows or music DJs are not allowed.
Please arrange your child's party with the class teacher.
Potty Training & Spare Clothing
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Most of the children entering Small Talk are still in diapers. The teachers are more than willing to support you in potty training, but we request that you please sign up/discuss with your class teacher when you would like to start.
Many of the older children may still have accidents and we ask for a spare set of clothing for each child (clearly labelled), which is kept in their own cubby. If your child is wearing diapers please send a package of the correct size and whatever wipes, creams etc. that you use. Children below the age of three are not all expected to be toilet trained but, allowing for occasional accidents, children over three are expected to be reasonably independent in going to the bathroom when necessary. |
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Communication
Most information and many photos are posted on this website regularly. Photos are password protected. Parents will receive newsletters by email. There is a notice board for further information.
Settling-in reports are sent home after the first few weeks of the year, or after a month when a child joins during the year. End of year reports are sent at the end of the school year.
The teachers are always ready to meet parents to discuss any concerns and are available before and after school every day for short discussions.
If there is something that needs more time please make an appointment through the office. If a report for a school application is required, please ask the teacher one week in advance.
Settling-in reports are sent home after the first few weeks of the year, or after a month when a child joins during the year. End of year reports are sent at the end of the school year.
The teachers are always ready to meet parents to discuss any concerns and are available before and after school every day for short discussions.
If there is something that needs more time please make an appointment through the office. If a report for a school application is required, please ask the teacher one week in advance.