Ladybird Nursery offers lifeline for closing college nursery children
16 February 2016
Health Care
Southend University Hospital’s nursery, Ladybird, is flying in to offer children from the Jungle Cats nursery at South Essex College an alternative with news of its closure on July 15.
Lynda Bartholomew, manager of the Ladybird Nursery at the
hospital, is inviting those parents and children affected in to
have a look round the nursery, meet staff and see the facilities
for themselves.
She has over a decade of experience in early years management
and was awarded Southend Borough Councils Early Years inspirational
manager award.in 2014. Lynda, who has been in charge at the nursery
since April 2014, said: "Finding the right nursery for you and your
children can be a daunting task but we want to offer those people
who will be affected by the possible closure an open and welcoming
invite to come and meet staff and children. Even if it means we've
been able to help one family it will have been worth it.
"If any parent affected by the possible closure wishes to
contact me to discuss coming to visit or just for a chat about what
we can offer here at Ladybird then they can call me on 01702 385330
or email ladybird.nursery@southend.nhs.uk
for a prospectus."
The nursery, based in a converted house next to the hospital, is
open all year round and provides childcare, learning and play for
children aged from three months to four years old. It's easily
accessible and was rated by Ofsted as 'good' in December 2014.
In their inspection Ofsted stated:
- Children and babies make good progress in their learning and
development because staff use effective teaching strategies and
plan interesting activities that cover each area of learning.
- Children and babies develop strong bonds with their key persons
and, as a result, they make secure emotional attachments that
promote their well-being.
- Safeguarding procedures are robust and rigorous and promote the
safety and welfare of all children who attend.
- Positive and well-established relationships between staff and
parents, external agencies and local schools ensures that
children's individual needs are fully understood and effectively
met.