Do you Qualify for Government Funded Childcare?

Are you eligible for free childcare? We can help you check…

At Kinder Preschools, we often have parents asking us for help navigating the (sometimes) confusing world of accessing government-funded childcare.

  • Is your child eligible from 2 years of age?
  • Can your child access more than the 15 hours of universal childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds?
  • My child has just turned 3, why do I have to wait until the start of a new term to access funding?

These are all common questions – so don’t worry if you are having problems understanding it all.

Here at Kinder Preschools, we are happy to walk you through the process. Hopefully, once we do, you’ll decide to place your child with us! However, we are happy to help nonetheless.

So if you have any queries or questions at all (no matter how big or small!) – or even if you are planning well ahead for a newborn child, do reply via email here, call us here, or drop us a quick WhatsApp here.

We are on hand to provide personalised one-to-one care so that you understand your entitlement and that you are best positioned to make an informed choice for your childcare!

Here is the latest COVID policy update:

Covid 19 guidance changed as of 24th February. However the virus is still prevalent and can still seriously affect vulnerable individuals.

The virus can be spread easily amongst children. We will continue to follow the Government advice and require anyone with COVID symptoms to get a PCR test. Symptoms are high temperature 38+, cough, loss of smell and/or taste.

Where children display these symptoms at nursery we will ask you collect and get a PCR test. If the result is positive you will be asked to stay off nursery for 5 consecutive days minimum. If your child is well enough to return to nursery on day 6 they may do so with evidence of a negative LFT taken on day 5 and 6.

Please note that children may be sent home with other sickness/illness that is not covid. The management team will determine whether a child is well enough to be at nursery.

The nursery will continue to implement increased hygiene measures including frequent hand washing, teaching children effective hand washing, frequent touch point cleaning and regular disinfecting of toys and surfaces.

 

 

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Getting the Most Out of Outdoor Play

Being outdoors can be extremely beneficial to your child’s growth and curiosity. Let’s learn more about how exploring the great outdoors can help them develop by trying these tips.

Did you know that trees, plants, and bushes provide so many different types of sensory and imaginative play for children? These outdoor materials become the props and backdrops for your child to explore. Think about a field of sunflowers or a garden arch for example, these can make an excellent summertime play space.

Consider the thought of playing in natural structures, like an evergreen forest or a bunch of willow trees. Items all around the natural landscape like plants, rocks, and sticks can all be used to incorporate interesting and colourful building tools to make the space just like a fairytale in real life!

Speaking of small objects, anything that is easy for a child to move or manipulate are useful when considering dramatic play and offer more flexibility than fixed objects. Think about the simple stick… in the right hands it can be anything from a wand or sword to a fishing pole!

Open-ended materials like these can be worked into so many different fun and exciting outdoor play ideas. Not all outdoor items need to be natural. What about that old car tire… the perfect swing or stack crates to build a castle then tear it down for something new.

Enclosed or semi-enclosed structures, also called “secret” places, offer your child a unique opportunity to experience privacy while playing. Strategically placed greenery walls or ceiling enclosed areas give your child the sense of aloneness that cultivates their creativity. Open outdoor floor plans create the energy of a stage for your child to act out all sorts of adventures.

Now let’s consider defined spaces… open or large areas where your child can explore more gross motor activities – which involves the movement of the larger muscles like arms, legs, and the torso. Things like riding a bike, running around in a field of flowers, playing football in a grassy heath, and quiet spaces help to support social play for your young one.

Regardless of the environment, keep in mind that dramatic play is defined “as a type of play in which children assume various roles and act them out to engage the imagination, build confidence, and prepare children to tackle real life situations”.

To help encourage your child to engage in dramatic play with guidance by leaving out props or setting up their favourite movie scene. Encouraging your child to act out things that they might be fearful of is also useful, like a trip to the hairdresser, dentist or doctor might just make the next visit manageable.

Thoughtfully done and parent-supported dramatic play can lead children throughout their early years development and their life.

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Are you Eligible for FREE Childcare?

We can help you check…

At Kinder Preschools, we often have parents asking us for help navigating the (sometimes) confusing world of accessing government-funded childcare.

  • Is your child eligible from 2 years of age?
  • Can your child access more than the 15 hours of universal childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds?
  • My child has just turned 3, why do I have to wait until the start of a new term to access funding?

These are all common questions – so don’t worry if you are having problems understanding it all.

Here at Kinder Preschools, we are happy to walk you through the process.

Hopefully, once we do, you’ll decide to place your child with us! However, we are happy to help nonetheless.

So if you have any queries or questions at all (no matter how big or small!) – or even if you are planning well ahead for a newborn child, do reply via email here, call us here, or drop us a quick WhatsApp here.

We are on hand to provide personalised one-to-one care so that you understand your entitlement and that you are best positioned to make an informed choice for your childcare!

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Guide: Travelling with Toddlers

Have you ever taken a young child on a long-haul flight? If not, you might want to consider a couple of things beforehand. Maybe even just travelling a couple of time zones seems daunting… don’t worry we’re here to walk you through all of it.

What is circadian rhythm?

The circadian rhythm also referred to as the circadian cycle, is a natural process that regulates the daily sleep-wake cycle of your body. Keeping your child’s circadian rhythm as consistent as possible is important as it can lead to sleep problems going forward. Similar to when the clocks spring forward or fall back during daylight savings. 

Let’s talk about some more practical travelling tips.

We all know how important it is to keep that sleep schedule strict for young children, right? Well, what should you do when it comes to shorter distance holidays (less than a couple of time zones or days)? It’s recommended that you keep your child’s day and bedtime schedules in their home time zone, or as close as possible to routine. If you plan to travel across more than 3 time zones, move your child’s sleep and wake times a little earlier. 

An easy way to adjust these routines is by starting a week before travelling. Try moving sleep-wake times 15 minutes earlier every day or two. Shifting nap and meal schedules earlier as well. Don’t be afraid to wake your child up from nap time if it exceeds one hour, too much sleep can lead to reverting your routine shift preparation.

For long-haul or international travelling, you should try to adjust these routines to meet the time zone you will be going to. A couple of ways of doing this could be to wake them up earlier and to also have them do some daytime exercise. This stimulation can help reset their brain’s melatonin release.

What you can bring on holiday to help your child sleep:

  • Their favourite cuddly toy or stuffed animal.
  • The beloved white noise machine (a parent’s true best friend).
  • Sheets from their bed back home to comfort the surroundings.
  • Set the mood by dimming the lights about an hour before putting them to sleep.
  • Turn those screens off, remove the visual stimulation.
  • Late night meals and snacking is a no-no!

We hope this article helped put your travel fears into easy-flight mode and you’re feeling more confident taking your toddler with you for the next adventure. 

And as always, safe travels!

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