Your child's first day

Starting at Saplings

We want your child to feel happy and safe. To make sure that this is the case, our staff will work with you to decide on how to help your child settle in.

Your child's first day

We organise our sessions so that the children can choose from – and work at – a range of activities and, in doing so, build up their ability to select and work through a task until it is complete. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult-led small and large group activities which introduce new experiences and help them gain new skills, as well as teach them to work with others.

Outdoor activities contribute to the children’s health, physical development and their knowledge of the world around them. The children have the opportunity – and are encouraged – to take part in outdoor child-chosen and adult-led activities, as well as those provided in indoor playrooms.

Clothing

We provide protective clothing for the children when they play with messy activities. We encourage the children to gain the skills which will help them to become independent and look after themselves. This includes taking themselves to the toilet and taking off (as well as putting on) outdoor clothing. Clothing which is easy for them to manage will help them to achieve this.

Snacks & Meals

We make snacks and meals a social time where the children and adults sit together. We plan the menu for snacks and meals so that they provide the children with healthy and nutritious food. Please do let us know if your child has any special dietary requirements and we will take these into consideration.

Packed Lunches

We are creating a positive lunchtime experience that combines healthy eating with social and behavioural skills! By focusing on a balanced diet and fostering a happy, sociable dining environment, we’re helping children develop good table manners and an appreciation for nutritious food. This approach not only supports physical health but also encourages a sense of community and respect at mealtime.

Packed lunches should include:

  1. Fruit and Vegetables: Include at least one portion of each, daily.
  2. Oily Fish: Like salmon, at least once every three weeks.
  3. Starchy Foods: Daily, such as bread with a savoury filling, pasta, rice, couscous, noodles, potatoes, or other cereals.
  4. Dairy: Daily, including options like milk, cheese, yogurt, or fromage frais.
  5. Healthy Drink Options: Water, fruit juice, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, yogurt drinks, or smoothies. Note: Use a standard drink bottle instead of a baby bottle.

These guidelines support the development of healthy eating habits and promote a positive mealtime environment.

Special Education Needs

It is part of our policy to make sure that our provision meets the needs of each indvidual child, including any special needs which they may have. In doing this we work to the requirements of the 1993 Education Act and the Special Education Needs Code of Practice (2000).

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