In our Mini Monks Nursery, we encourage our children to have their own ideas and follow their paths of interest. We listen carefully to their fascinations and support them carefully in developing their interests and discovering new ones.

Throughout the Early Years, we work hard to ensure that each child develops a sense of belonging, feels safe and happy and is excited about their learning through play. We build secure and trusting relationships. We take time to get to know children as individuals, allowing them to flourish.

Our characteristics of learning underpin everything we do at Monks Abbey. We strive to ensure that Delight, Inquiry, Collaboration and Creativity are present in all aspects of Nursery life.

Why not follow us on Twitter @MAPSminimonks to see what we get up to?

Key People
Each child at Mini Monks has a ‘Key Person’ who will be responsible for planning exciting, engaging and relevant play experiences, as well as providing lots of reassurance and comfort whenever it is needed. They will support your child and endeavour to 'tune in' to your child’s individual needs, interests and learning. Their focus will be on your child’s wellbeing as a whole.

The Key Person will keep you up to date with your child’s development by sending you photographs and observations via Tapestry, the secure online platform that we use to document and share your child’s learning journey with you from your child’s first days with us right up until the end of Reception.

What to wear and what to bring.
It is important for our youngest children to be comfortable and wearing clothing that they can manage themselves as they begin to become more independent. With that in mind, we ask that children come to nursery in

• clothing with an elasticated waist, such as leggings or joggers in black, grey or navy
• a comfortable top. Like all of our learners at Monks Abbey, we would like our Mini Monks children to wear a red sweatshirt with the Monks Abbey logo on. These can be purchased at Uniform Direct or from our school office.
• Shoes need to be comfy, easy to get on and off and safe to run around in, with an enclosed toe and non-slip sole.
• Children will need a suitable, waterproof coat each session
• A named bag containing a spare set of clothes and any nappies/ wipes that will be needed
• A filled, named water bottle.
• Named wellies will also be needed on wet weather days.

Parents as Partners
At Monks Abbey we believe strongly that parents and nursery working together has a positive impact on your child’s overall development. As well as being available to talk to you at the beginning and end of each session will be hosting regular stay and play events where you can come into the setting and get involved with your child’s learning.

We recognise the importance of regular communication with our parents. It is important that you let us know if there are any changes at home which you think might affect your child. If you wish to discuss anything in private with us at any time we are happy to arrange a meeting.