our history
welcome to jack in the box nursery school
When we embarked on buying our first nursery we did not dare hope that it would expand to what we have today. We are delighted to both be still very much involved in the day to day running and planning of all settings. We aim to create bright, fun and stimulating places to play and learn and build on children’s individual interests.
When we first met as teachers in a primary school we had an immediate connection due to our passion for the Early Years and what we wanted for our children: to feel safe and secure, achieve all they wanted and be confident and ambitious individuals.
We feel that we have the best job in the world, that of seeing children develop into confident individuals who can take the next step in their school careers and begin to make their way confidently in the world. We never stop improving and challenging our practice and we are extremely proud to achieve our ‘Outstanding’ grades by Ofsted and our recognition by Hertfordshire County Council.
Jack in the Box has a wonderful community spirit where people really care. The wellbeing of the children is at the heart of our nurseries, ensuring that all their needs are met, and that our families are well supported.
The core values which underpin everything we do at Jack in the Box are as follows:
• To feel Safe and Secure – Everyone’s safety and wellbeing are our priority.
• Respect – Everybody is respected, valued and listened to
• Ambition – We hope to provide the best outcome for every child in our community.
• Active learning – An inspiring environment in which children are involved in their own development and learning.
• Children are at the heart of everything we do – Childhood is valued, each child is seen as unique, competent and capable and their individual interests built on daily.
We believe that the first five years of a child’s life are the vital foundations on which all future progress will build. The dedication of our staff and your contribution as a parent are fundamental. Children learn best when they are healthy, happy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults who care for them.
zoe TEARLE - CO-OWNER
Zoe completed an Early Years PGCE after a drama degree.
Starting as a Year one teacher her passion for the Early Years led her to become the Reception class teacher and eventually leader of the Schools Foundation Stage.
10 Years ago Zoe, with Jenny, opened the doors to their first day at Jack in the Box and they have never looked back.
Zoe has lead all of her settings to Ofsted Outstanding and completed Herts Quality Standard.
Zoe has a passion for teaching especially phonics and the termly concerts which enables her to use that drama degree!!!
Zoe has completed training in Special Educational Needs, Phonics and is Designated Safeguarding person in the setting.
jenny underwood - CO-OWNER
Jenny set up Jack in the Box in 2010 after starting her early years journey straight from college. She first worked in a day-care setting and moved to a primary school to become the nursery teacher and lead of different areas of the school. Jenny has also completed her Early Years Professional Status (EYPS).
Jenny continues to develop her skills and knowledge of the Early Years through training and working closely with Young in Herts.
Jenny has specialist skills in ECAT (Every Child A Talker programme), Teaching of phonics, is trained in Special Education Needs, and is a Designated person for Safeguarding.
Jenny has led all her settings to Outstanding OFSTED inspections and gained Herts Quality Standard numerous times in her school settings and at Jack in the Box.
Jenny’s passion grows more every day and wants every child to achieve and be the best they can.
1
Settling your child into Nursery
It is our priority to make each child and their family feel welcome and valued from their first day onwards.In order to do this we have a settling in procedure. On your initial visit you will meet your Keyworker. This is the person with whom you will have most contact. Your Keyworker takes a special interest in your child and has specific duties. These include:
Under the Data Protection Act we have to ensure that we obtain the correct information on your child and family, this includes correct spellings of first and second names.
Your Keyworker will show you and your child around, introduce you to everyone and begin getting to know your child a little. They will ensure all the paperwork is completed. We include an initial child profile to enable you to pass on as much information as possible about your child’s needs, likes / dislikes and interests. Your Keyworker will arrange a series of visits to give your child chance to familiarise with others children, staff and the environment. Within a few visits most children are ready to start Nursery.
Our settling in procedures is designed to meet individual needs. If you have any concerns please talk to your Keyworker.
how we work
2
Being your main point of contact for all matters concerning your child’s well being, development, health and behaviour.
how we work
It is our priority to make each child and their family feel welcome and valued from their first day onwards.In order to do this we have a settling in procedure. On your initial visit you will meet your Keyworker. This is the person with whom you will have most contact. Your Keyworker takes a special interest in your child and has specific duties. These include:
Under the Data Protection Act we have to ensure that we obtain the correct information on your child and family, this includes correct spellings of first and second names.
Your Keyworker will show you and your child around, introduce you to everyone and begin getting to know your child a little. They will ensure all the paperwork is completed. We include an initial child profile to enable you to pass on as much information as possible about your child’s needs, likes / dislikes and interests. Your Keyworker will arrange a series of visits to give your child chance to familiarise with others children, staff and the environment. Within a few visits most children are ready to start Nursery.
Our settling in procedures is designed to meet individual needs. If you have any concerns please talk to your Keyworker.
3
Keeping all your child’s records up to date- these records are available for you to look at at any time - just ask your Keyworker.
how we work
It is our priority to make each child and their family feel welcome and valued from their first day onwards.In order to do this we have a settling in procedure. On your initial visit you will meet your Keyworker. This is the person with whom you will have most contact. Your Keyworker takes a special interest in your child and has specific duties. These include:
Under the Data Protection Act we have to ensure that we obtain the correct information on your child and family, this includes correct spellings of first and second names.
Your Keyworker will show you and your child around, introduce you to everyone and begin getting to know your child a little. They will ensure all the paperwork is completed. We include an initial child profile to enable you to pass on as much information as possible about your child’s needs, likes / dislikes and interests. Your Keyworker will arrange a series of visits to give your child chance to familiarise with others children, staff and the environment. Within a few visits most children are ready to start Nursery.
Our settling in procedures is designed to meet individual needs. If you have any concerns please talk to your Keyworker.
4
Keeping your child’s achievement book up to date - this book makes a lovely keepsake for you to treasure for years to come.
how we work
It is our priority to make each child and their family feel welcome and valued from their first day onwards.In order to do this we have a settling in procedure. On your initial visit you will meet your Keyworker. This is the person with whom you will have most contact. Your Keyworker takes a special interest in your child and has specific duties. These include:
Under the Data Protection Act we have to ensure that we obtain the correct information on your child and family, this includes correct spellings of first and second names.
Your Keyworker will show you and your child around, introduce you to everyone and begin getting to know your child a little. They will ensure all the paperwork is completed. We include an initial child profile to enable you to pass on as much information as possible about your child’s needs, likes / dislikes and interests. Your Keyworker will arrange a series of visits to give your child chance to familiarise with others children, staff and the environment. Within a few visits most children are ready to start Nursery.
Our settling in procedures is designed to meet individual needs. If you have any concerns please talk to your Keyworker.
5
Observing your child’s development and learning, sharing their successes with you and planning how to help your child reach their full potential.
how we work
It is our priority to make each child and their family feel welcome and valued from their first day onwards.In order to do this we have a settling in procedure. On your initial visit you will meet your Keyworker. This is the person with whom you will have most contact. Your Keyworker takes a special interest in your child and has specific duties. These include:
Under the Data Protection Act we have to ensure that we obtain the correct information on your child and family, this includes correct spellings of first and second names.
Your Keyworker will show you and your child around, introduce you to everyone and begin getting to know your child a little. They will ensure all the paperwork is completed. We include an initial child profile to enable you to pass on as much information as possible about your child’s needs, likes / dislikes and interests. Your Keyworker will arrange a series of visits to give your child chance to familiarise with others children, staff and the environment. Within a few visits most children are ready to start Nursery.
Our settling in procedures is designed to meet individual needs. If you have any concerns please talk to your Keyworker.
6
Working in partnership with you to find solutions to any problems that might occur.
how we work
It is our priority to make each child and their family feel welcome and valued from their first day onwards.In order to do this we have a settling in procedure. On your initial visit you will meet your Keyworker. This is the person with whom you will have most contact. Your Keyworker takes a special interest in your child and has specific duties. These include:
Under the Data Protection Act we have to ensure that we obtain the correct information on your child and family, this includes correct spellings of first and second names.
Your Keyworker will show you and your child around, introduce you to everyone and begin getting to know your child a little. They will ensure all the paperwork is completed. We include an initial child profile to enable you to pass on as much information as possible about your child’s needs, likes / dislikes and interests. Your Keyworker will arrange a series of visits to give your child chance to familiarise with others children, staff and the environment. Within a few visits most children are ready to start Nursery.
Our settling in procedures is designed to meet individual needs. If you have any concerns please talk to your Keyworker.
our aims
our aims and objectives
- To provide the best care we possibly can in a safe, secure and stimulating environment.
- To offer equal opportunities for each child.
- To encourage independence develop self-esteem, a sense of achievement and self- confidence.
- To foster in children a caring and respectful attitude towards peers and adults.
- To encourage response to significant experiences, showing a range of feelings when appropriate.
- To develop awareness of the needs of others.
To achieve these aims, our objectives are:
- To promote communication skills.
- To encourage independence and a sense of responsibility.
- To develop manipulative skills and hand/ eye co- ordination.
- To develop language and reasoning skills.
- To encourage creativity and imagination.
- To encourage the direction of own learning and making choices.