The Learning Tree has two settings:

The Learning Tree Sissinghurst, on the same site as the Primary School, Common Road, Sissinghurst, Kent TN17 2BH

From Cranbrook turn left off the A262 or if approaching from Staplehurst turn left off the A229.

We are open every morning,  9.00 am – 12.00 pm Monday to Friday during term time. Our all day sessions are on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.00 am – 3.00 pm. Children bring their own packed lunch

The Learning Tree Staplehurst, at the  Parish Rooms, High Street, Staplehurst, Kent. TN12 0AZ

From Cranbrook going towards Maidstone – the hall is situated on the right as you approach the centre of the village almost opposite Church Green Road.

From Maidstone going towards Cranbrook – the hall is three quarters of the way down the hill on the left, after the church and the centre of the village.

We are open every morning sessions 9.00 am – 12.00 pm Monday to Friday during term time. Our day sessions on a Tuesday and Wednesday 9.00 am – 3.00 pm. Children to bring their own packed lunch.

The Nursery Aim

The pre-school years are important preparations for adult life and during these years children learn more than in the rest of their lives. Their days are full of discovery, making sense of the world and how we cope with it. The whole child is important: Social, emotional, physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual aspects of development are related.

Learning is holistic and interconnected; for young children experience is not usually separated into different compartments so in the early years children learn best through exploration, talk and play. We offer children the opportunity to learn and develop to their full potential through using observations to inform our planning of stimulating, fun activities working through the Early Years Foundation Stage of learning.

This is a very important stage because helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their future learning and successes. From when your child is born up until the age of 5, their early years’ experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure; and support their development, care and learning needs.

Areas of Learning and Development

Prime Areas

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Physical Development

Communication and Language

Specific Areas

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding of the world

Expressive Arts and Design

It is recognised by the Learning Tree that learning takes place in a variety of settings and the home is the most powerful setting. We acknowledge that parents are the first and continuing educators of their children, so it is important that the shared responsibility is based on understanding, mutual respect and a developmental dialogue. It is crucial that parents continue to involve themselves in their child’s education to enhance successful learning. Interests and achievements at home can be shared with child’s key person via ‘My Unique Story’ records. Each child has their own Development record which records areas of development across the seven learning areas.  Parents/carers are always welcome, and our admissions procedure is flexible to allow children to feel secure in their new environment.

Free Entitlement

Children are eligible for Early Years Free Nursery Funding, the term after their third birthday, for 15 hours a week for 38 weeks a year. We can offer  FF2 places for children who meet the eligibility criteria. For those families who wish to claim up to 30 hours funding we can offer up to 27 hours at our Sissinghurst setting and 21 hours at our Staplehurst setting. 

Nursery Policies (See policies page, or available in our policy folder)

Safeguarding

We are committed in our nursery to create an environment in which children are safe from abuse. All staff that are employed are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau before being given unsupervised access to children, with suitable training being given to raise awareness. We operate in accordance with local authority guidelines, liaising with outside organisations where necessary. The owner Anna Reiss or the Designated Safeguarding Lead are responsible for recording and monitoring any concerns, making sure that trusting and supportive relationships are maintained between staff and families.

Behaviour Management

Our behaviour management policy merely involves taking the offending child to one side and asking why they behaved in such a manner. We do however seek to divert a child before a problem arises. If through a child’s behaviour; (such as a violent tantrum) they are a danger or too noisy for others a member of staff will withdraw them to another area.

Special Educational Needs (SEND)

The nursery aims to have regard for the Dfes Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs and to provide an appropriate learning opportunity for all children. We aim to identify all those children with special needs, academic (slow or accelerated). See SEND Policy.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of the children in the nursery is of the upmost importance. Our notice board displays an up-to-date public liability insurance certificate, registration certificate and information on contagious disease. All staff are first aid trained and Accidents are recorded.  All children participate in fire drills.

Complaints Procedure

Should parents have any complaints or queries concerning the running or organisation of the nursery please contact Anna Reiss as soon as possible. If no satisfactory explanation is given then as parents you are within your rights to contact OFSTED on 03000 123 4666 www.ofsted.gov.uk/parents