Helping Hands Daycare is owned and run by husband and wife team Norman and Deborah Murton. Deborah (manager), has worked in childcare for the last 14 years and was involved in recruitment previously. Whilst Norman, a local business man, has worked in the community for the past 22 years. Having four children of their own they know exactly the challenges that working parents face. “My desire is to create the best environment for every child, where they will flourish and develop at  their own pace, learning the skills needed to allow them to realise their full potential, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and success.” ~ Deborah MurtonWhen establishing Helping Hands Daycare, Norman and Deborah wanted to create an environment that parents and their little ones felt was welcoming and very much home from home. The nursery set on over an acre of land surrounded by rolling fields is perfect for children to run and play and learn about the world around us. The outdoor space is extremely important for Norman and Deborah as the vast grounds allow for all of the children to be out doors at any time in their own allocated areas, enabling everyone to enjoy the weather, come what may. Indoors, the bright, spacious rooms gives a warm and cheerful atmosphere. They are equipped to the highest standards to allow for all your children’s developmental needs. Our staff are warm and welcoming and will only be too happy to discuss your child’s individual routine. Please feel free to visit us at any time. We will be delighted to meet you and your little ones and show you around our wonderful setting.
~ Norman and Deborah Murton.
Food and Healthy Eating policy
At Helping Hands Daycare it is our aim to establish healthy eating habits for life, through provision of meals and healthy snacks between meals, that meet the nutritional requirements of a growing child, and to encourage good social eating practices.
All produce is locally sourced with fresh fruit and vegetables daily.
During the initial settling in period, management will discuss with parents any special dietary requirements or allergies that their child may have and any necessary measures which may need to be taken.
Helping Hands staff will promote healthy eating by;- Providing children with a range of healthy food, snacks and drinks, and helping them to understand and enjoy the value and importance of a healthy diet.
- Offering a nutritious and substantial mid-day meal and other healthy snacks mid- morning and afternoon. Milk or water will be given with meals.
- Involving the children in healthy food related activities, e.g. tasting foods from different parts of the world and/or participating in healthy cooking activities.
- Asking parents/carers to support our healthy eating policy by requesting that they do not send sweets, crisps or sugary drinks with their children and suggesting alternatives.
- Fresh drinking water is available to children at all times – with jugs of water replenished routinely.
- Staff will sit with children while they eat and will act as good ambassadors and role models for healthy eating and eating patterns. Children will be encouraged to develop good eating habits and will be given plenty of time to eat.
Meal times are eaten together at tables in the children’s own rooms. This time is vital as it helps them to develop their social skills as well as healthy eating patterns for their overall development and well –being.
Working in Partnership with Parents
At Helping Hands Daycare we recognise the importance of working in Partnership with Parents, and will do our utmost to ensure that parents are involved, and updated regularly on their child's progress. We acknowledge that parents are the child’s first educators and will work to ensure that your child’s individual needs are met.
How can parents become involved in Helping Hands Daycare? - Each new parent will be welcomed to Helping Hands Daycare and introduced to all members of staff by a manager. They will be given a brief outline of the curriculum of activities, the daily routine and the nursery’s policies.
- Parents will receive a booklet when their child starts Helping Hands Daycare. The booklet provides a brief background summary on the nursery and its aims i.e. general information on fees, opening times etc.
- A parent’s newsletter will be issued on a monthly basis. This gives parents information on the theme of the month as well as the activities being carried out. It will also contain information about staff changes, training, closure days as well as any other relevant information.
- Parents are invited to share their expertise, knowledge and talent on any topic that will be of benefit to the children’s learning. e.g. to help with artwork, storytelling, activities and outings.
- We will celebrate cultures and special events of the various traditions attending our Nursery.
Opening times and Holiday’s
Helping Hands Daycare will be open Monday to Friday from 7.30am – 6.00pm for 50 weeks of the year. (We close for a week between Christmas and New Year and a week in July). We also close for the usual statutory and bank holidays.
Full-Time sessions
Monday to Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm (includes Breakfast, snack, mid-day meal and afternoon snack)
Part-time sessions
Mornings - Monday to Friday from 7.30am – 12.45pm.(Includes breakfast and mid- morning snack)
Afternoons – Monday to Friday from 12.45pm – 6.00pm (includes lunch and afternoon snack)
We also offer school collections and Breakfast club.
Holidays 2020
Mon 13th July (We will only be closing for the one day due to the extended period of closure due to Covid-19)
Mon 31st August August Bank Holiday
Thursday 24th December until Friday 1st Jan. We will be re-opening on Monday the 4th Jan 2021
Our Team  At Helping Hands Daycare the staff are warm, open and friendly; they are highly trained professionals who recognise the importance of building a warm and nurturing environment for your little ones. The setting is parent led and focuses on the child as an individual. The staff will be only too happy to discuss your child’s individual routine and will be flexible to their needs. Key Worker system:At Helping Hands Daycare your little ones will be introduced to their key worker who will aim to build and develop a close and positive relationship with them. This practice is invaluable as it helps the key worker to ensure your child’s individual needs are being met. It also provides consistency for children when they first arrive, as this can be a daunting time for some. All the staff at Helping Hands Daycare are fully qualified and have been selected not only because they have the relevant qualifications, but because of their kind and caring natures, and their ability to work as a team in the best interests of the children and families that attend our setting. Helping Hands Daycare strive to provide the best quality daycare for you and your little ones, if you have any suggestions on how to improve our service please feel free to discuss your ideas with our management/supervisory team. |
