Our Nursery Near Blandford and Wimborne
The moment your child steps through the door, you can be certain they have everything they need for a special day of learning. Our weekly, daily and half day rates cover all your child`s needs including nappies, nutritious healthy home cooked food that`s cooked fresh on the premises, and formula.
Our Story
I grew up in South Africa and left to travel at the age of 18. I spent the next 7 years working as a nanny and childminder in the USA and then the UK. I have always had a passion for working in early years and decided to gain my qualifications to be able to work in a Nursery environment. While doing this I realised there was a real need to provide children so much more than what was on offer. My dream of starting my own Nursery and giving children the very best start in their little lives began.
After gaining my qualification in Early years and a Diploma in Business Studies I opened the doors to the Old School Nursery in 2002 with 3 children and 6 staff. Together we have created a ‘home away from home environment.’ where your precious little ones will learn, grow, flourish and be loved and cherished. Being a Mum myself to my gorgeous son Jake. I can fully understand and appreciate what it takes to provide the very best environment for your precious children.
With 25 amazing, highly experienced and qualified staff we will do all we can to support you and your child during your journey with us. I am incredibly proud of what we do at The Old School Nursery and the difference we make to the lives of children at such an important stage of their development.
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Ewa Praschma, Owner & Director
Our Gardens and Beyond
Birds & Bees Garden
Birds and Bees have 2 lovely gardens with sandpits, a mud kitchen, water play and an undercover area allowing our younger toddlers an environment they can safely explore and investigate.
Our Communication
Sharing your child’s journey means we will communicate regularly to you face to face. Over the years we have developed our communication strategies to include – tapestry which is an online journal, emails, newsletters, Facebook and phone calls.
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Our nursery is unique in that the staff work a four day week. This means that the same person is caring for your child throughout the day and not handing over to someone else half way through. This ensures that we can provide fantastic continuity of care for your child. At the end of every half or full day you will have the opportunity to speak to a member of staff who has been looking after your child. This Handover will detail:
Activities your child has been doing
What they have eaten & sleep times/ nappy changes
Feedback about your child’s day
Online Interactive Journal
We want to ensure your child's learning and experiences are recorded at every stage so you can monitor and celebrate their achievements. To this end, we use a fully secure online learning journal called Tapestry.
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Each child's learning journey is documented by our staff through observations, photographs and videos. This is all linked with the learning, development and assessment guidance detailed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework.
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Parents and guardians can access their children's journey securely online and through mobile apps for both iPhones, iPads and Android devices. You can also comment on entries from the nursery and even add your own.
Meet The Team
Our Team are what makes our Nursery such a magical place. Having a rich variety of skills and talents across different generations. Many have longstanding service of over 10 years at the Nursery.
At The Old School Nursery, we employ 25 staff
Three staff hold BA Honours in Early Years. Both Manager and Deputy Manager have gained Post Graduate Early Years Teacher status. 2 staff have Foundation degrees in Early Years
Four of our staff bring their talents and passions to enrich the children’s opportunities (Music teacher, Artist in residence, Gymnastic coach, Activism Leader)
Our SENCO (special educational needs coordinator) has extensive experience of working with children with a broad range of special educational needs.
We are a multi generational team. A lot of our team are parents and grandparents
Owner and Managers
Ewa Praschma – Owner and Director
NVQ 3 | Business Development Diploma
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Natalie Adamson - Manager and Early Years Professional
Level 6 – Joined 2020
Over 11 Years Service
Pru – Deputy Manager
Early Years Teacher – Joined 2009
Recruitment
We are a friendly, thriving Independent Day Nursery who are who are always looking to expand our team of enthusiastic, talented and dedicated people who share our ethos.
Competitive rates of pay
Excellent support and mentoring
Excellent training opportunities
Childcare discount