Meadowside

The Outdoors

Children get to go outside every day if possible. Being outdoors offers children opportunities for doing things in different ways and on a different scale to indoors. It gives children first-hand contact with weather, seasons and the natural world. Outdoor environments offer children freedom to explore, use their senses and be physically active.

Our philosophy of our Outdoor Learning is based upon the desire to provide young children with an education which encourages appreciation of the wide, natural world and which foster empathy for other living creatures and hopefully a sense of responsibility and care for natural world in which we all live.

The children are committed to spending sessions outdoors, regardless of the weather and they explore and use natural materials found within the environment.

The children quickly learn boundaries, both physical and social, within which they must work. They respond to the sense of freedom and adhere to the rules laid down for their safety.

Within this environment it is possible to encourage the children to move supportively away from close adult interaction to become more responsible for each other and for themselves. There is also more emphasis on observation of nature as the children will see their environment in all the seasons. Extended learning indoors includes and using and being creative with collected and treasured items found while exploring, as well as the opportunity for children to take us through their narrative of their adventures.

Our aim is to nurture your child’s learning by providing the activities and opportunities for your child to learn through exploration, discovery and problem solving. There are quiet times with stories in the comfy corner and opportunities for singing and dancing to gentle music.

The setting has access to outdoor spaces where children can play and learn under cover in any weather, with the opportunity to explore and run on the school field. The indoor environment provides a safe, secure yet challenging space for children. For some children the indoor environment is like a second home providing a place for activity, rest, eating and sleeping.

During school holidays we provide holiday clubs for KS1 & KS2 children at our other sites.

To find out more about our Daycamps click here

Meadowside is a friendly Pre-school offering places for children aged 2 to 5 years. We also offer a before and after school club at Meadowside for children in Reception class to 8 years old.

The pre-school is open Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 5pm for 38 weeks of the year (term-time only).

The Pre-school is closed on all English Bank Holidays (dates to be advised annually) and between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, inclusive.

Fees are not charged for these days.

Late collection charge: charged at 15 minutes pro rata.

*These sessions are available for working parents during term 1 for new reception children transferring to school during the settling in period in September.

Fees

Details of are fees are available upon enquiry and we accept the Nursery Education Grant which is currently available to all children during the term after their 3rd birthday.

Rated outstanding at our latest Ofsted inspection.

Comments from latest Ofsted Report

“Happy and engaged children learning through play”.

“Teaching is outstanding. Staff take every opportunity to use their excellent teaching skills to challenge children as they play, invite children to talk, extend their conversation and encourage them to think.”

“Children are safe and well protected”.

“Staff are excellent role models and promote positive behaviour effectively, particularly good manners and kindness.”

“Staff get to know the children very well and understand and respond sensitively to children’s every need. Children arrive very happy, confident and eager to learn. They behave extremely well.”

“Our son settled into Meadowside much quicker than his previous nursery because it offers a more homely environment and he easily made friends within his first week there.  This increased his confidence.  It was rewarding to see him so happy and he always looked forward to going to Meadowside on his scooter.  Staff are friendly and, supportive; they encourage good manners and have a great sense of humour which I think is a healthy way to develop understanding and communication with children.  The pre-school is on the same grounds as West Leigh Infant School which has made a difference in preparing our son for school in September.’” Colette 

Comments from Parents and Carers

“Our daughter settled extremely quickly at Meadowside, in no small part as a result of the very warm, caring and personal environment that you have created at Meadowside. We feel that she is really valued as an individual and that you and your colleagues know her and her interests and needs very well.

She is always talking about the things that she has been doing at pre-school and is obviously stimulated by the range of activities that are laid on.  The way in which the children are able to choose activities and to follow their own interests is something that we think is very important.  She loves coming to Meadowside.” Angus and Anne 

“Once again I just want to say thank you for everything you have done last term and continue to do this term. I don’t know how I could have managed without your wonderful support and kindness. Your service is invaluable to me and I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate your service.” Sam  – April 2019

“Our son attended breakfast club for three years. The team do a terrific job – providing a fun, safe and caring environment for all the children; and then a facility that was invaluable for two working parents who needed the early start to the day. Our youngest starts in September and I’m sure it will be much the same, albeit the Breakfast Club team may hope his appetite for cereal doesn’t match his older brothers!” Richard  – June 2019

“My son has attended breakfast and tea club at Meadowside for the last two years. From his first time he absolutely loved it. They are also incredibly caring and helpful and offered to keep spare eye patches for my son in case we forgot to put one on or he pulled it off. Extra help is also given to Reception children when they start school in the form of reassurance, making sure they have all their things for the day and handing in their fruit snack as they know starting school can be overwhelming for children.

My son often doesn’t want to leave tea club to come home as he is so engrossed in the activity they are doing. They are always super engaged with the children and give them loads of different activities to do every day, no two days are the same!

I would definitely recommend Meadowside to any parent looking for flexible pre or post school childcare. Staff are just incredible and the care for the children is excellent.”

Lucy – June 2019

The children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is delivered through the medium of play. We will help the children to gain an understanding of their world and what they are able to do. Whilst playing, they can discover how strong they are, how fast they can move, how to coordinate their movements, how to develop their imagination and how loud or quiet they can be!

Numbers are kept to a maximum of 20 children per session.

Our Aims and Values

●  To provide high quality care and education for all children.
●  To develop a child’s creativity, individuality and self-confidence through play.
●  To work within the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage and Welfare Requirements which are available on request.
●  To prepare children for transition from Pre-school to Reception class.
●  To work in partnership with parents, carers, head teachers, governors, staff and pupils at local schools.
●  To carry out activities that benefit and contribute to the life and well-being of our local community.

The best way to really understand our setting and whether we are right for your child and you as a family is to come and visit us. We will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have. This will give you the opportunity to see other children playing, learning and socialising with us and we can talk you through the questions that you will naturally have.

To find out more, arrange a visit or book a place please call in, telephone: 07933 711909 or email us at: meadowside@ymca-dg.org

All places offered by YMCA Dulverton Group are subject to our terms and conditions, a copy of which is available on request from the relevant setting.  Please either call or email for a copy to be sent to you.