Families – Relationships based on mutual respect
At Bensham Grove Nursery School we pride ourselves on the relationship we have with our parents and carers. We value
and respect every single family and make every effort to welcome the whole family across our school setting.
We introduce ourselves using our first names and believe this helps break down any unnecessary barriers and puts everyone
at ease.
We encourage home visits to all our families when they join us to say hello and introduce ourselves where families feel most
comfortable. We support transition through visits to our setting, gradually building the length of time children stay with us until they feel happy, safe and settled. We believe transition needs to be tailored to meet the needs of individual children and will work with you to ensure your child is securely settled in our care.
We welcome contact and conversations on a daily basis and share children’s learning using our Famly app. If you would like to come and have a look around either of our sites, please give us a call and arrange a visit with Jill or Sue,
our Headteachers, who will be delighted to introduce you to the team and show you around.
Our Key Person Approach
Research shows that children thrive when their needs are met by special people who take the time to tune in and get to know
what makes them unique in order to help them feel emotionally secure.
At Bensham Grove Nursery School all of our children have a named key person to help them feel cared for and
celebrated. All staff use their first names with children and their families and invest lots of time building strong relationships together.
Your child’s key person has a very important role to play during your child’s time with us.
They will:
- Help your child feel safe and settled when they arrive each day and work with you to build a partnership between home and school.
- Observe your child’s play within our plan, do, review approach and act as a play partner to support your child’s development.
- Help your child with their personal care and encourage them to develop their independence.
- Let you know about your child’s developing friendships, interests within school and share your child’s progress with you.
- Make sure that any questions you have are answered, dealing with any day to day queries you have about your child and our nursery routine.
Settling In
Communication
Communication is so important to us and something we work hard at. Of course, the best form of communication is through
those daily conversations and welcomes at drop off and pick up.
Other forms of communication are also in place, such as messages displayed in school, the Famly app, stay and play
sessions and actual letters sent home. Parents can send messages through the Famly app to report absence and share
relevant information. We ask that all parents let us know if their child is not going to attend nursery, for safeguarding
reasons.
We encourage parents and carers to come into school if they are at all worried or concerned about anything school related.
There is always a member of the senior staff team available to provide a cuppa and a listening ear!
Absences and Illness
School Holiday Dates
We believe it is really important that, wherever possible, families keep to our holiday dates, so that all children have consistency in school and don’t miss out on valuable, collaborative learning time.
Please click on the link below to see the dates for this academic year, taking note of the staff training days when school will be closed to children.
Term dates – Gateshead Council
The staff training days for the 24-25 academic year, are as follows:
- 02/09/24
- 06/01/25
- 20/06/25