Our Mission Statement
In a society where we are all rushing around and have a lack of time and where, so often, children’s freedom is restricted, our mission is to provide children with the space and freedom to move freely between exciting, open ended play opportunities and to be given the time they deserve and need to learn, discover and have a go.
Major restoration and redesign works transformed the building making it a fantastic environment specifically designed around the needs of young children.
To the front of the property is a large car park ensuring drop off and collection times are as stress free as possible. Our reception area provides a warm welcome, somewhere to sit and relax and houses our lending library and a wealth of useful information.
Situated in Hadleigh on the A13 ensures easy access by car, public transport and on foot. We are on a major bus route and close to both Leigh and Benfleet train stations. Hadleigh town centre with all its amenities is a short walk resulting in Sandcastles being embedded within the local community.
Each of these areas are spacious allowing the scope of play/learning opportunities to only be limited by the children’s own imagination and as we we all know, children have wonderful imaginations! These gardens have areas of grass carpeting for large construction play, making dens, sharing stories, role play, climbing and so the list goes on. There are mud kitchens, sand and water play, wheeled toy areas, a tree house, a stage, fairy cottage, woodwork area, investigation areas and so much more.
We are a local family with four children. We have been involved and worked in education and nursery provision in the area for many years. Both of us are qualified primary teachers and hold the degree of Bachelor of Education (with Honours). In addition to this, Darren is National Nursery Examination Board qualified (NNEB) and has Early Years Professional Status. Kate is qualified to teach English as a foreign language.
As parents we are sympathetic to families leaving their children in nursery care and are always willing to listen to and help with individual’s needs. We believe a nursery is only as good as its staff and to this end all our teaching and support staff are carefully selected by their qualifications, willingness to learn, experience and for their caring, warm approach and love of children. We follow a continual training programme in order that our staff are up to date with current practices and policies relating to the care and development of children.
I joined Sandcastles team in September 2016 working with the preschool aged children. I hold a L3 childcare qualification and have gained many years of experience. I previously worked in a nursery and when I started my own family I registered as a childminder. As a childminder I was able to tailor the learning to the individual and I feel at Sandcastles we are supporting the children in this way in a group environment. I have a family of my own and can empathise with parents leaving them in the care of others. As a family we enjoy holidays, festivals, trips to the woods and spending time with our extended family.
Building a strong relationship with parents is pivotal and we understand the trust that is needed in leaving your child with unfamiliar adults. Forming these relationships starts when you come to visit us, at which time we encourage you to ask questions and get a feel for who we are and what we do.
Building a strong relationship with parents is pivotal and we understand the trust that is needed in leaving your child with unfamiliar adults. Forming these relationships starts when you come to visit us, during which time we encourage you to ask questions and get a feel for who we are and what we do.
The Seahorses provision has been designed to support the EYFS creating firm foundations for your child’s learning and development. Whilst your child engages within the areas, the staff team’s interaction and engagement will support their growing self-awareness, independence and progression, tracking their development alongside the EYFS. This is documented using written observations, videos and photographs within their online learning journal.
Building a strong relationship with parents is pivotal and we understand the trust that is needed in leaving your child with a stranger. Forming this relationship starts when you come to visit us, during which time we encourage you to ask questions and get a feel for who we are and what we do.
Our Breakfast and After School Club welcome children from full time education up to 11 years of age. We drop off and collect from Hadleigh and West Leigh Schools. We are committed to promoting the well-being and development of your children in a stimulating yet relaxed environment. We appreciate that school is very taxing and do our utmost to make all after school activities fun and informal. We offer a wide range of equipment and resources enabling children to enjoy art, craft and messy activities, role play, games, computers and our gym area. Children also have access to our range of outside areas which include woodwork, sand and water, a large grassed area plus much more. In addition, there are areas to relax and have quiet time. Children are able to complete homework if necessary and internet linked computers and our book area are always available.
