Keeping your little ones healthy and safe - March 2024 Newsletter

We’re proud to share that Toad Hall Nursery Group has been recognised as Runner-Up in the Best SEN Support category and named a finalist for Childcare Provider of the Year at the 2025 Childcare Services Awards! This national recognition is a proud moment for our team and reflects our ongoing dedication to inclusive practice and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Each of our nurseries has a dedicated SENDCo who works closely with children, parents, and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our dedicated SEN team provides guidance on referrals, accessing support, funding, and sharing key information to help families navigate their child's developmental journey. We believe in personalised learning to cater to each child's unique needs. Here are some of the things we have in place to make that happen. Makaton is integrated into daily routines, songs, and storytelling to create a more accessible learning environment. Visual aids are used throughout the nurseries to support children with hearing difficulties. We incorporate schemas into play to encourage child-led learning experiences, such as enclosed spaces, spinning objects, and movement-based activities. Activities are adapted to individual needs, including smaller group sessions, quiet spaces, and sensory-friendly materials. “We are honoured to have been recognised in these prestigious awards. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and expertise of our team in supporting children with additional needs. At Toad Hall, inclusion is not just a principle, it’s a core part of our ethos. We proudly provide a nurturing environment where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential - all while making magical memories along the way.” Katrina Otomoso, Head of Operations Our dedication to inclusive, high-quality early years education has never been stronger. Thank you to our incredible staff, supportive families, and wider community for helping us achieve this proud moment.

We’re celebrating a truly remarkable achievement - our amazing Nursery Manager, Kerry, from Toad Hall Nursery in Horley, has been part of our family for an incredible 20 years! Kerry’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment shine through every day. She goes above and beyond to support children, families, and staff, making a lasting impact on everyone around her. Her journey began as an Apprentice, and over the years, Kerry has gained extensive experience in various roles, continually developing her skills. Kerry holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years and a Level 5 qualification in SEND, which has shaped her into the outstanding leader she is today. Her expertise was reflected in the nursery’s last glowing Ofsted report (November 2022), which highlighted the strong support for children with SEND, stating: "Support for children with SEND is a strength of the nursery. As a result, children with SEND make good progress in learning and development."

We are thrilled to share the news that our Hitchin nursery has received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted! This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion our team puts into providing exceptional care and learning experiences for the children who attend. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the highlights from the inspection report.

Stay up-to-date with the latest health and safety news for children

To round off National Apprenticeship Week, we delved into Jordan’s apprenticeship story to find out more about the progression opportunities available to those who start as an apprentice.

Hear from 2024' Awesome Apprentice Liam

This week we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week!

From September 2025, the amount of funded childcare available is expanding!

Upcoming changes to childcare support