YMCA Little Fir Tree Nursery, Melksham

The Little Fir Tree Nursery opened in September 2005 as part of the Children’s Centre. In January 2008, Bath YMCA took on the management of the nursery in an agreement with the centre and Wiltshire County Council.

It is a modern nursery with exceptional facilities both inside and in the garden areas. It is conveniently located with easy access and parking for parents / carers dropping off & collecting their children. The low wooden design was purpose built and ensures that all areas are easily accessed by the children and there is plenty of natural light. It is a spacious nursery where children have plenty of room to make their own.

Our aim is to provide high quality childcare in an environment that recognises every child is unique and to cater for their individual needs. Our experienced and qualified staff are central to the success of our nursery. All babies and children have a key worker allocated to them and the key worker is responsible for the primary care of your child and the first access point for the parent. Information shared about your child will be held in absolute confidence.

Within the nursery we help all children to experience and learn a variety of skills appropriate to their stage of development. Activities are designed to be play centred and take place in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We want the nursery to be a home from home environment where your child will feel at ease and among friends and people who care about them. This helps promote self confidence, independence and a positive outlook which are important qualities for going on into school and later life.

Little Fir Trees offers full time, part-time and sessional care for children from 3 months to 5 years.

Play Based Learning

Daily activities are based on the new Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and is enhanced by great staff and a high standard of resources and equipment. The curriculum divides into 4 areas of learning:

1. A unique child
2. Positive relationships
3. Enabling development
4. Learning and development

The learning goals are:

Communication, language and literacy
Personal, social and emotional development
Mathematical development
Knowledge and understanding of the World
Physical development
Creative development

We incorporate all of the above strategies in delivering our activities that help develop children’s confidence, self-esteem and inter-personal skills.

Inside

There are three distinct areas within the nursery each offering care for different age groups; all bright and airy and well lit. The rooms are divided into:

Little Stars - 3 months to 18 months – the baby room is a homely environment specifically designed to meet the needs of this age group. The babies have a separate sleeping room with soft dimmed lighting and in the main room there are plenty of activities designed specifically for this age group. The staff / child ratio for this age is 1:3 and the unit can accommodate 12 babies.
Sunshine Room – 18 months to 3 years – the toddler room is a large, bright area which provides space for exploration and active play. Trained staff meet the needs of this age group by planning stimulating experiences for the children both indoors and outdoors. The staff/child ratio is 1:4 and the room can accommodate 20 children.
Rainbow Room – 3 to 4 years – we have two interlocking rooms designed to meet the needs of the pre-school child. At this age the children continue to learn through play and practical experiences. We place an emphasis on social skills and independence. The staff / child ration is 1:8 and the whole area can accommodate up to 26 children.

Outside

We are fortunate to benefit from excellent outdoor space at this nursery. There is a mixture of fixed and mobile play equipment and we make full use of the facility whatever the weather. Waterproofs and wellie boots are on standby should they be needed. The children enjoy gardening activities and growing their own fruit and veg.

Healthy Eating

All meals are cooked on site and we provide: breakfast, mid morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and a light tea.

Holiday Clubs and Out of School Clubs / Other activities

The nursery operates a Breakfast Club and an After School Club, as well as a Holiday Club that is open all through the summer holidays and each half term.
The Little Fir Tree Nursery has facilities in place to provide a crèche place for your child if you access a training / learning course through the King’s Park Children’s Centre – most courses are held within the grounds of the school.

The Nursery also has a Speech and Language room with regular input from Speech and Language Therapists, should your child require this service.

Session Times and Prices

The nursery is registered for 58 children and offers full day care, half days and sessional care.

Opening times are Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm, 52 weeks of the year. The nursery is closed on Bank Holidays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

We offer the following sessions:

	Morning	Afternoon
Half Day Care	8.00am – 1pm	1pm – 6pm
Full Day Care	8am – 6pm
Short Day	9.00am – 3.30pm

Fees

Little Stars Baby Room - £4.10 per hour
Meal Prices
Breakfast £0.35
Lunch £1.10
Tea £0.95

Sunshine Toddler Room - £3.80 per hour
Meal Prices
Breakfast £0.35
Lunch £2.00
Tea £0.95

Rainbow Pre-School - £3.55 per hour
Meal Prices
Breakfast £0.35
Lunch £2.00
Tea £0.95

Registration

Prospective parents / carers are welcome to arrange an appointment to view the nursery. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.