| "For several
years I dreamed of owning a nursery that would replicate
a family home - where the children:
- are not restricted to one room.
- can play with their siblings and children of different
ages.
- are free to run, play and explore in the
fresh air.
- receive first rate childcare from
dedicated and committed staff.
I have run Newbury Nannies for 20 years,
the local leading agency supplying high quality nannies to
families.
I have always known there are parents that would
like to use a nursery for their children's social and educational
development but are reluctant due to the institutional aspect
of some nurseries.
My dream was for an older, character, property
with plenty of land - my dream has been realised in
Hermitage! The wonderful house is amidst acres of fabulous
grounds. There are huge lawns, mature woodland, leafy glades.
Perfect for exploring, playing and building dens.
Acres of Fun is
all about children learning through play and having fun in
a setting that is the next best place to home.
I have a first class management team in Kay Clark (Manager) and Claire Smith (Deputy Manager). Kay qualified as an NNEB Nursery Nurse in 1987 and has many years of experience, initially working as a Nanny and Nursery Nurse before moving into management. Kay has previously managed two day nurseries and also branched out into a slightly different role, adopting a senior management position at an exclusive health club. Here Kay became involved in recruitment and training, as well as advising on children’s activities. In 2003 Kay became a mother herself and joined Acres of Fun, taking over the role of Nursery Manager in September 2004. With her son attending the nursery part time, Kay really does understand the needs of a working parent.
Claire gained her NNEB qualification in 1993 and worked in several different nurseries before becoming Deputy Manager of the Creche at Cannons Health Club. Claire subsequently progressed to Creche Manager and was then promoted to Assistant Manager of the entire Club, where she gained her vast management experience. Claire joined Acres of Fun in September 2004 and has proved a valuable member of staff, becoming Deputy Manager in February 2005.
Many of my staff are working mothers
- so we do understand how parents feel when they leave their
precious children in someone else's care. A member of staff
is allocated to every family to support the children and
parents; and keep them closely involved with their children’s
experiences at Acres of Fun.
There is a lovely, bright and
airy room for the tiny babies. This downstairs room leads
directly onto a patio so the babies can sleep in prams in
the fresh air. As my children did!
Children are allocated
a base room and use the many other rooms where various
activities are offered and, of course, the glorious garden.
There is a designated Art Room. There is lots of music and
I bring in specialist dance and drama teachers regularly. Our wide curriculum covers all the areas
stipulated by OFSTED and a great deal more - learning is
such fun at Acres of Fun!
We produce delicious
and nutritious home-cooked meals. Children and staff eat
together - replicating family mealtimes and to encourage
good manners, eating habits and social skills.
Children that
love animals adore the Pets’ Pen! We
have rabbits and guinea pigs for them to stroke and cuddle.
Twiglet, my children's pony visits regularly to give rides.
When
the time comes for your child to leave Acres of Fun and move
onto school we want them to be confident, happy children
with a sense of care and consideration for others. They will
also have received an outstanding educational start ready
for the next stage in their young lives.
However, we never
forget that the children entrusted to our care are very young
and should have fun. Acres of Fun offers exceptional childcare
in exceptional surroundings.
Why not come and meet us? We
are all really friendly, and we love showing parents around
Acres of Fun!"
Nicola Walters, Owner & Managing Director
Testimonials:
Thank you all so very much Meggie loves
her Thursdays with you and I feel completely happy knowing
what safe and caring hands she is in - Kara Myhill.
Thank you all for making Jack so welcome
at Acres of Fun. He has proudly brought home some lovely
art work and tells me what his stories are
about. To my amazement Jack is even eating and drinking things
he says he doesn't like at home! Above all you make Jack
and I feel that he's special to you all - Denny Holland.
Thanks for providing such a wonderful
environment for Edward and the other children - Tim and
Rebecca Morrison.
Acres of Fun is not only a wonderful
concept, but also a nursery with quite clearly the happiest
staff which is a credit to management and a lady with a clear
vision of what she wanted and wants in the future - Susie Brown.
Ian and I could not be more pleased with everything. You
have a wonderful, caring staff and it is a great relief to
know Fergus is in your hands - Emma McKendrick.
Initially, after reading your leaflet, I was cynical about
the ability of a nursery that could offer such a homely and
family environment with such competent caring staff, but
Nicola you have achieved it - Mike Ware. |
