Nursery
Lochpots School Nursery is part of Aberdeenshire Education & Children’s Services. We are registered with the Care Inspectorate (SCSWIS – Social Care & Social Work Improvement Scotland).
There are 40 places available in Lochpots Nursery. Every child is entitled to a fully funded 1140 hours Early Learning & Childcare place at the start of the term following their third birthday.
Some two year olds are also eligible for free Early Learning and Childcare in centres throughout Aberdeenshire. For more information on this please visit:- www.earlylearningandchildcare.scot
Information regarding enrolment is publicised in the local press early in the calendar year and communicated to parents through the school bulletin. For further information go to:- www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/information/early-learning-and-childcare-information/
Learning experiences are provided by appropriately qualified staff who are registered with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council). Our Nursery adheres to Care Inspectorate guidelines and standards and is open to announced and unannounced inspections by this body.
Children’s early learning follows Curriculum for Excellence 3-18 guidelines and principles and Realising the Ambition national practice guidance on early learning and childcare.
Parents should be aware that children who attend Lochpots Nursery but do not live in the Primary School catchment area will not automatically move into our Primary School. Further details can be obtained from the School.
Our Nursery is open from 8am-6pm (split into two sessions: 8am-1pm and 1pm-6pm) five days a week, all year round. This includes all school holidays except for two weeks at Christmas when the Nursery is closed. Parents who choose the “all year round” option can choose five sessions per week, and parents who choose the “term time” option can choose six sessions per week to take advantage of their full 1140 entitlement. If we cannot accommodate your child’s sixth session at Lochpots you may use the hours elsewhere. You can also choose to split your funding between two Nursery settings.
An Early Years Senior Practitioner manages the day to day running of the Nursery under the Head Teacher, with support from the school administration team.
A responsible adult must bring and collect nursery children. They will not be allowed to leave the Nursery premises with a school pupil.
A healthy snack of fruit and vegetables is provided daily for each child. Snack time is a very important part of the day and provides a happy, social time for children to gain independence. Children are encouraged to help prepare the snack and to tidy up afterwards. Parents and carers are asked to help promote this at home by encouraging spreading, pouring and clearing up at mealtimes.
A lunch and high tea (depending on pattern of attendance) is also provided, with milk available daily. If the children do not like milk then water is provided. All meals and snacks are funded by the Scottish Government.
It is important to encourage good eating habits in young children and as we are a “Health Promoting School” much thought is given to planning healthy snacks using the “Setting the Table” document for guidance. During snack time the children have the opportunity to try new flavours and foods.
Allergies are always catered for, but not food preferences (unless for religious reasons).