Why Mini VIPs?
We give children the chance to learn, play and explore safely. We encourage them to think for themselves, make choices and get involved – in a supported, happy and loving environment.
Being homely and educational, provides a strong foundation for those all-too-soon school years, and gives them a gentle introduction to the outside world – which even for us can be a bit daunting at times!
At Mini VIPs we have developed our own curriculum with seven outcomes that we strive for every child to achieve during their time with us.
We want all our children to learn how to:
- Be confident communicators
- Look after their own bodies
- Have warm and supportiverelationships
- Be confident in their own abilities, have a positive sense of self and manage their emotions
- Follow and understand our golden rules and be kind to others
- Be enthusiastic learners
- Be part of the wider community
We recognise that all children are individual and will learn and develop at their own pace. Therefore how we support the seven outcomes, and what that outcome means will differentiate depending on the age and developmental stage of each child.
We are an accredited communication friendly setting having undergone communication and language training. We are knowledgeable on how to interact with children and creating communication friendly spaces within the rooms. Staff are trained in total communication using Makaton signs alongside spoken language in all three of our nursery rooms. This enables children to communicate their wants and needs before they have acquired the speech to do so, helping reduce frustration and enable us to communicate more effectively with all children.
Childcare vouchers welcome
We’re happy to take government-funded vouchers so your family benefits from free childcare.
We accept 2 year (15 hours), 3 year (15hours) and 30 hour funding and tax free childcare vouchers. Please see childcare choices for more information and eligibility.
We accept funding between 9am and 3pm either term time or stretched over a calender year.
Here’s our ABC of why children flourish as Mini VIPs
A is for a personal Approach
Our Mini VIPs are treated as individuals, we get to know each and every one of them. Settling-in sessions are tailored to the needs of your child and we’re flexible and supportive of their and your needs. Beginning nursery can be both daunting and exciting for parents and children alike. Become part of the Mini VIPs family and we’ll be with you every baby step of the way.
B is for Being happy
Our overall aim is for your child (and you), to be happy. Knowing and treating our Mini VIPs as individuals means we will go above and beyond to ensure your child feels loved, secure and supported. We encourage each child to thrive and develop at their own pace and take pride in their achievements. Feeling happy and safe is the best starting point for learning.
C is for Communication
All our Mini VIPs have a Key Person who can provide daily updates on their progress, as well as more in-depth chats by appointment. We hold six-monthly Parents Evenings and Open Days. We have daily communication books for our caterpillars noting sleeps, feeds, nappy changes and play and encourage parents to use these too. We complete a termly review for every child, updating parents on their child’s progress and some of the specific activities they have enjoyed, alongside what we are working on supporting next.
D is for Dedicated team
Between them our carefully selected staff have decades of experience in looking after little ones as qualified nursery and childcare and teaching professionals. As you’d expect, safety and ongoing training are paramount. All staff are DBS checked, trained in Child Protection, Paediatric First Aid and share our passion, dedication, motivation and values.
E is for Excellent facilities
Our purpose-designed, indoor and outdoor facilities in Winchcombe provide a perfect Cotswold setting. We’ve a water area, sensory garden, fruit and veg patch, plus fields, parks, walks, sports and popular attractions on our doorstep. Our nursery chef provides home-cooked meals from locally-sourced ingredients daily, giving us a ‘Very Good’ Food Hygiene rating of 5-star.
F is for Fun
We believe learning should be fun. We love rolling our sleeves up and getting messy as much as our Mini VIPs do. We dance, sing, draw, bake, create music, play sports, tend our garden, visit Winchcombe Library, paddle in the River Isbourne, cavort at Sudeley Castle and let off steam at GWR railway. There’s not much we don’t do and learn at Mini VIPs – all with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts.
We hold an impressive range of professional qualifications and have detailed policies and procedures in place. We take seriously the safeguarding of all children in our care. We practice safer recruitment, and all our staff are DBS enhanced checked for childcare. Safeguarding training forms part of the induction programme for our staff from Day 1. 85% of staff who work directly with children are Paediatric First Aid trained and staff undergo a variety of other courses including food hygiene, specific under 2’s training and schema training to name a few. All permanent nursery staff are qualified to Level 3 in childcare or above or working towards the qualification.
