We arrange our waiting list in order of date of the application received for each year group. We are flexible about attendance patterns; however we do recommend children start with a minimum of two sessions a week.
We do not take bookings more than nine months in advance of commencement, unless there is no availability until later, or a sibling is already attending The Ark who will continue to do so during the intervening period.
To secure a childcare place we ask parents to pay a deposit of 50% of four weeks’ fees when booking. This deposit is refundable when your child leaves The Ark, but not if you do not take up the place you have booked.
Fees are payable monthly, in advance, and we request one month’s notice for any reduction of hours or cancellation of a childcare place.
Prospectus
You can download a copy of our prospectus here.
Policies
You can view our policies here:
Newsletter
You can download a copy of our most recent newsletter here.
Term Dates 2024
Autumn Term 2024
Thursday 5th September – Thursday 19th December
inset/holiday club days: Monday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th September
Half term and holiday club: Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November
inset holiday club day: Friday 20th December
Christmas Closure week: Monday 23rd December – Wednesday 1st January 2025
inset/holiday club days: Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd January 2025
SEND
(Special Educational Needs and Disability)
Children with Additional Needs
The Ark prides itself on being a fully inclusive nursery. We aim to offer all children who attend The Ark a safe, fun and stimulating environment where they can learn through play and work towards the Early Years Foundation Stage targets. We have two trained SEND Coordinators who attend regular training to keep up to date and staff have training in Promoting Early Interactive Conversation – Dorset, Picture Exchange Communication System, Sign-a-long, and Common Assessment Framework. The Ark works closely with outside agencies and professionals such as Portage, Speech and Language and Physiotherapists, all programmes will be carried out in the setting by a SENDCo or child’s key worker. We fully support children with an Education, Health and Care plan and where required an Individual Plan will be put in place by the SENDCo and child’s key worker.
The Ark is a modern, purpose built setting and is completely accessible for all, with the use of a disability bay for parking. The main entrance is on level ground and there is access via a ramp to the garden. We have a ground floor toilet, wheelchair accessible toilet and facilities for intimate care for older children with additional needs. All our rooms have adjustable height tables, making activities accessible for those in wheelchairs. There is a large outside area which is extremely well equipped, again much of which is accessible to children in wheelchairs. Staff in all rooms use Signalong to communicate with children with language difficulties.
The Ark has an Equal Opportunties & Special Needs Policy. You can read the Policies here:
http://www.thearkchildokeford.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Special-Needs-Policy-Equal-Opportunity-Policy.pdf
Tapestry
Tapestry is a software package designed for nurseries which builds a very special record of a child’s experiences, development and learning journey through their early years. Using photos, videos, and diary entries, our staff, along with the child’s parents or carers, and the child themselves if they’re ready, ‘weave’ the story of the child and how they are growing and developing. The Tapestry platform enables these memories to be kept as a permanent record of each child’s unique journey. All information held in the platform is stored securely and can be downloaded and shared as required. Parents or carers are able to view their child’s progress, the activities provided for them, and how much fun they’re having, whilst also uploading their own comments and media.
The communication between staff and parents that Tapestry enables, helps build a shared understanding of how every child can reach their full potential. The Tapestry online learning journal is also available as an easy-to-use, secure app, meaning capturing key learning moments, and videoing milestones are even easier.
Nutrition
All of our meals and snacks are prepared onsite by our cook from fresh ingredients where possible. We are able to cater for children with food allergies.
Nutrition Policy
This is an example of a typical weekly menu:
Breakfast
Cereals, porridge, toast with various toppings, orange juice or milk
Lunch
Fish fingers with new potatoes & mixed vegetables
Spaghetti bolognaise
Cottage pie with swede & broccoli
Roast chicken, roast potatoes, cauliflower & carrots
Macaroni Cheese & green beans
Tea
Wraps with Ham or Egg with Carrot & Cucumber Sticks; Apples & Melon
Beans on Toast; Grapes & Banana
Cheese & Tomato Pasta; Malt Loaf
Ploughman’s with Apple, Pickles, Cucumber & Humus
Fish Finger Sandwich; Yoghurt
Useful Links
From April 2024, working parents of 2 year olds will be able to access 15 hours free childcare per week.
