36 Thursday, August 21, 2014 Follow our summer stars on Twitter @Comet_Jake and @Comet_Chloe &KORH -DNH DQG NHC students grow up so fast... Chloe Burden and Jake Tillbrook [email protected] [email protected] F or the Comet interns’ last North Hertfordshire College page the theme is Childhood Studies. Here we interview Linda Frisch, the manager of Wonderland Nursery, to find out more about the world of childcare. Wonderland Nursery, based in Letchworth, offers work experience placements to NHC students taking childhood studies who are interested in forging a career in the education field. Asked what the students learn while they are working at the nursery, Linda said: “They learn practical childcare skills, communication skills and can gain confidence.” The family-run business cares for children aged from three months to five- years-old, who are each assigned to a key carer. This carer supports the child or children while they learn and develop, and also works in partnership with the parents and/or carers. Ofsted has rated Wonderland Nursery as ‘outstanding’, the top mark available. This year the nursery is celebrating its 20th anniversary, with events planned by parents and staff on September 5 and 6. Linda, from Hitchin, said: “The students gain knowledge and understanding of the role of the adult in childcare. “Many think at first it is just playing with the children, but there is a lot more to it than that.” The nursery takes on four students at a time and each of them have a role to play while they are part of the programme. Linda said: “Wonderland Nursery is happy to support students because it enables our own staff to develop mentoring skills and to keep up to date with the expectations of childcare It supports their studies and enables them to put the college based learning into practice Wonderland Nursery W onderland Nursery is rated as outstanding by Ofsted and has been providing quality childcare in Letchworth since 1994. Here those who run it explain some of the services they offer. The day nursery is a large, wellresourced building which is child friendly and able to accommodate more than 100 children in their key groups. We have a separate baby unit with safe spaces where babies can comfortably sleep, eat, explore and play both indoors and out. In the main area of the nursery children move around the different areas with their key carer and have an opportunity to explore a range of activities which are both adult-led and of the child’s own choosing including mark making, construction, small world toys, art and craft, puzzles and books. Outside in the garden, children enjoy playing on the ride-on toys, digging in the sand pit or exploring the natural resources in the investigation area. We also enjoy walks into the local community to visit the library, courses and qualifications.” Linda also mentioned that the nursery has taken students on full-time after college and said she herself had gained her qualifications through NHC. When asked if she thought the experience is worthwhile for the students, she added: “Yes, it supports their studies and enables them to put the college based learning into practice. “The students are supported while they plan for an activity to be observed and gain confidence by having a go with the support of the practitioners beforehand.” The work experience scheme came about a number of years ago when NHC approached Wonderland Nursery asking if they would like to be part of the scheme, something Linda was more than happy to do. To mark the nusery’s anniversary, a fun day which is open to the general public is being held at Wonderland Nursery, on Saturday, September 6, between 11am and 3pm. To find out more about the nursery visit www.wonderlandnursery.co.uk. Childhood Studies courses available at North Hertfordshire College Certificate in Caring For a Child/Children (entry 3) park and local shops. In addition, there are rooms where the children can have small group times to explore early maths, Jolly Phonics, cooking and music with Tiny Mites. There is also a sensory room equipped with touch screen computers, bubble tube and projector. The competitive fees are inclusive of Tiny Mites Music, meals, nappies and other consumables. We also offer fortnightly optional drama classes for children over the age of two for a slight additional cost. Our fully qualified catering staff prepare meals from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and adapt our seasonal menus to meet individual dietary needs. We were awarded five stars in our recent environmental health inspection. To find out more about the nursery and what we can offer your child please visit our website www. wonderlandnursery.co.uk or contact us by emailing enquiries@ wonderlandnursery.co.uk Diploma in Caring for Children Level 1 Award in Progression Level 1 Award in Progression Level 2 Award in Paediatric First Aid Diploma in Child Care and Education National Diploma in Children’s Care Learning & Development L3 Early Years Educator for the Work-Based Learner Foundation Degree in Early Years Foundation Degree in Working with Young People COMET