Sunshine Day Nursery in South Croydon was established in 2013 and has quickly become one of the leading nurseries in the Croydon area. We provide part-time and full-time childcare for children between the age of 3 months and 5 years and are open Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm for 51 weeks in the year.
The nursery is conveniently located within walking distance from the High Street just off Coombe Road. The nursery is also within close proximity to South Croydon and East Croydon train stations as well as East Croydon and George Street tram stops.
The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage to support all aspects of learning and development for young children. This offers children the very best start and develops confidence, independence, knowledge and understanding to support their transition to school.
The nursery has its own on-site cook, who prepares freshly cooked meals every day and there is also plenty of outdoor space for the children to explore and play.
Our setting
Baby room
Babies are welcome at the nursery from the age of three months. Babies join the nursery slowly over a two-week settling in period. This allows the baby and parents time to get used to the nursery setting, the baby room and the staff. Our baby room staff understand how difficult joining nursery can be for parents and babies and are experienced at helping to make it as comfortable as possible. They are enthusiastic and work hard to help give the babies the best start to their time at the nursery.
Each day, a variety of activities are set out based on the children’s interests and development including messy activities such as textured body painting, sand play, water play and cooking for them to explore.
Our routine is based on all of the babies’ individual needs, from when they need milk, sleep and play time. Our room is very bright, warm, friendly and welcoming to all visitors and families. We love to include parents with their child’s development by giving them daily feedback and by regularly discussing their child’s development folders.
We also have sessions when parents are invited to come to the nursery to do an activity with their child(ren) such as make Easter nests or bake cakes. Whenever possible, staff take the babies on outings to the local library for music sessions or out for a walk in the nursery buggies.
Toddler room
Children move to the toddler room when they start to become more independent, such as by feeding themselves. Toddlers are usually ready to be potty trained, and staff are happy to provide support and advice on this to parents.
Every morning, toddlers have small group time which focuses on the core areas or learning in the EYFS and gives the children some experience of adult-led activities. The children enjoy getting messy and creative with paint and cornflour so this is something we do regularly. The children have access to sand and water each day as well as a variety of resources.
The children are taken into the garden at least twice a day weather permitting, and also regularly go on outings to the local area, such as the park and library.
Pre-school
Children move to pre-school when they have become more independent. Activities in pre-school begin to be more adult-led in preparation for school. In particular, children have two small group sessions which focus on age appropriate activities covering the EYFS areas of learning.
Children are encouraged in various self-help skills such as beginning to eat with proper cutlery, learning to go to the toilet alone and washing their hands. At meal times, children are encouraged to pour their own drinks and serve themselves.
Before leaving to go to school, children are taken to visit their new school, where the school permits by nursery staff to give them an idea of what it will be like. We also have a pre-school leavers party with a graduation ceremony, which parents are invited to attend.
Our staff
Our staff are dedicated to working hard to provide a safe and warm environment for the children at our nursery. All staff have safeguarding children and paediatric first aid training regularly and undergo enhanced CRB checks to ensure their suitability. We also give our staff good development opportunities and offer continuous training in order to keep them updated on the latest news within childcare.
All children have a member of staff assigned as their key person. This person acts as a key point of contact for parents and works to ensure the child is settled at the nursery and that their care and activities are tailored towards the child’s needs and interests.