.Pre-school children and their families will always have diverse needs and it is the childcare provider's role to understand this and to take reasonable steps to meet these needs.
In a buoyant economic climate, when nursery places are at a premium, it is harder to meet individual needs. But in the current climate there may be more opportunities and a greater business need to adapt services to meet families' changing needs.
Kiddikins Nursery has been operating as a not-for-profit community organisation for 19 years. It is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday throughout the year, offering 24 places for children aged two to five years and 120 places for those from birth to two years. The nursery is now located in a children's centre in the central estate area of Hartlepool.
The families who use the nursery are working families who require full daycare and lone parents attending training, education or courses at the children's centre. The effect of the economic climate in the local area means the nursery has seen an increase in take-up of places by non-working parents over the past year.
PARTNERSHIP WORKING
The nursery has always had a community focus and has historically tried to offer flexible solutions for families. So the introduction of the 15 hours and the flexible offer had very little impact on day-to-day practice. For this nursery, it was business as usual. The nursery manager continues to discuss individual needs with each family and tries to provide a place that reflects these needs.
At the same time, Kiddikins recognises that parents' needs have changed. The extended day is providing childcare needed for working families and creates opportunities for parents who are not working to attend training, which helps them prepare for and attend job interviews.
Partnership working with parents is thought to be a real strength. Home-nursery diaries are used for two-way communication about children's development.
The staff team understands the effects of the economic climate and the additional pressure being placed on the families and children who attend. Families have experienced job losses, unemployment and debt. The nursery staff receive additional outreach training through the children's centre to provide the team with the skills to talk to parents. Staff now have the confidence they need to signpost families to the appropriate support services they may require.
FURTHER INFORMATION
James Hempsall is director of training and research provider Hempsall's (www.hempsallconsultancies.com).