Parental involvement is key to the success of Auden Place. Parents do not see it as a setting where all the responsibility lies with the staff, in fact, they helped to save it from closure and were central to its remarkable turnaround.
An energetic management committee made up of parents support this community nursery's committed manager and staff team. Monthly committee meetings allow parents to have a say on how the nursery is run and challenge staff to continue to push for excellence.
The parents bring a myriad of skills, with committee members ranging from an accountant to conservation scientist and opera singer. The nursery's Garden in the Sky project was conceived, designed and delivered by a team of parents providing their professional skills for free, ranging from architecture to event management. The setting also benefits from pro bono accounting and financial advice by a Big Four firm that was arranged by a parent.
Parents are actively recognised as the first and most important educators of their children and exchanging information is given a daily priority - the manager's desk is in reception, so she can greet all parents and children.
Parents can stay with their children for up to two weeks while they settle in and staff also work closely with parents during transitional events. There are weekly stay-and-play sessions so parents can spend time with the child in the setting and regular parents' evenings.
A university project at the nursery, designed and conducted by one of the nursery parents who specialises in family learning, is aiming to build an even closer partnership between the nursery and parents.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Lincolnshire Montessori, Caistor, Lincolnshire
Following a review of services, Lincolnshire Montessori developed the 'Children and Parents First' approach to working with families. Opportunities for parents to be involved in the nursery life include a 'Montessori for parents' course, monthly Saturday workshops for children and parents to work with artists, parent drop-ins, newsletters and an annual 'How are we doing?' survey.
NAS EarlyBird Centre, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
The programme was developed in response to demand from parents of pre-school children for support and advice following their child's diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The model combines the supportive group dynamic of learning alongside other families and one-to-one home-visit support. Parents learn to understand their child's autism, learn about communication and how to deal with behavioural challenges.
Criterion
Open to services or projects that support parents, enhance their understanding of their children's learning and development, or improve children's outcomes through involvement and co-operation with families.
Sponsored by asquith day nurseries