Nursery schools take responsibility for the care and education of children. Their main focus is to tend to children who don’t attend school yet. Some nursery schools extend their services to other age groups for after school care. Nursery schools need to follow strict guidelines in terms of health and security to create a beneficial environment for children.
Popular Nursery School Services Include:
Looking after babies
In South Africa maternity leave ranges from three to six months. Nursery schools help these mothers by offering babysitting services for when mothers return to work. Babies need constant attention and the personnel need to be trained in health aspects and infant care.
Looking after toddlers
Nursery schools follow routines of play, lessons and rest, so all toddlers’ needs are seen to. Nursery schools have separate classes for different age groups. Each group needs unique attention, because their emotional and intellectual requirements differ. South Africa’s climate allows for outside play through most of the year, which is a perfect stimulation for children’s imaginations.
After school services for children and teenagers
Nursery schools expand their services to accommodate primary and high school students. These students join the centres after school. Nursery school employees help with homework if necessary and make sure the children receive lunch.
This type of centre is ideal for parents who have kids of various ages. Kids are kept safe and looked after while parents work. Parents only have to drive to one centre to pick up all the kids.
Extra-curricular activities
In South Africa there’s a huge focus on developing children’s potential. Part of this development involves art and culture. Nursery schools include this in their lesson times, but can also offer extra-curricular activities for a more focused approach. These activities usually come at an additional expense to parents and are not compulsory.
Holiday programs
Parents take their children to nursery schools’ holiday programs if a centre does offer them. This service offers children a safe environment to play in, while parents need to work. The programs usually include entertaining activities which prevent children becoming bored.
5 Tips when looking for a Nursery School
1. What curriculum is followed?
Age two to six is an important developmental stage in any human’s life. The foundation of his or her future is laid down in these few years. It’s important that nursery schools follow curriculums that stimulate a child’s brain and helps him or her develop to their full potential. Enquire about a nursery school’s curriculum so you know how beneficial it will be for your child.
2. Is the child-caretaker ratio acceptable?
There are laws that determine what the ratio between children and caretakers in nursery schools should be. Make sure the nursery school you pick, keeps to these guidelines. This influences a child’s safety and quality of care.
3. Make sure about your child’s nutrition
Some nursery schools offer meals, while others require parents to send food with a child every day. Enquire about the nursery school’s policy and what their menus are like if applicable. You should also inspect the kitchen, so you know if health regulations are followed during food preparation.
4. An open door policy is usually the best
Nursery schools often have an open door policy, which allows parents to enter the premises and classes at any time. This is usually a sign that the nursery school operates well, as they don’t attempt to hide anything from parents. Use this opportunity to check in on your children, so you know whether their daily experiences are positive.
5. Enquire about security measures
Excellent security is vital on any premises where kids are looked after. There should be policies and methods in place to make sure children don’t accidentally run into traffic outside the centre. There shouldn’t be any chance of unauthorised individuals coming near the children. Discuss these measures with the nursery school so you know your child is kept safe while you’re not with him or her.