Empowering children to thrive, one story at a time
At Cygnets, we are a registered charity managed by a Committee of volunteers and employ a team of passionate, skilled, and friendly staff. We are proud to have recently received an Ofsted Outstanding rating. Based in the rural village of Great Whelnetham, 4 miles from Bury St Edmunds, we provide Early Years education and childcare for children aged 2 years and 9 months to school age. Our Breakfast and After School clubs provide care for children aged up to age 11 (end of Year 6). We are open between the hours of 8am and 6pm in term-time.
Our Environment
Our physical environment is designed to allow children maximum independence and autonomy, which promotes high self-esteem and desirable behaviour. Our emotional environment provides children with the tools to develop resilience and independence and to have a positive image of themselves, as well as a positive attitude to learning. Our Positive Behaviour Policy further supports these outcomes. Our building is on one level with accessible toilets, making it suitable for people with disabilities.
The Importance of Partnerships
Building partnerships with our families and community is essential to us. This, along with a child-centred, holistic approach, means our children become confident in their own agency, and their voices are heard and acted upon. We believe that children learn best and are happiest when they feel secure and have formed an attachment with a special person. In Cygnets, we achieve this through our key person system, where each child and their family are allocated a key person who becomes that special person.
Our Activities
We offer a range of activities to promote learning and development. These include daily trips to the park, library, local kennels, and Post Office, as well as bigger trips to places such as Thetford Forest, Bressingham Steam Museum, and Banham Zoo. We also support local/national charities with special events to help raise funds and awareness. Some of the activities we have held in the past include Macmillan Cancer, Dementia Cupcake Day, Red Nose Day, Children in Need, and the Gatehouse Foodbank in Bury St Edmunds.
Parent Partnership
We believe that parent partnership is vital in achieving the best outcomes for your child. Your key person will help your child to settle in our setting, support you to confidently leave your child with us, work in partnership with you to achieve best outcomes for your child, and be responsible for your child's learning and recording development in their Learning Journey. They will update you with your child's progress verbally and by sharing their Learning Journey with you. We also hold regular Parents' Evenings and Stay 'n' Play sessions along with other special events, giving you the opportunity to join us and experience life in Cygnets.
Our Philosophy
At Cygnets, we believe that every child is unique, with their own individual needs. We offer an inspiring environment, both physical and emotional, in which children can achieve their potential and thrive. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) gives all children the right to opportunities and experiences which enable them to fulfil their potential as life-long learners, and to be valued members of their community and the wider world.
Working with You
Working hand in hand with our parents is essential to us and vital to make sure your child has the opportunity to achieve best outcomes, fulfil their potential, and importantly, be happy. We believe that children learn best and are happiest when they feel secure and have formed an attachment with a special person. In Cygnets, we do this with our key person system, where each child and their family are allocated a key person who becomes that special person.
Get in Touch
For our latest events and news, please see our Facebook Page. We look forward to welcoming you to Cygnets Childcare.
Excellence in Childcare
The reviews for this establishment are overwhelmingly positive, with both authors singling out the staff as being exceptional.
Warm Welcoming Atmosphere
Both Tasha Bacchus and Amelia Woozley mention the staff's ability to make parents feel welcome and worry-free. Tasha's review specifically highlights how the staff are amazing and make you feel welcome, while Amelia notes that the staff demonstrate a genuine care for the children.
Exceptional Care
Amelia's review praises the nursery's attention to detail and dedication to positive behaviour management, suggesting that the staff provide exceptional care for the children. Tasha's review reinforces this, mentioning that the staff are making her child's transition to big school a smooth one.
Highly Recommended
Both authors highly recommend the nursery to parents considering placing their child in pre-school. Tasha's review explicitly states that she highly recommends the nursery, while Amelia's review is implied through her glowing review.
