Best Nursery

BEST Nurseries, a subsidiary of Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST), is a provider of first-class, family-oriented sessional and day care for children aged 4 months to 12 years. We are committed to delivering high-quality care that is accessible to all, and we aspire to help all children reach their potential. Our team welcomes you to our website and expresses gratitude for your interest in our nurseries, wrap around care, and holiday clubs.

About BEST Nurseries

BEST Nurseries is a subsidiary of Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST), a community of learners that includes primary and secondary schools, nurseries, and teaching school alliances. Our nurseries are part of a broader educational community that shares a common vision and ethos. We are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes children's learning and development.

Vision and Ethos

At BEST Nurseries, we believe that every child is unique and capable of achieving great things. Our vision is to create a learning community that inspires children to reach their full potential. We aim to provide a safe, happy, and stimulating environment that promotes children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our ethos is built on the principles of respect, inclusion, and diversity. We welcome children from all backgrounds and strive to create a learning community that celebrates diversity and promotes social cohesion.

Governance

BEST Nurseries is governed by a board of trustees who are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization. The board comprises individuals with expertise in education, business, and community development. The board is committed to ensuring that BEST Nurseries operates in a transparent and accountable manner. We have robust policies and procedures in place that ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in our care.

Our Staff

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the best talent in the early years sector. Our team comprises qualified and experienced early years practitioners who are passionate about providing high-quality care and education. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure that our staff remain up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the early years sector.

Admissions

BEST Nurseries do not have specified catchment areas. We arrange our waiting list in birth order. In addition, our policy may take into account the following:

• The vicinity of the home to BEST Nurseries (we do not have a specified catchment area)
• Siblings already attending BEST Nurseries

We accept children at any point during the year. Funding 2+, 3+ and 4+ government funding is available. All children qualify for government funding from the term after their third birthday. 2+ funding is available for children of families that meet certain criteria as set by the Local Authority. We also provide for children claiming the additional 15 hours of Government funding (total of 30 hours). Further information regarding funding is available here.

The EYFS

At BEST Nurseries, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets out the legal requirements for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years. The EYFS framework is designed to ensure that all children have access to high-quality early years education that lays the foundation for lifelong learning and development.

Our Nurseries

BEST Nurseries have three locations: Shefford, Arlesey, and Langford. Each nursery provides a unique and stimulating environment that promotes children's learning and development. Our settings are designed to meet the needs of children at different stages of development.

• Shefford Nursery: Our Shefford setting provides sessional and day care for children aged 2-5 years. We have a large outdoor area that provides opportunities for children to explore and learn in a natural environment.
• Arlesey Nursery: Our Arlesey setting provides sessional and day care for children aged 2-5 years. We have a spacious indoor area that provides opportunities for children to engage in a range of activities that promote their learning and development.
• Langford Nursery: Our Langford setting provides sessional and day care for children aged 4 months-5 years. We have a homely environment that promotes a sense of belonging and security for young children.

Policies

BEST Nurseries have robust policies and procedures in place that ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in our care. Our policies include:

• Admissions Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• SEND Policy
• Early Years Pupil Premium Policy
• Behaviour Policy
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Complaints Policy

Parents

We believe that parents are children's first teachers, and we value their input and contributions. We work closely with parents to ensure that their children's needs are met, and we provide regular updates on their children's progress. We have an open-door policy that encourages parents to engage with us in a meaningful way.

Term Dates

Our term dates align with the local schools in the area. Parents can find the term dates for each nursery on our website.

Uniform

BEST Nurseries have a uniform policy that promotes a sense of belonging and community. The uniform is available for purchase from our website.

Newsletters

We publish regular newsletters that provide updates on our activities, events, and initiatives. Parents can find the newsletters on our website.

Useful Links

We provide useful links on our website that provide parents with information and resources on early years education and child development.