Established 1991.

Hello, my name is Sarah Rendell. I have been the manager and owner of Kneehigh since October 1992.I have 3 children, as well as many years experience of working with children under 5 years old. I have completed the Pre-School Foundation Course, Paediatric First Aid Certificate, Basic Food Hygiene, NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education, a Certificate in First Line Management(SMILEY) and  NVQ Level 4 Management in Childcare, as well as other short courses. I am currently working towards completing a Foundation Degree in Early Years Teaching and Learning in order to gain the Early Years Professional Status qualification.

The Nursery is registered and inspected annually by the Early Years Directorate and periodically by the Pre-School Learning Alliance Fieldworker. We have been passed by OFSTED to be able to receive government funding for 3 and 4 year olds. Our last inspection was in November 2009.Kneehigh is of good quality overall. The children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Our next inspection will take place in 3 to 4 years time. Our educational rating is the second highest that is achievable. Kneehigh became Accredited in November 2006.

All the staff are employed by myself. The majority of the staff are qualified in the care and education of the under 5's,and those who aren't will be embarking on their training courses as soon as possible. A full list of staff experience is displayed in the entrance area. Our staff: child ratio is 1:4 for 2 year olds and 1:5 for 3 to 5 year olds. No parent has to stay and help out, but any parent wishing to stay is most welcome.

Whenever your child comes to Kneehigh he/she should see the same friendly faces, thus creating a stable environment, helping your child to settle more easily. It is also reassuring for you, knowing that there is not going to be any one caring for your child that you do not know. With this in mind we have incorporated a key worker system which offers each family support and care from one of the members of staff, who is also responsible for your child's development file and Learning Journey.

Kneehigh's main room is a moderate size and is presented in such a way that it gives a reception class atmosphere, to prepare your child for the school environment. The children are encouraged to walk around the room whenever moving about. Our activities for all children include:-painting, sand, water, book corner, gluing, collage/ junk, jigsaws, board games, various pre-writing skills, construction, playdoh, clay, role play, small world play, threading, matching, singing, dancing, story time, drama, problem solving, rhyme time, outdoor play, cooking and using the computer.

 At snack time we provide each child with a drink and a selection of fruit and snacks. At lunchtime (12 until 1pm) a hot meal and drink is provided, or you can provide your own packed lunch. At teatime(4.30 until 5.15pm)the children are provided with a selection of snacks, fruit and a drink. Please see the menu board for a list of meals. We ask for parents of children staying for meals to fill out a menu a week in advance. These can be found in the porch area.provide a small plate for your child for snacks and a bag with a change of clothes in. Please could all of your child's belongings be labelled clearly.

At Kneehigh children are encouraged to wear slippers indoors and wellies outside. We provide waterproof jackets and trousers, if required for wet weather. Also could you provide a small plate for your child for snacks and a bag with a change of clothes in. Please could all of your child's belongings be labelled clearly.