Welcome

Welcome to the Children's Centre, we aim to create an environment that is happy, caring, enjoyable, stable and secure, where each child can learn and play at her/his own rate. We provide care for children aged from 6 months to 13 years 11 months (up to 11 years old for children of Diploma students). Our Nursery has places for up to 24 children, but we do have to restrict the number of children under 30 months to six. We have a separate area for the older children. All our staff are registered with OFSTED, and undertake regular in-service training and development. Our registration with OFSTED stipulates that the age groups are cared for in their own areas.

6 months to 30 months              Babyroom
30 months to 5 years                 Nursery
5 years to 13 years 11 months    Over 5's Unit

It can be a difficult time for children when they are away from home and in an unknown environment and although the staff do their best, some children will settle better than others, please feel free to stay as long as you need to with your child.

If possible please label all your childs clothes and possessions as the Centre cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to any personal item, and we do advise against bringing valuable items to the Centre. It would be helpful if children came with outdoor shoes and coats as most days we do have a time for outdoor play, weather permitting. We would prefer children not to bring mobile phones into the Centre.

All the children of resident part-time students are obliged to attend the Children's Centre whilst their parents are in class. Children will not be allowed to opt in or out of the Centre. We will not allow children to leave the Centre with anyone other than the parent carer without prior permission. For obvious reasons children will not be allowed into the Centre if they have any illness which could be infectious to other children.

In line with current legislation, the Northern College Children's Centre will not accept children who have been withdrawn from school for more than 10 days in any academic year.

We encourage parents to be involved as much as possible and if you have any suggestions or problems regarding the Centre or your child please feel free to discuss them with a member of the Centre staff at a convenient time.

The Children's Centre operates a no smoking policy.

Should the need arise a nappy bin is situated in the Children's Centre.

The Centre has a list of all Hospitals, Health Visitors, Doctors and Dentists in our area.

Copies of all policies are available to view on the parents notice board in the Centre or the College's website.

We ask that children do not wear jewellery in the Centre. Parents can collect their children from the Centre at any time should they wish to.

If you have a complaint you might wish to discuss this with the Centre Manager. If you are not satisfied after this action you will need to put your complaint in writing addressed to Student Services, Northern College, Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley, S75 3ET, who will investigate the matter further.