<![CDATA[<body>
<h1>Welcome to The Ark Experience</p> </h1>
<p><br>
We are two friends, Jo-Ann Brock and Heidi Thornber, who developed the idea
of <br>
The Ark in December 2000 when, as working parents, we struggled to find <br>
suitable childcare facilities in the Calder Valley for our own children.<br>
We investigated the feasibility of providing this service ourselves and having
<br>
decided to go ahead with the project, we defined a few key principles under
<br>
which The Ark operates.<br>
<h2> Bright and Happy Children</h2>
<h2>Motivated and Enthusiastic Employees</h2>
<h2>Relaxed and Reassured Parents</h2>
<p>During 2004, we have re-launched our Out of School and Holiday Club as <br>
SPACE. This is in recognition that older children have different requirements
and <br>
expectations than those under school age.<br>
This prospectus has been written to provide you with a glimpse of The Ark and
<br>
SPACE and highlights the key areas on which we have focused to provide a <br>
leading service for parents and children.<br>
Our prospectus, however, is no substitute for a visit to see us in action. We
would <br>
be delighted to show you our facilities and for you to meet our staff and children.<br>
The Ark and SPACE are located on a 4-acre site, off Cragg Road, just outside
<br>
the village of Mytholmroyd near Halifax. </p>
<h1>Our Approach</h1>
<h2> Happy and Healthy</h2>
<p>
Our approach to care is simple; we aim to provide what your child needs to be
<br>
happy and healthy. The Ark and SPACE are environments in which your child <br>
can feel safe, secure and cared for with a balanced daily routine of activity,
<br>
exercise, rest and relaxation with tasty, nutritious meals (see sample menu
on <br>
page 11).<br>
The care we provide allows children to develop through play at their own pace,
<br>
nurturing their natural abilities and encouraging them to realise their full
potential.</p>
<h2>Safe and Secure</h2>
<p>
The property has been extensively renovated to cater specifically for the children.
<br>
The spacious rooms are on one level and offer excellent views of the <br>
countryside, making The Ark and SPACE a pleasurable, comfortable and safe <br>
place for your children to enjoy their time. <br>
There is ample off-road parking and CCTV surveillance gives utmost security
for <br>
your children.</p>
<h2>Our Approach</h2>
<p>Fresh Air and Adventure<br>
The wonderful location has enabled us to design extensive and well-equipped
<br>
outdoor play areas in over 1-acre of land. With large areas of grass and hard
<br>
surface, for playing games and using outdoor equipment, we provide an ideal
<br>
opportunity for the children to enjoy fresh air and exercise.<br>
<br>
During Spring 2004 we have developed a sensory garden. In this environment <br>
the children can explore in small groups, the sounds, sights and smells of the
<br>
outdoors.<br>
From Summer 2004 there will also be a separate play area that is for the <br>
exclusive use of SPACE, our out of school and holiday club.Continuous Improvement
through Communication<br>
We believe that communication between parents, staff and ourselves is central
to <br>
creating a trusting relationship. To this end we provide various opportunities
for <br>
both formal and informal discussions. Examples of this are our parent’s
day, <br>
daily records (where appropriate) and our annual family barbeque.<br>
Further to feedback received from both customer and staff surveys undertaken
<br>
during 2003, we have embarked on an expansion of our amenities to enhance <br>
the facilities that we offer to the children, parents and staff.<br>
As part of our programme for Summer 2004 we aim to provide a even wider <br>
experience for all the children and a broader level of service to our parents.
<br>
These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>_ Sensory room</li>
<li>_ Music room </li>
<li>_ Library</li>
<li>_ Ironing Service</li>
<li>_ Enhanced staff facilities</li>
<li>_ Completely separate facilities and identity for SPACE, our Out of School
and <br>
Holiday Club.</li>
</ul>
<h1></h1>
<h1> The Ark – Private Day Nursery Confident and Creative</h1>
<p> We will encourage your children to take the initiative, be curious and use
their <br>
imagination in creative ways. Most of all, we will try and make sure that learning
<br>
is good fun – a sense of excitement, interest and enthusiasm are an excellent
<br>
start to your child’s education. </p>
<p> Your child’s confidence will grow as they get individual attention from
their <br>
keyworker. The keyworker is your child’s designated carer, they will have
an in-<br>
depth knowledge of your child and will monitor their progress and report this
to <br>
you on a regular basis. A daily record is provided until your child is 3 years
old - <br>
this provides information about the activities that they have undertaken, as
well <br>
as giving details, if appropriate, of what they have eaten and when they have
<br>
slept during the day</p>
<h2><br>
Play with Purpose </h2>
<p><br>
We believe that young children learn best through play and experience. Play
is <br>
part of your child’s social, intellectual, emotional and physical development.
It <br>
helps them develop new skills and their personal identity. <br>
Mastering some basic concepts at an early stage can contribute to later success
<br>
and play forms the foundation on which later learning can be built. <br>
_ The foundation of mathematics is learned when a child balances and builds
<br>
with toy blocks or measures cooking ingredients. <br>
_ Pre-reading concepts are learned when children paint and paste, or put <br>
together puzzles. <br>
_ Hand and eye co-ordination for writing develops as children draw, play with
<br>
dough or string beads, and cut with scissors. <br>
_ Vocabulary is enhanced through stories, role play and group discussions.<br>
All these concepts are embraced when planning the activities for your child.</p>
<h1></h1>
<h1>The Ark – Private Day Nursery Birth to three matters</h1>
<p><br>
All activities within the baby, toddler and nursery rooms are underpinned by
the <br>
Birth to three matters Framework which ‘identifies four aspects which
celebrate <br>
the skill and competence of babies and young children and highlights the <br>
interrelationship between growth, learning, development and the environment
in <br>
which they are cared for and educated’.<br>
These four aspects are:<br>
_ a strong child<br>
_ a skillful communicator<br>
_ a competent learner<br>
_ a healthy child</p>
<h2><br>
Baby and Toddler 0 – 2 years</h2>
<p><br>
Babies and toddlers are cared for in our special self-contained unit. This room
<br>
provides a relaxed but stimulating environment where we follow a daily routine
so <br>
that your child can settle in and feel secure with us at The Ark. <br>
<br>
Within this unit the children progress through three separate areas according
to <br>
their stage of development. This ensures that activities are planned with <br>
consideration for the needs of your child. As the children progress within the
<br>
room they are increasingly involved in more group-orientated activities. Working
<br>
in small numbers, the children are introduced to the concepts of individual
<br>
responsibility and social interaction through group play and mealtimes.</p>
<h2>
Nursery 2 – 3 years
</h2>
<p>In our Nursery room the children are provided with structured play and activities
<br>
whilst at the same time being given the freedom to follow their own pattern
of <br>
learning. <br>
Within this room the children are introduced to new experiences to develop their
<br>
sense of belonging. They are encouraged to realise their own individuality whilst
<br>
becoming able to trust and rely on their own abilities.</p>
<h1></h1>
<h1>The Ark – Private Day Nursery</h1>
<h2>Pre-School 3 - 4 years</h2>
<p>
As your child develops we will provide the opportunity for him or her to learn
the <br>
basic skills that will prepare for school life. This will focus on the Foundation
<br>
Stage, which is separated into the following six areas:<br>
_ Language and Literacy<br>
_ Mathematics<br>
_ Knowledge and Understanding of the World<br>
_ Creative Development<br>
_ Personal and Social Development<br>
_ Physical Development<br>
In line with the philosophy of the Foundation Stage curriculum, our sessions
are <br>
carefully planned and structured, with an emphasis on activities that are fun,
<br>
relevant and motivating for each child. <br>
At The Ark we support children’s learning through both planned play and
<br>
extending and developing children’s spontaneous play. This is made possible
by <br>
the arrangement of our room in such a way that there is continuous provision
of <br>
all facilities for the children. This allows them to explore at their own pace
and <br>
through their own motivation.<br>
Within our pre-school we are registered by OFSTED to provide funded childcare
<br>
places for children between the ages of three and four years. Our full OFSTED
<br>
report is available at www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/<br>
.</p>
<h1>SPACE – Out of School Club</h1>
<p>The provision of year-round care for children at school creates a dilemma for
a <br>
large number of parents. <br>
We have approached the Out of School and Holiday club from a flexible <br>
viewpoint and aim to provide a service tailored to each family’s individual
needs. <br>
Before School<br>
During term time we will provide a service to take children from SPACE to their
<br>
respective schools. <br>
We provide them with breakfast, if required, and they can play together with
their <br>
friends before being taken to school.<br>
Before school activities include:_ Magazines and books<br>
_ Jigsaws<br>
_ Colouring<br>
_ Games <br>
_ Computer and Playstation <br>
games (limited access)After School<br>
After school, children are collected and brought back to SPACE. Tea is available
<br>
in The Space Café where they can choose from a varied menu of healthy
food. <br>
<br>
The children have access to a variety of activities that include</p>
<ul>
<li>:_ Karaoke Machine</li>
<li>_ Football Table</li>
<li>_ Table Tennis</li>
<li>_ K’nex Construction</li>
<li>_ Dolls and Prams_ Barbie</li>
<li>_ Computer and Playstation <br>
games (limited access)</li>
<li>_ Various creative activities</li>
<li>_ Outdoor playand many more ………..</li>
</ul>
<h2><br>
School Drop-Off and Collection</h2>
<p>
Whilst we endeavour to offer this service to as many schools as possible it
will <br>
not always be feasible. Therefore, all requests are considered upon application,
<br>
subject to demand and availability.</p>
<h1><br>
SPACE – Holiday Club</h1>
<p>During the school holidays we offer a flexible service to care for your children
at <br>
SPACE. This can be anything from full time, two sessions a week, fixed dates
<br>
throughout the holidays or even, based on an hourly rate.<br>
Every day the children have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety
of <br>
activities. This allows them to spend their day indoors and outside, either
<br>
occupied in activities or simply relaxing and playing at their own pace.<br>
Activities, which we have undertaken, include:</p>
<ul>
<li>_ Walk in the wilderness</li>
<li>_ Table Soccer Marathon</li>
<li>_ Playstation tournaments</li>
<li>_ Trip to Hollingworth Lake</li>
<li>_ Visit to Manor Heath Park and Jungle Experience</li>
</ul>
<p>
In the summer holidays we theme each week, and where possible we offer the
full range of activities to all children. Examples of topics we use include:</p>
<ul>
<li> _ Vive la France!</li>
<li>_ The Great Outdoors</li>
<li>_ The Wild West</li>
<li>_ Walking with dinosaurs</li>
<li>_ Animal Farm</li>
</ul>
<h2>Sample of Holiday Plan</h2>
<p>
Monday<br>
Friendship bracelets/large scale hand and feet painting<br>
Tuesday<br>
Flag making/Pottery<br>
Wednesday<br>
Lanterns/Trip to Hebden Bridge<br>
Thursday<br>
French bread baking/ build the Eiffel Tower<br>
Friday<br>
Manor Heath Park and Jungle Experience</p>
<h2></h2>
<h2>Additional Services</h2>
<p>In order to relieve the pressure on busy parents and based upon feedback from
<br>
our existing parents we are planning to launch a number of additional services.
</p>
<h2> Music Lessons</h2>
<p> Guitar and piano teachers are available from July 2004. Other instruments
may <br>
be offered, subject to demand.</p>
<h2>Ironing Service</h2>
<p> We have extended our in house laundry facility to provide the opportunity
for staff <br>
to make use of our ironing service. We plan to offer this service to parents
later <br>
in 2004. Please ask for further details.</p>
<h2> Parcel Deliver Point</h2>
<p> With the increase in Internet and home shopping, and based on personal <br>
experience we have identified a need for a convenient location for delivery
of <br>
parcels. We have allocated space within on of our storage rooms in order to
<br>
provide this as a service and are now investigating how it might operate. Please
<br>
let us know if you are interested.</p>
<h2> Other Services</h2>
<p>
If there are other services which would help you in your busy lives, please
do not <br>
hesitate ton let us know.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Sample Menu</p>
<p>The Ark daily menu<br>
Day: <br>
Lunch:<br>
Tea:<br>
Monday<br>
Sausage casserole and <br>
vegetable casserole<br>
Cottage cheese and cucumber <br>
wraps with potato salad<br>
Fresh fruit salad<br>
Yoghurt<br>
Tuesday<br>
Mushroom and country <br>
vegetable cous cous<br>
Jacket potato with beans and <br>
cheese<br>
Semolina pudding<br>
Fresh fruit<br>
Wednesday<br>
Homemade onion, leek, and <br>
potato bake<br>
Freshly made chunky vegetable <br>
soup with crusty bread<br>
Apricot sponge and custard<br>
Fresh fruit<br>
Thursday<br>
Pasta alla carbonara<br>
Egg and cress and tuna mayo <br>
sandwiches<br>
Home made Charlotte russe<br>
Fresh fruit<br>
Friday<br>
Fisherman's pie and peas<br>
Home made Cornish and <br>
vegetable pasties<br>
Yoghurt<br>
Fresh fruitSPACE tea menuChoice of: Freshly Made Sandwiches<br>
Jacket potatoes with a choice of filling<br>
Daily Special (see lunch menu above for examples)<br>
Yoghurts<br>
Fresh Fruit<br>
Dessert o the Day (see lunch menu above)</p>
<h2>
Fees</h2>
<p> Day Nursery<br>
Full Week<br>
£ 147.00<br>
Full Day<br>
£ 31.00<br>
Morning<br>
£ 20.00<br>
Afternoon<br>
£ 18.00<br>
Transport<br>
£ 0.50 per mile<br>
Before & After School Club<br>
Morning<br>
£ 6.50<br>
Afternoon<br>
£ 7.50<br>
Transport<br>
£ 0.50 per mile<br>
Holiday Club<br>
Full Time<br>
£ 118.00<br>
Full Day<br>
£ 25.00<br>
Morning<br>
Afternoon<br>
£ 15.00<br>
£ 13.00<br>
Pre-booked<br>
Hourly Rate<br>
£ 5.00<br>
(min 6 hrs /week)<br>
These prices include food, drinks, leading brand nappies and wipes as appropriate.
Extra <br>
charges may be made for any outings.<br>
All pricing will be reviewed each January. Fees are charged for all pre-booked
sessions <br>
whether or not your child is in attendance. We reserve the right to charge £20.00
for late <br>
collections.</p>
<h2>
Opening Times </h2>
<p>Monday to Friday <br>
Full Day 7am to 6.30pm<br>
Morning Session 7am to 1pm<br>
Afternoon Session 1pm to 6.30pm<br>
The Ark and SPACE will close on all Bank Holidays and for the period between
<br>
Christmas and New Year. The Ark and SPACE close at 2pm on Christmas Eve. We
<br>
also close for two training days per year, dates of which are announced annually.<br>
Registration Fee<br>
A non-refundable registration fee of £50 is payable in order to reserve
a place at The Ark <br>
and SPACE.<br>
Payment Terms<br>
For those attending SPACE before and after school, payment is required in advance
for <br>
each half term, those in the Holiday Club are charged in advance for each week.
For <br>
regular attendees of The Ark Day Nursery payment is accepted in advance by Standing
<br>
Order each month. The total is calculated over 51 weeks and split into twelve
equal <br>
amounts. Any additional charges will be payable in arrears.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Application Form</p>
<p><br>
Child’s Name: DOB: <br>
Parent/Carer’s Name: <br>
Address: <br>
Post Code: <br>
<br>
Home Tel: Mob: <br>
Email: Work Tel: Requested Start Date: <br>
I wish to apply for the enclosed sessions for my child at The Ark/SPACE. I agree
<br>
to provide one month’s notice in writing should I wish to withdraw my
child, or <br>
alternatively one month’s fees in lieu.Signed: Date: <br>
Print Name: </p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Application FormDay Nursery <br>
Please tick the appropriate boxes:</p>
<p>Mon<br>
Tues<br>
Wed<br>
Thurs<br>
Fri<br>
Morning <br>
(7am – 1pm)</p>
<p>Afternoon<br>
(1pm – 6.30pm)</p>
<p></p>
<p><br>
Before and After School Club <br>
Please tick the appropriate boxes<br>
Name of School <br>
Drop off Time Collection Time <br>
Term Dates (please complete dates for the next three full terms)<br>
From: To : <br>
From: To : <br>
From: To : </p>
<p><br>
Mon<br>
Tues<br>
Wed<br>
Thurs<br>
FriMorning </p>
<p></p>
<p>Afternoon</p>
<p>
Application Form</p>
<h2>
Holiday Club</h2>
<p><
Please contact us for copies of our booking forms. Upon receipt of <br>
completed forms, we can then confirm availability. Please see example <br>
below:Week <br>
Commencing</p>
<p>Mon<br>
Tues<br>
Wed<br>
Thurs<br>
Fri<br>
Morning- £15<br>
(7am – 1pm)<br>
X</p>
<p><br>
Afternoon - £13<br>
(1pm – 6.30pm) X<br>
Full Day - £25</p>
<p><br>
X<br>
Hours - £5 per <br>
hour (minimum 6 <br>
hrs per week <br>
when no other <br>
sessions are <br>
booked)</p>
<p><br>
10 - 29-11</p>
<h1></h1>
<h1></h1>
<h1>HOLIDAY CLUB – BOOKING FORM</h1>
<p>Child’s Full Name: Age: <br>
Week Commencing</p>
<p>Mon<br>
Tues<br>
Wed<br>
Thurs<br>
FriMorning- £15<br>
(7am – 1pm)</p>
<p>Afternoon - £13<br>
(1pm – 6.30pm) </p>
<p>Full Day - £25</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hours - £5 per hour <br>
(minimum 6 hrs per <br>
week when no other <br>
sessions are <br>
booked)</p>
<p></p>
<h2> <br>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------_<br>
HOLIDAY CLUB – BOOKING FORM</h2>
<p>
Child’s Full Name: Age: <br>
Week Commencing</p>
<p>Mon<br>
Tues<br>
Wed<br>
Thurs<br>
FriMorning- £15<br>
(7am – 1pm)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Afternoon - £13<br>
(1pm – 6.30pm)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Full Day - £25</p>
<p>Hours - £5 per hour <br>
(minimum 6 hrs per <br>
week when no other <br>
sessions are <br>
booked)</p>
</body>]]>