Under 3s Nursery
The ELC Under 3 Centre is a home from home environment for your child to explore, and comprises of a large playroom, a dining area and a separate sleep/rest area, all with direct access to a fully enclosed garden. We encourage the children to move throughout the setting, just like they would at home, and we have the luxury of having the freedom to allow children to sleep when they are tired, or have quiet, restful time if necessary. The age group within the setting is 0 - 3 years and we operate a mixed age group service, which works well with the younger children observing and imitating the play of the older children, also giving the older children opportunities to develop their nurturing skills.
About the Setting
Neutrally decorated beautiful play areas with low level windows are bright and airy, and are equipped with preloved authentic resources, loose parts and are dressed with large branches and plants allowing children to experience nature inside and out. A mix of responsive and intentional planned areas consider the specific needs of children aged 0 – 3, with a balance of child-initiated, adult initiated and adult-directed experiences supporting brain development, children’s interest, curiosity and independence. The layout of the setting allows for exploration, cosy areas and messy time and is rich with literacy, numeracy and mathematical experiences.
The separate dining area is “open” all day and children are able to eat breakfast, lunch and snack throughout periods of time, reducing the need to annul play when deeply engaged. Fruit, healthy snacks, and water to drink are readily available throughout the day allowing dietary and individual needs to be met ensuring children are “fully fuelled” and ready to be busy at play.
Our Approach
Outdoor area
A fully enclosed accessible outdoor area gives children the choice on whether to play indoors or outdoors in all weathers every day. Play areas within the garden are carefully set up such as a mud kitchen, a stone river, soil play, water play with many larger loose parts such as ladders, pallets, tyres, crates and wheels allowing children to be pilots in their own play. Children have access to outdoor taps and an outdoor Art Atelier giving the opportunity to enjoy creative activities surrounded by nature. A beautiful wooden shelter gives children the option to be outdoors but dry with an opportunity to eat and sleep outdoors should they wish.
Transitions
Just before or after your child’s 3rd birthday they will automatically transition to our Over 3 setting which is based is Calder Grove. smilechildcare follow enhanced transition arrangements which focuses on getting to know your family and sharing key information to ensure that your child’s individual needs are known and planned for and that you and your child are confident in the move.
Locations
The Under 3 Centre is in the grounds of Canal View Primary School:
smilechildcare ELCC
Canal View Primary School (grounds)
4 Hailesland Place
Edinburgh
EH14 2SL
Opening times
Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm
Staff will be in the centre at 7.45 to ensure the environment is safe and beautifully set up for the children arriving and remain in the centre till 6pm to ensure cleaning is of a high standard reducing the risk of infection. If you arrive early, please wait with your child outside the setting ensuring they are supervised until we open.
smilechildcare provides care throughout the year, although we close for two weeks over the Christmas period and for Scottish Public Holidays.
Enquiries
To enquire about booking childcare then call us on 0131 476 7800 (Ext 1) or email us at mailbox@smilechildcare.org.
The Under 3s is a very popular service and waiting lists are in place. Please refer to our Admission policy supporting the process we use.
