We prioritize a deep, trusting partnership with our families, believing that strong connections with parents and guardians are key to a child's best experience. We actively invite and encourage parents to get involved by hosting a wide variety of family fun activities throughout the year.

This includes:

Stay and Play Sessions

Arts and Crafts Workshops

Seasonal Celebrations

Our goal is to get our parents in as much as possible, ensuring you feel involved and engaged in your child's nursery life. This collaborative approach creates a positive, supportive environment for everyone.

We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and attention for every child. Our staff-to-child ratios strictly adhere to all UK regulations to ensure a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.

Our ratios are as follows:

Babies (Under 2 years): 1 staff member to every 3 children (1:3)

Toddlers (2-3 years): 1 staff member to every 5 children (1:5)

Preschoolers (3-4 years): 1 staff member to every 8 children (1:8)

This commitment to regulated ratios guarantees that each child receives the individual support and guidance they need to thrive.

We establish key partnerships with local schools to ensure a smooth and confident transition into primary education. Our preparatory links involve both school staff visiting our setting and our children visiting theirs:

School Teachers Visit: Teachers from local primary schools regularly visit our nursery to meet and interact with the children in a familiar environment. This helps children become comfortable with the new faces they will see in reception class.

Stay and Play Sessions: We take our children to the local primary schools to participate in Stay and Play transition sessions. This hands-on experience allows them to explore the reception classrooms and playgrounds before they officially start, greatly reducing any anxiety about the move.

We offer a structured, three-day settling-in process designed to gradually build your child’s confidence and ensure a smooth transition.

Session 1: This is a joint session where the parent stays with the child. We use this time to meet the key person, allow the child to explore, and complete the 'All About Me' book with you, gathering essential information about your child's routine and preferences.

Session 2: This session involves the first gentle drop-off. You will leave your child for about an hour and a half, allowing them to practice separation and start forming bonds with staff and other children.

Session 3: The final session is extended to about 2.5 to 3 hours, giving your child time to fully engage in activities and experience a significant part of the nursery routine.

Crucially, additional settling sessions are always available if needed. We tailor the pace to each individual child to ensure they are fully happy and secure before their official start date.

At Kindred Mayflower we fully participate in the government’s 15 hours free childcare scheme, meaning eligible 3 and 4-year-olds can access free 15 hours childcare each week. We also support parents in applying for childcare 15 hours free funding, and will guide you through every step of the application process. This ensures that high-quality early years care is more affordable and accessible to families in Billericay.