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ABOUT HORSMONDEN KINDERGARTEN
A Fun Learning Experience
Welcoming children from the age of 2 years, Horsmonden Kindergarten aims to provide a caring, secure, stimulating and happy environment where children can learn to interact with other children and adults on what might be their first venture away from home.
Stimulating play activities help them learn to make friends, develop social skills and enable them to achieve their full potential. We feel that when children are relaxed, safe, valued and having fun it builds their confidence and develops independence making them happier to learn and of course paving the way for their move to school.
Our aim is:
to enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age working closely with parents and carers.
to provide a safe, stimulating and happy environment
to work within a framework which ensures equality of opportunity for all children and families within our community.
The Kindergarten is inspected regularly by Ofsted to assess the quality of its provision.
A full copy of the most recent report can be obtained by speaking to a member of the committee or staff or by visiting Ofsted's website.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
We are a registered charity, run by a committee of volunteers.
In addition to the staff, the Kindergarten is run by an elected committee of volunteer parents, who, in consultation with staff, are responsible for all major decision-making.
New members are always welcome, as is any help with fundraising and other events throughout the year.
Without the commitment and support of all our parents, the Kindergarten could no longer continue to flourish.
For more information on our fundraising events or how you can help as a parent/carer, please visit our ‘Fundraising’ page or contact us
MEET THE TEAM
Tina Walker
Supervisor and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Tina started working at Horsmonden Kindergarten in June 1999. Tina qualified with a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies. Tina is interested in supporting and analysing well-being and involvement within the setting. Outdoor exploring and learning is important for children’s well-being and involvement and progression in all areas of learning.
Becky Painter
Business Manager - Becky qualified with a CACHE level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce in June 2016. Becky has been involved with Horsmonden Kindergarten since 2014 when her first child attended. Becky was heavy involved with our parents committee before she took over the role as our Administrator. With Becky’s experience of being on our parent committee and her understanding of early years puts her in a perfect position be the Business manager.
Amy Histed
Qualified Childcare Practitioner. Amy started working at Horsmonden Kindergarten in April 2015. Amy was inspired to study for her qualification after her son attended Kndergarten and loves encouraging confidence and development through play with the children. Amy really enjoys being part of a great team and working in a fantastic environment that supports every child’s needs.
Sarah Sheperd
Supervisor and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Sarah started working at Horsmonden Kindergarten in April 2007. Sarah is interested in supporting behavior management within the Kindergarten. Sarah also looks at how the children’s development and progress are made through the “Progress Tracker”.
Hayley Baldock
Qualified Childcare Practitioner and Deputy SENCO. Hayley started working at Horsmonden Kindergarten in Sept 2014. Hayley qualified with a Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning in ADD YEAR. Hayley is qualified with a foundation stage of Makaton which helps her in her SENCO role supporting children with additional speech needs.
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Claire Penfold
Qualified Childcare Practitioner. Claire was heavily involved on the parent committee, while doing this she fell in love with the place. Claire achieved her qualification whist working at Kindergarten, she really enjoys working alongside the children supporting them to reach their personal development goals, and feels the Kindergarten is a wonderful place to achieve this.
With years of experience, we know just what it takes to engage with the children at Horsmonden Kindergarten.
We care for your child in a building specifically designed and built for our needs.
This spaciously designed facility offers an array of naturally-lit internal spaces where different activities are set up daily.
Outside we have a dedicated covered space connected to both classrooms and also access to the well-equipped play area in the recreation ground
OUR FACILITIES
TESTIMONIALS
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"Both of my children settled in really well to Horsmonden Kindergarten, mostly due to the friendly and welcoming staff. They can't wait to go in the mornings and they always come home smiling - Tired, but smiling!"
Katy Arscott | Parent
ACHIEVEMENTS
We are proud to have been awarded the Kent Quality Mark (KQM) in July 2014
Taking part in the KQM has had a fundamental change on how we view our practice, environment and resources. Our project was focused on Physical Development in Early Years for boys.
This project has cemented the relationship between the staff team, parents and children. It has enhanced our practice, enabling the children to explore, take more risks and undertake more challenging, diverse experiences with high levels of confidence and self esteem.
We have a greater understanding of the importance of the link between physical play and behaviour especially when working with boys. The future for Horsmonden Kindergarten looks good. We are indeed very proud of our project and what we have achieved for the children at our setting.