Welcome to Bright Sparks Nursery, Mansfield’s provider of Early Years childcare and education in a unique rural, woodland location.
Open since 1994 and with 48 places and over 90 families on roll, we nurture children aged 3 months to 5 years from Mansfield, Ravenshead and surrounding areas.
Director, Laura Gapski is the second-generation owner of the family run nursery whose commitment to fresh air and exercise, home cooked, responsibly sourced food and the highest levels of adult: child engagement has earned the setting a Good OFSTED inspection in all areas assessed.
Laura has over fifteen years’ experience in the sector. She has gained Early Years Professional Status which is the accreditation awarded to graduates who are leading practice from birth to the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
A team of highly qualified, caring and dedicated staff including a Teacher and an Early Years Teacher, ensure that the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework is exciting and inspiring both inside and out. Their commitment was recognised by the judges of the 2020 CHAD Business Awards hailing them as ‘Winners’ of the Education category.
All staff have accredited paediatric first aid training, enhanced DBS clearance and a long-standing commitment to training and CPD.
Additionally, we offer a range of extra-curricular activities such as Yoga, Football and Dance which are rotated each term.
The nursery is separated into 3 distinct units; Babies, Tweenies (toddlers) and Pre-school. Each child’s learning and development is monitored in accordance with the 7 areas set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework by their Key Person, assigned during settling in sessions.
The 7 Areas of Learning and Development are subdivided as follows:
Prime Areas
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
The Prime Areas are those most essential for healthy development and future learning.
Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Initial observation and assessments are made in close liaison with Parents and continue throughout the duration of your child’s time in our care. This allows your child’s Key Person to thoughtfully plan and carry out activities pertaining to your child’s Next Steps in their journey through the EYFS. Feedback is shared with Parents through quarterly Learning Journeys and annual All About Me forms. We also prepare a report for Reception Teachers when children leave to go to school.
Around the time of their second birthday, all children benefit from the Government endorsed 2 Year Progress Check summarising development in the Prime Areas of Learning and highlighting the need for intervention or support where relevant.
The impact we have on children’s Learning and Development is enhanced by the fantastic partnerships we foster with our families. As children’s primary carers, we know that parents are best placed to inform, guide and consolidate our work with their children. Daily face to face handover, diaries for under ones, a members only Facebook Group, termly Learning Journeys, quarterly newsletters and e-mails, ensure that we work together efficiently and collaboratively, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our children.
