We are so pleased to announce we are the winners of the nationwide Nursery World Award 2024 Health and Wellbeing, recognising our commitment to the health, happiness and wellbeing of our staff, children and families which is fundamental to their learning and development.
5 members of the Portland Nurseries team represented the company at the black tie award ceremony at the Brewery in London on Saturday 21st September. A long-term wellbeing culture of belonging is established and proved by our Wellbeing Award. We support our staff, parents and children to be emotionally secure, resilient, physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. This is done through close and consistent relationships. We believe that happy and well supported staff are the key to happy children.
Friendships are nurtured and valued from birth; enhancing children’s sense of group belonging, not just to their own families and our nursery but to the local community. Our Children’s Council reasserts that children are listened to, acknowledged and affirmed and their contribution is sought and valued.
“Staff support them to develop positive attitudes and to develop secure friendships” Holly Bank Ofsted Outstanding 2024
We’ve improved the books we have on offer for children, with titles for all ages that cover different emotions they might be experiencing, such as anxiety or different situations they may find themselves in. The children are never rushed. We recognise that adults are there to support and guide their learning and we focus on the environment as a key part of their teaching.
We recognise that the parents' role is key to ensuring the wellbeing of the child, so we are continually expanding the help we offer them. From First Aid and Behaviour Management training for parents, to ‘breakfast on the go’ and Stay and Play sessions. Slower, more well informed transitions, Parent’s Guides on our website and social media channels, free baby sensory classes, lending libraries and so much more. All of which is to try and ease the burden on families to ensure the children in our care have the most positive and happy upbringing and learning experiences.
Holly Bank/ Portland Nurseries puts a huge focus on staff wellbeing by offering several initiatives such as:
An Annual Wellbeing Day - An extra paid day of leave for staff to focus on their own wellbeing.
Access to NHS Qualified Therapist
Simply Health Cash Back Scheme
Continuous Training & Development
Team Building Days
Long Service Recognition Gifts & Bonuses
Flexible Working
Charity events - staff groups taking part in walks & runs etc
To name but a few..
