Here at The Opportunity Centre we are delighted to offer childcare for children from 3 months to 5 years. We are passionate about giving each child the best start during their early years and work hard to ensure all children are safe and happy in our care.
We have three rooms with the Centre: Raindrops, Sunshine and Rainbows. We focus primarily on your child’s abilities and not necessarily their age, which means we create the best opportunities to learn. All our children come together to play throughout the day, though each child begins and ends the day in their own room.
Our setting is a happy, lively place as you would expect of any preschool. We have the experience and facilities to look after all children, including those who need extra support.
The Opportunity Centre continues to work hard to break down the barriers that exist between children with additional needs and those without. By focusing on your child and their personality first, we can then consider any extra support that can be put in place.
New starters can apply for a place in the Parent information section, where you will find all the information you need to access childcare with us. Whether you are new to the Centre or returning for another year, we can’t wait to welcome you and your family.
Our day begins from 8am. On arrival, please ring the doorbell of the relevant room your child is in and sign them in. Please make every effort to be prompt so that your child is here to start the session with their friends. Please let staff know who will be picking your child up. We use a safe word system if we do not know the person collecting your child.
When collecting your child, please ring the doorbell. Please try to arrive on time as late collection can cause both inconvenience and concern to staff. If you are going to be late, please call the Centre on 01594 837552 as soon as possible.
Please encourage your child in Sunshine or Rainbows to be as independent as possible and carry their own bag and lunchbox.
We aim to be flexible in our arrangement, working with parents to ensure a smooth start. The Centre staff will work with you to discuss the most appropriate arrangements to suit your situation.
Although we use aprons, we recommend you dress your child in clothes that will not be spoilt if they get paint or other craft materials on them. Try to avoid complicated belts, braces and dungarees as these can impede children going to the toilet independently. We can apply logos to clothing that you provide, please speak to a member of staff if you wish to do this.
Children need to bring in a backpack containing a complete set of spare clothes and nappies, wet wipes and nappy sacks if required. Please do not worry if your child is in the process of learning to use the toilet, we can support everything you are doing at home. Please speak to a member of staff to ensure we are following the same routine as you.
Getting outside everyday come rain or shine is part of our ethos at the Opportunity Centre. Please make sure your child is wearing weather-appropriate clothing that’s warm and comfortable, with a waterproof coat and layers for colder days and a sun hat and sun cream for the summer. Please do not bring your child in flip flops and if bad weather means wellies, please bring suitable indoor footwear for them to change into.
If possible, please can you leave a spare pare of wellies on your child’s peg at the Centre as we regularly splash in puddles whatever the season!
This summer, Anthony Lloyd is taking on the extraordinary challenge of the NorthCape4000 for the Opportunity Centre.
Want to support his fundraising efforts? You can get involved here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sammarsh
A huge thank you to English Bicknor WI for the time and effort you put into raising funds!
