Childcare

Blyde Haven

We have our own nursery, Blyde Haven, which offers subsidised childcare for children aged three to five years old to enable students with families to study with us.  The nursery’s name is very apt; the word ‘blyde’ in Shetland dialect means glad and this is a happy, safe environment or haven for your children.

This is a small-scale nursery based in a specially-adapted bungalow with an outdoor play area and garden; perfect for creating the homely atmosphere and stability your child needs – it’s really a home away from home.

The nursery is led by manager Marina Eva whose enthusiasm for her work and inspiring nature comes across in the wide variety of topics and visits which make up the nursery’s curriculum.  The nursery is highly regarded for successfully engaging children in learning through play, enjoyment and individual needs.  Read our HMIe report from November 2009.

Visit our nursery photo gallery to see what the children have been involved in recently.

If you’d like to visit the nursery to find out more about us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Location

The nursery is situated at Gressy Loan in Lerwick at the back of the Anderson High School.

View Blyde Haven Nursery in a larger map

Opening hours

Opening hours

Please make every effort to collect your child on time and, if you think you might be late, please let us know as soon as possible.  Ask Sue if we need to mention problems with insurance cover caused by overlap.  Also, please advise us if you have organised someone other than a parent to collect your child.

We subsidise places at the nursery for students.

Fees

Pre-school children receive 2.5 hours care per day for 38 weeks under the Government-commissioned Placing Scheme.  Outwith this, the full subsidised cost will be charged.

We require four weeks’ written notice if you decide to withdraw your child from the nursery.

Holidays

We are open 42 weeks of the year with a six-week break in July/August and a two-week break over Christmas/New Year/Easter. If your child is on holiday outwith these dates you will be charged full fees.

Advice for parents

Unwell children

Please let us know if your child is unwell and unable to attend nursery.  Parents and carers are asked to keep their child at home for the necessary time to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including sickness and diarrhoea, as far as possible.

You will be charged full fees if your child is absent due to illness.

If your child is ‘under the weather’ but not ill, please advise us when you drop them off.  Should your child become unwell during the course of the day, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Clothing

We recommend you dress your child in comfortable clothes.  We will let you know in advance if appropriate outdoor clothes are required for an activity.  Each child gets a named coat hook.

Toys

Please feel free to bring your child’s special toy with you to the nursery.

We do not allow toy guns, swords or other toys that might provoke aggressive play.

Meals and snacks

We provide a mid-morning snack at a cost of 30p per day (collected on a weekly basis).  Please provide healthy food for your child’s lunch and afternoon snack.

Developmental records

We observe and record all aspects of your child’s development, and you have access to these records at any time.  All records are treated as strictly confidential by staff.

Complaints policy

We operate to the highest standards and aim to deliver the very best service to you and your child.  Should you have a complaint, please inform our nursery manager, Marina Eva, in the first instance.  You can also speak to the Shetland College UHI Operations Manager on 01595 771000.

We aim to resolve any issues within seven working days.

As Blyde Haven Nursery and Shetland College UHI are services provided by Shetland Islands Council, you can take your complaint direct to them.

You may also contact:

Jenny Smith
Care Commission Office
Charlotte House (2^nd floor)
Lerwick
Shetland
Tel: 01595 696661

Policies and procedures

A copy of our policies and procedures is available from nursery manager, Marina Eva.

In the event of extreme weather

When schools are closed due to bad weather, information is broadcast on local radio stations SIBC and Radio Orkney.  If all schools in Shetland are closed then the nursery will also be closed.

Our aims

• To value the parent as the child’s first educator
• To develop good relationships with parents
• To provide a safe and stimulating environment in which children feel safe and secure
• To ensure quality care, which addresses the individual needs of the child
• To encourage each individual child’s emotional, social, physical, creative and intellectual development
• To create opportunities for learning through play, and provide opportunities to stimulate interest and imagination
• To encourage the child to explore, appreciate and respect their environment
• To encourage positive attitudes, and develop confidence and self-esteem with each individual child
• To ensure that the children have ‘fun’