Nurturing communication and learning through natural play in a creative and caring environment.
0131 629 3363
Email: hopefieldcastlenursery@gmail.com
Hopefield Castle Nursery
Cockpen Rd, Bonnyrigg EH19 3HS
OUR NURSERY
Nursery
Hopefield Castle Nursery is an indoor-outdoor nursery for children aged 2-5 years, set in a beautiful 17th century fairytale castle with 1.5 acres of secure grounds. We are open 7.30am until 6pm Monday to Friday all year round. Funded places are available for eligible 2 year olds and all 3-5 year olds (up to 30 free hours per week). We have two bright and spacious playrooms, the Griffins (2-3s) and the Dragons (3-5s), along with a separate sensory room.
Outdoor Learning
As well as having extensive grounds within the nursery setting for the children to explore, there are many local parks and amenities within walking distance. We ensure that our children learn through experience, giving them opportunities to get involved in the local community, with regular trips and a strong link between home and nursery. We run Forest Kindergarten sessions in our own woodland area.
Mouth-watering Menus
Freshly cooked from scratch each day. We are guided by the Scottish Government's "Setting the Table" Guidelines to help inform our healthy menu choices.
Our Ethos
Based on the latest in Early Years research, that children learn best through natural play using open-ended and natural resources, which allow their imaginations to flourish. As well as natural resources we will have beautiful wooden furniture and toys in our carefully designed rooms. We won't have brightly coloured noisy plastic toys, which can be both overstimulating and uninteresting to young children.
Storytelling
Traditional storytelling using props such as puppets is an important part of the nursery week. Storytelling allows the children to really focus and listen, and of course imagine what the characters look like! We will also have plenty of messy play and arts/crafts opportunities!
Communication
We have the luxury of spacious rooms for the different ages/stages, as well as separate quiet rooms for heuristic play.
Community Focus
We enjoy frequent outings, including trips to the local library and parks. We have a strong community focus with our pioneering Intergenerational Project which has received extensive media coverage.
Signalong
Additionally, we focus on the development of communication skills and social skills from a very early age, with staff using Signalong (signing & speech) as a bridge to spoken language. Each group benefits from age and stage-appropriate language and communication groups, from a qualified Speech and Language Therapist along with highly skilled staff.
Grant Funding and Wraparound Care
We are a partnership nursery with Midlothian Council which means we can offer grant funded places / discounts on fees for children aged 3-5 years. We can also offer "Good time to be 2" funded places for eligible 2 year olds. Contact us for further information.
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To meet the individual needs...
of all children to ensure their health and wellbeing, by observing, monitoring and evaluating their progress and development; particularly focusing on their speech, language and communication development.
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To provide learning experiences...
based on the children’s ideas and interests, the natural flow of the seasons and the skilful nurturing and support of our trained Early Years Educators; including a focus on outdoor learning through Forest Kindergarten
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To provide a safe and secure...
yet welcoming and open environment, in which children will thrive, parents/carers will feel included and staff will feel supported and valued.
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To recognise and respect....
the value of parents’/carers’ input, and encourage them to share in their children’s learning.
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To promote positive attitudes...
to diversity and difference, helping children to learn and value different aspects of their own and others’ lives by engaging them with their local community, particularly focusing on Intergenerational Practice within the community.
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