An Exclusive Interview with Sarah from Little Owl Childcare
When it comes to childcare, every parent wants the best for their little ones. But how do you sift through the myriad of options available to find the perfect fit for your family? Burntwood Business sits down with Sarah from Little Owl Childcare, a leading childcare provider in the area, to discuss what sets them apart in this competitive industry. From their child-centred curriculum to their highly qualified staff, Little Owl Childcare is redefining what quality childcare looks like. Read on to find out more about their mission, values, and the extensive range of services they offer to families.
The Interview
Burntwood Business: Hello Sarah, thank you for joining us today. Can you briefly describe the mission and values of Little Owl Childcare?
Sarah: Absolutely, thank you for having me. Our vision is to provide quality childcare for children aged 0-12 years. We aim to promote a feeling of being valued and respected among the children. Our focus is on a child-centred curriculum and activities. We ensure our staff are motivated, qualified, and have a will to learn. We also aim to provide an inspiring environment and work closely with parents and other settings, sharing evidence of progress and celebrating successes together.
Burntwood Business: That’s quite comprehensive. What sets Little Owl Childcare apart from other childcare services in the area?
Sarah: We offer support to the whole family, from birth to 12 years old. This includes support groups for new families, parent workshops, homeschooling groups, and holiday/out-of-school care. Our environments are very child-focused; our nursery rooms are light, airy, and exceptionally clean. We strive to provide the very highest of childcare standards, treating every child as if they were our own.
Burntwood Business: Safety is a big concern for parents. How do you ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care?
Sarah: All of our staff undergo safeguarding training annually, and 100% are paediatric first aid qualified. We have robust risk assessments and safety monitoring, including fire safety officers and health and safety teams at each setting.
Burntwood Business: What about the qualifications and training of your staff?
Sarah: All staff hold childcare qualifications, including early years teacher and qualified teacher status. Continued professional development is a high priority for us.
Burntwood Business: What is the child-to-staff ratio at Little Owl Childcare?
Sarah: We work in line with government-advised ratios and make sure every child is the centre of our attention.
Burntwood Business: Can you elaborate on the types of activities and educational programs you offer?
Sarah: We work closely with the Early Years Foundations Stage Curriculum and incorporate Forest School, ORIM, and mindfulness coaching. We focus on learning through play and exploration and have an early years-endorsed mathematics and literacy program.
Burntwood Business had to ask what ORIM stood for:
ORIM stands for Opportunities, Recognition, Interaction, and Model. It’s a framework that is often used in educational settings to support literacy development, particularly in early childhood education. The ORIM framework was developed by Peter Hannon and Cathy Nutbrown and is based on the idea that there are four key ways in which parents and caregivers can support children’s literacy learning:
- Opportunities: Providing children with chances to engage with literacy materials like books, paper, and pens.
- Recognition: Recognizing and valuing what children can do and encouraging them to see themselves as capable learners.
- Interaction: Engaging in activities that involve talking, listening, and giving feedback, such as reading together or discussing stories.
- Model: Serving as a role model by demonstrating literacy activities like reading, writing, and discussing topics that require some level of literacy.
The ORIM framework is often used in programs that aim to involve parents in their children’s literacy development, as it provides a structured approach to thinking about the different ways in which literacy can be supported at home and in educational settings.
https://www.peeple.org.uk/orim#
Burntwood Business: How do you handle children with special needs?
Sarah: Every child is unique, and we work closely with parents and outside agencies to effectively support each child’s needs.
Burntwood Business: Do you have any testimonials or success stories you can share?
Sarah: Certainly, you can find some of our success stories and testimonials on our website Little Owl Childcare.
Burntwood Business: What are the enrolment procedures, and do you have any upcoming open days?
Sarah: We invite parents to visit our settings and then hold an induction meeting. We also offer short stay-and-play sessions to help children settle in.
Burntwood Business: Lastly, how can parents stay involved and updated about their child’s progress?
Sarah: Our online learning journey is updated daily for all children. This includes daily activities, photographs, and a messaging service for parents.
Burntwood Business: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing such valuable information about Little Owl Childcare. It’s clear that you’re passionate about providing quality childcare.
Sarah: Thank you for having me. We always encourage families to visit our settings to get a ‘feel’ for our ethos and passion for childcare.
If you want to know more about Little Owl Childcare, check out their listing or visit their website.
