Shortstuff Nursery, in Cantley, Doncaster, is the ideal environment for
any parent who is anxious about being parted from their child for the first
time!
The safe and secure family ambience is evident to anyone who steps over
the thresh-hold of the homely bungalow, which has been sympathetically adapted,
to provide a safe, fun, yet educational haven, for pre-school children.
Shortstuff is the brainchild of Elaine Thompson and Margaret McBride, both
qualified teachers, who are partners in the Nursery. Margaret has had 30 years
experience teaching primary children, and Elaine worked initially as a qualified
Nursery Nurse in a Sheffield Authority Day Nursery for 11 years, followed
by 11 years teaching primary children at the same school as Margaret.
They both shared the same dream to set up their own Nursery and left teaching
two years ago, to make this vision a reality. After an initial fruitless search
for a suitable property, they finally found the ideal building that they
both recognised as being perfect for their needs. They exchanged contracts
in October 2003, and work quickly commenced to convert the large and airy
bungalow into a facility specifically designed for two to five year olds.
There is a large, fully enclosed garden, with an area of rubberised safe surfacing
for wheeled toys. The garden is lawned and has a child height raised garden,
where the children can help to grow, and sample, fruit and vegetables.
The nursery was named Shortstuff, after Margaret’s grandson, Daniel, who
was given the nickname when he was a toddler. Elaine and Margaret share the
same goal, to provide a safe stimulating experience for children, making learning
fun, and adopted the philosophy of positive learning through positive play.
The nursery became registered in January by Ofsted for twenty children, and
very soon had parents enquiring about places.
Elaine and Margaret both firmly believe that learning should be a fun and
joyful experience, so that when the children make the transition to school,
they have a really good start. Alex was the first child to benefit from the
nurturing care that Shortstuff provides, and his mother has said that Alex
has enjoyed every minute of his time at Shortstuff.
It quickly becomes apparent to anyone spending any time at the nursery,
that both Elaine and Margaret genuinely care, and their experience in teaching
youngsters is invaluable in preparing the children for entry into mainstream
school.
The day begins at Shortstuff with breakfast, followed by a greeting session.
This is an opportunity for the children to communicate and interact with each
other, to talk about topics of interest and to plan and review their day.
They are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency and a well stocked
book corner gives every child the opportunity to become familiar with books.
After a snack of biscuits and juice, the children play in the well equipped
garden, or enjoy the range of toys and games that are provided. This is followed
by story time and a wholesome lunch, quite often accompanied with vegetables
from the garden. In the afternoon, the nursery provides the same combination
of introduction to basic motor skills combined with creative activities.
The children are encouraged to be caring and nurturing of the environment
from an early age and are often taken on expeditions where they can take an
active interest in the wildlife and nature around them.
Shortstuff Nursery is ideally situated to the south east of Doncaster, a
few minutes away from the Doncaster Lakeside complex, and has easy access
onto the main artery Bawtry Road into Doncaster Town Centre and the roads
taking traffic onto the A1 and M18 motorway. It is easily accessed off Goodison
Boulevard, a large road that runs through the centre of Cantley.
The Nursery has limited places available and welcome children from a wide
area. They can also assist parents in making applications for subsidising
vouchers.
For further information, or to arrange a visit, telephone Elaine or Margaret
on 01302 534715, or alternatively, just call in. You can be assured of a warm
welcome.
