Discover Fennies Epsom, Hook Road

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on our fantastic Fennies Epsom, Hook Road nursery! As one of our well-established settings, Fennies Epsom perfectly reflects what we stand for, providing a nurturing and inspiring environment where children can thrive and begin their educational journey

Choosing the right nursery for you and your child is an important decision, and throughout this blog, we’ll show you why we believe Fennies Epsom, Hook Road, is a standout choice. 

If you’d like to find out more or arrange a visit, feel free to get in touch at enquiries@fennies.com or give us a call on 020 8770 3222

What are you waiting for? Book that tour!

Keep reading to discover more about what makes our Epsom nursery one of the best in the area.

• Overview Of Fennies Epsom, Hook Road
• Explore The Nursery
• Safety And Security
• Hygiene
• Meet The Team
• 5 Minutes - 5 Questions
• Recruitment At Fennies
• Food At Fennies
• Education
• What Do Our Parents Think Of Epsom
• Launch Your Child’s Learning Journey

Overview Of Fennies Epsom, Hook Road

Fennies Epsom, Hook Road, is proudly recognised as one of Epsom’s leading nurseries, guided by the amazing Josie and Rebecca, helping their dedicated, passionate team deliver exceptional care and education for the children. It’s the perfect place for your child to begin their learning journey.

Our nursery in Epsom has been part of the Fennies Family since 2014 and is designed with Early Years development at its core. With a focus on inspiring curiosity and fostering a lifelong love for learning, our purpose-built nursery provides a welcoming, secure environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years. The Epsom nursery is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Epsom Train Station, offering easy access for families in the area, especially for those who have a commute.

Our nursery boasts bright, spacious rooms that encourage the children to explore and discover to their heart's content. It features 5 rooms and a fantastic garden space that allows the children to learn through active play in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

At Fennies Epsom, our passionate team is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children can thrive, and parents can feel confident their child is safe, secure and receiving the right start in life.

Explore The Nursery

Our nursery in Epsom has been thoughtfully designed with spaces that support each stage of a child’s development. A standout feature at Fennies Epsom is a new cooking studio and garden that has been installed at the nursery, allowing them to provide a range of unique, enriching activities that allows the children to gain exposure to experiences they may not have access to at home.

The furniture at Fennies Epsom is exclusively sourced from Community Playthings, renowned for their child-focused designs with safety features such as pinch-free hinges and rounded corners. The pieces are crafted from renewable materials and finished with non-toxic, water-based coatings, ensuring safety and sustainability in every corner of the nursery.

Our Epsom nursery is equipped with purpose-built rooms tailored for different age groups…

Explorers Rooms

We’re lucky to have two Explorers rooms at Fennies Epsom, with these rooms being designed for children from 3 months to 18 months. During this stage, children are beginning to crawl and learn how to stand, and the room layout is intentionally designed to support this and their continued physical development. Sensory exploration is crucial at this age, as children start to familiarise themselves with their surroundings and build early communication skills. 

Both the Explorers Rooms feature a sensory space for the children to explore and relax, whilst also having direct access to nappy changing facilities and milk kitchens. With a team ratio of 1:3 in these rooms, the children are able to build close and personal relationships with their key person.

Discoverers Room

The Discoverers Room caters for children who are aged between 18 months and 24 months, a time when their personalities really begin to take shape. At this age, children become more expressive in their communication and begin to develop increased mobility. The room is spacious and flexible, making the room easily interchangeable in its layout and the activities that are put on to ensure they suit the children’s developing interests and allow the children to explore independently. 

Our team operates at a 1:3 team ratio allowing the children to form strong bonds with their key person. We also have dedicated areas like a milk kitchen and nappy changing facilities to ensure daily operations can run smoothly.

Creators Room

Designed for children between the age of 2 to 3 years, the Creators Room fosters the development of language, communication and social skills. At this stage, children begin to assert their independence and take on small responsibilities, such as serving themselves during mealtimes. The room operates with a 1:5 team ratio and has free-flow access to the garden, allowing for seamless transitions into outdoor learning opportunities. 

The room is situated right next door to the Inventors Room which is the next room up from Creators. This is great for the children as it allows them to familiarise themselves with the room, the children in their and the team, so when it is time to transition to Inventors, it can run nice and smoothly. 

Inventors Room

The Inventors Room is ideal for children aged between 3 to 5 years who are beginning to transition into school life. These rooms provide ample space for independent exploration, offering children the freedom to engage in tasks related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM). 

The room works with a 1:8 team ratio and has free-flow access to the garden, allowing for seamless indoor and outdoor learning. Throughout the room there are plenty of real-life resources that encourage your child to solve problems and develop complex role-play skills that help to prepare them for life ahead.

Garden

Our spacious garden at Fennies Epsom, Hook Road, is an exciting space for outdoor exploration. It includes a storytelling area, mud kitchen and water feature, all designed to encourage physical, social and cognitive growth. Children can continue their learning through active play, turn-taking and nature.

Cooking Studio

Our Epsom nursery is blessed to have a dedicated cooking studio! The new cooking studio is a carefully designed space to ignite their curiosity, as young chefs begin their culinary adventures. The creative studio fosters a love for experimentation and self-expression that stretches far beyond the boundaries of our settings. The children use the cooking studio on a daily basis, aided by the implementation of their new cooking club, giving the children the opportunity to work on their mathematical and turn-taking skills, all whilst learning about a variety of recipes.

Safety and Security

At Fennies Epsom, we have a strong and secure entry system in place to ensure your child’s safety from the moment they arrive until they leave. Only recognised parents, carers or members of our nursery team are permitted access to the premises. For added security and supervision, any visitors are always escorted by a member of our team.

Hygiene

We are dedicated to maintaining 5-star cleanliness and hygiene throughout our Epsom nursery, ensuring every area is kept in excellent condition. By following strict protocols, we uphold a high standard of cleanliness to provide a safe and healthy environment for your child to explore and learn. We have two housekeepers visit the setting each evening to clean the facilities, and every quarter, they conduct a thorough deep clean of the entire site.

Meet The Team

Working in Early Years education is one of the most rewarding and meaningful careers! Being able to influence the future by supporting the development of the next generation is truly special, and it’s why we love coming to work every day! At Fennies Epsom on Hook Road, we are dedicated to continually raising the standard in Early Years education, ensuring we provide the best possible care and learning experience for our children.

The team at Fennies Epsom is highly experienced and truly represents the values we hold dear at Fennies. Our dedicated educators collaborate closely with our central education team to deliver an exceptional experience for the children. Now let’s meet the amazing team members who make it all happen…

The Management Team

Josie (Nursery Manager)

Josie has worked in Early Years for over 11 years now, with the last 9 of those years being at Fennies Epsom. She originally started out as an apprentice and worked her way up to different management roles. Through this experience, Josie has played a pivotal role in fostering an environment where both the team and the children can develop into the best versions of themself. By continuing to provide outstanding care within the setting, it helps to build a community culture within the nursery that naturally encourages the parents to reach out within the community. 

Rebecca (Deputy Manager)

Rebecca's career in childcare started with her apprenticeship at Fennies, and from there she worked her way up to becoming a Room Leader and Third-in-Charge and has now progressed to the position of Deputy Manager. Fennies laid the groundwork for her to become the educator she is today, allowing quality education and new experiences for the children within her care, ensuring they are given the right start for their future. Rebecca is a major advocate for planning trips for the children to visit places outside the nursery setting such as the local library or museums, allowing the children to get exposure to experiences they may not always get to do at home.

The Education Team

Paula (Regional SENCO And Inclusion Manager)

Paula plays an integral role in offering support to children with additional needs or those learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). She plays a key role in enhancing our team’s understanding of both SENCO and EAL empowering us to provide the best possible care. Paula has had ample opportunities to collaborate with Fennies Epsom, working with children from various backgrounds and cultures, and offering crucial support for their EAL needs. If you’re interested in discovering more about inclusivity at Fennies, or even want to share your unique story, join us at our upcoming Open Morning ‘Our World, Our Story’ on Saturday 10th May which is a celebration of all the diverse backgrounds and cultures that make up the Fennies Family.

Ruth (Education Advisor)

Ruth is pivotal in motivating our teams to create engaging and stimulating environments for our children. She is a strong advocate for our initiatives like our ‘Book of the Month’ and our recently introduced ‘Music and Movement’ campaign. Music-based activities are essential to our curriculum due to their profound impact on brain and emotional development, along with its benefits on children’s holistic well-being during their Early Years. Ruth recently worked with Fennies Epsom during the rollout of the ‘Music and Movement’ campaign, providing a variety of activities that helped the children foster good listening skills and improve their fine motor development.

Majka (Art Specialist)

Majka frequently visits all of our nurseries, including our Epsom nursery, to guide the children in learning through art. Each month, she introduces an ‘Artist of the Month’, encouraging children to explore various art activities inspired by that artist’s works. During last month, the children were learning about Barbara Hepworth and when Majka went on her visit to Fennies Epsom, the children enjoyed creating some amazing sculptures using clay, sticks and string, working collaboratively and adding lots of different textures to create exciting ziplines.

5 Minutes - 5 Questions

Last week we got to catch up with Josie and Rebecca, the management team at Epsom. We got to find out more about what happens at Fennies Epsom and what the future has in store for them!

How Do You Go Further And Try To Improve The Early Years Curriculum At Your Nursery?

At our Epsom nursery, we are deeply committed to providing high-quality education tailored to each child's individual needs. One of the key ways we enhance our curriculum is by actively listening to both the children's and parents' voices. By understanding their needs and preferences, we are able to better shape the learning experiences we provide. We also encourage parents to continue learning opportunities at home, supporting a strong home-nursery connection.

Reading plays a significant role in building communication skills, so we’ve established a lending library with a selection of books donated by the community. Children can swap books to take home, helping to nurture a love of reading. Additionally, we provide Early Years books for parents to read, further strengthening this partnership.

Our cooking studio has been another exciting addition, where we’ve explored different ways to enrich the children’s learning experience. For instance, during Lunar New Year, the children helped cook a nutritional rice dish for everyone to enjoy, integrating culture, cooking skills and teamwork into their learning journey.

How Do You Foster An Environment To Help Create Parent Partnerships At Your Nursery?

We believe that strong parent partnerships are essential for supporting the child’s growth and development. To foster this connection, we organise regular events where parents can engage with us, meet the team and ask any questions they may have. Events such as ‘Stay and Play’ sessions, ‘Meet the Manager’ evenings and ‘School Readiness’ evenings offer parents valuable insights into how we care for their child and provide an opportunity to build a rapport with our staff.

Additionally, we keep parents informed and involved in their child’s learning journey by sending out a weekly memo. This memo includes home learning activities, giving parents a chance to support and participate in their child's Early Years education at home, further strengthening the home-school relationship.

What Would You Like To Achieve In The Next 6 Months At Your Nursery?

In the next six months, we are focused on extending our connections with the wider community. We aim to build partnerships with local nurseries, working collaboratively to offer the highest quality education for all children. We share the same goal, to see every child flourish and succeed.

We also plan to collaborate with food banks, teaching children the importance of supporting others who are less fortunate. Additionally, we want to incorporate cultural capital into nursery life by providing children with new experiences, deepening their understanding of different cultures and communities. This will help them develop a greater sense of empathy and awareness, while also supporting their broader educational development.

Have You Had Any Exciting Visits Or Partnerships Within The Community Recently?

We’ve had some exciting visits from parents and local professionals, enriching our children’s learning experiences. For example, during the Big Garden Birdwatch, we welcomed a birdwatcher who shared fascinating insights with the children. We also had a beekeeper visit, providing an opportunity for the children to learn about bees and the importance of nature.

In the near future, we’re planning to invite local fire and police station representatives to speak with the children, helping them understand the vital roles these members of the community play. Additionally, we’re reaching out to some talented parents who are bakers, hoping they’ll come in and share their skills with the children through a fun baking session.

What Events Have You Got In The Near Future At Fennies Epsom?

Yes! We have some wonderful events coming up at Fennies Epsom to engage the children and families. In April, we’ll be hosting some Easter-themed events, including an Easter Egg Donation for the food bank, an Easter Bonnet Parade and an exciting Epsom Egg Hunt for the children. These events not only celebrate the season but also help teach the importance of giving back to the community.

Looking ahead, we are also preparing for the ‘Our World, Our Story’ Open Morning on Saturday May 10th. It’s a great chance to explore the diverse cultures that make up our nursery communities.

Recruitment At Fennies

At Fennies Epsom, Hook Road, we follow a meticulous and transparent recruitment process to ensure we select passionate and skilled individuals who are dedicated to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for every child.

To uphold the highest safety standards, we implement rigorous recruitment practices to ensure all potential hires meet our criteria. This careful approach allows us to build a team that places the well-being and security of children at the forefront.

Once onboard, all educators undergo a thorough induction to prepare them for their roles. On their second day, they receive paediatric first aid training, equipping them with the essential skills to maintain a safe and secure environment for the children in our care.

Food At Fennies

Along with the amazing cooking studio for the children, Fennies Epsom is also proud to have an on-site chef who prepares nutritious, well-balanced meals for the children every day. Our menus rotate twice a year to reflect the changing seasons, and we’re accredited by the Early Years Alliance (EYA) who help us use a consistent, evidence based approach to ensuring we provide healthy eating practices at our nursery as it is essential in establishing healthy eating habits. 

Food is an integral part of our approach to well-being and we cater to all individual dietary needs, including allergies and preferences, to create a positive, healthy environment for children to learn about food and nutrition.

Education at Fennies

We understand that a child’s first five years are crucial for their development. To uphold our high standards, we carry out quarterly quality audits. These are conducted by our Regional Managers alongside Rageena, our Director of Early Years, to ensure consistency across all our settings.

Specialist Education

Our Specialist Education Team, which includes our SENCO Specialist, Art Specialist and Education Advisor, plays a key role in enriching children's learning across our nurseries. They lead engaging initiatives such as ‘Book of the Month,’ which encourages storytelling and literacy, and ‘Artist of the Month,’ which introduces children to creative styles and cultural influences. To further promote a love of reading, our Lending Library offers families a wide selection of books to enjoy at home. Additionally, children regularly participate in community outings, from library visits to nature walks, providing valuable hands-on learning experiences.

Parent App

Our Famly App keeps you informed with real-time updates on your child's care, including nappy changes, sleep routines and meal times, all sent directly to your phone. It also tracks your child's learning milestones, giving you valuable insights into their development. Additionally, you'll receive instant notifications about nursery news, events and reminders, ensuring you stay connected and never miss a special moment.

What Do Our Parents Think Of Epsom

Choosing the right nursery is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and we’re proud that our parents trust us to nurture their children. Here’s what they have to say about Fennies Epsom!

‘Our daughter has thrived at Fennies Epsom since 7 months old. Her growth and development have been remarkable under their attentive care. We appreciate the engaged staff and detailed daily updates. She’s formed close bonds with her caregivers, making us confident she’s in a nurturing environment.’ - Fennies Epsom, Hook Road, Parent.

‘My child has been at Fennies Epsom, Hook Road for over 2 years full-time, it's a lovely nursery and the staff are so educated and down to earth. My child is excited to go to nursery school every day because she has fun and learns at the same time. She is so happy there!’ - Fennies Epsom, Hook Road Parent.

Start Your Child’s Learning Journey Today!

We want to make the enrolment process as smooth as possible for you, which is exactly why we’re open for enrolments all year round!

Isabella, our Admissions Executive, is here to guide you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out to her with any questions to arrange a tour of Fennies Epsom.

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