About Us
We are in partnership with Glasgow City Council and offer government funded places (up to 1140 hours a year) to children 3 years and over, as well as to eligible 2 year old children.
Welcome!
Welcome to Headstart Nursery at Skypark. We are delighted to invite you to join the warm, friendly and supportive Headstart Family. Headed up by Gillian and Aileen, two fully qualified, experienced primary school teachers, the team consists of well-qualified, experienced staff who are passionate about Early Years Care and Education. Our team benefits from a wide range of skills, qualifications and life experiences, as well as a wide age range. Many of our team have been with us for over ten years. Please look at the ‘Our Team’ section to learn more.
Our Story
Headstart started off as a small nursery with a handful of staff and a very bouncy group of children, based in a church hall. It soon took root and bloomed into a service that could accommodate many siblings, making it an ideal one-stop-drop/pick-up service for families both from the local area and further afield. The team has loved getting to know our families as one, two, three and four of their children spend their formative early years at Headstart. It is common for us to be part of our families’ lives for, in some cases, more than fourteen years! The staff are delighted when former pupils pop in for a visit and they can catch up on how the children are doing and what their plans are. Education is such an adventure and we at Headstart love being there at the beginning.
With the move to new, purpose-build premises in Skypark, we are excited to be on the next chapter of our story
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Philosophy & Mission
The nursery ethos has always been about relationships. Developing strong and secure relationships at an early stage ensures that children can go on to develop confidence and resilience. These early building blocks are essential for children to be able to develop self-esteem, form friendships, problem solve, over-come obstacles and embrace learning in all its forms. We are concerned with the development of the whole child, so that they can appreciate and participate in all that life has to offer. Responsive care, enthusiasm, happiness and fun all go towards making sure that Headstart is the best start for your child.
Helping Your Child Explore, Grow, & Learn
Your child will have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of contexts and places. We are very keen to learn from our local community, so the children visit local places of interest on a weekly basis. Whether we are visiting the Gurdwara, the Mitchell Library, the Salvation Army Community Garden, the play parks, the football pitch, the Science Centre or the Kelvingrove Museum and Park, it is important that the children are wearing appropriate clothing. We would be grateful if you would ensure that your child always has appropriate outdoor clothing with them to facilitate these exciting visits and adventures. We also spend time in our nursery garden during the day, regardless of the weather.
Parking
At the front of the nursery there is a drop-off and pickup area for parents and carers.
The nursery has off road designated parking in front of the nursery. No more struggling to find a parking space, juggling children while trying to avoid passing cars and bicycles. For stress-free drop offs and pick ups look no further, Headstart at Skypark makes it really easy.
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Nursery Lunches
Lunches are provided by Breadwinners, a Glasgow based catering company. They provide healthy, wholesome food, catering for allergies and offering vegetarian and halal options. There is a three- week rolling menu offering a main course and dessert (fruit or yogurt). Home made soup is also provided daily in case a child doesn’t like what is on offer that day. Breadwinners have reduced their use of salt and sugar in their menus, using herbs and lemon juice instead. Lunches cost £2.50 per day. If you would like to book lunches, please let the office know. These lunches come as part of the 1140 hours entitlement after the children’s third birthday.
For parents who would prefer to provide their own lunches, our kitchen assistant, Rebecca, can heat up any pre-cooked food you send in. Packed lunches will also be stored in the fridges in the nursery main kitchen.
Nursery Snacks
We provide two healthy snacks daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Snacks consist of a selection of fruit and vegetables along with healthy carbohydrates such as wholemeal pita bread, rice cakes, oat cakes and breadsticks. Children are encouraged to drink water or milk at each snack time. They are also encouraged to serve themselves and spread their cheese and margarine, once they are dextrous enough. Staff will always be on hand to help and guide the children towards independence.
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Growing Garden
We are delighted that we now have a ‘growing garden’ on site. The children will be involved in planting and growing vegetables, soft fruits and flowers. The aim is that we will be able to harvest, cook and eat our own produce. This is a great way for the children to gain an understanding of where our food comes from.
What We Offer
Facilities
A room for children aged 0-1 year
A room for children aged 1-2 years
A room for children aged 2-3 years
A room for children aged 3-5 years
An indoor garden room with large wooden play equipment and a tree den
An outdoor garden area, designed by the children, which has free-flow access from the indoor garden
Our Programmes
We use ‘The Pre-Birth to Three National Guidance’ with our 0-3 years children
We follow the ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ with our 3-5 years children
What Our Families are Saying
