Working with Our Children Under Two

Supporting Our Youngest Learners (Ages 9–24 Months)

At Our Monkey Club, we recognise that the first two years of a child’s life are a critical period of rapid development. Guided by the Nexus Model, we provide nurturing and tailored support for children from 9 months to 24 months, focusing on holistic development across eight interconnected areas: sensory, cognitive, emotional, social, communication, physical, environmental, and biological. Here’s how we support each child’s journey.

A Safe, Personalised Environment

Children under 24 months have access to a dedicated space where they can feel safe and explore at their own pace. This area provides a retreat from older children when needed and offers opportunities to join mixed-age groups for social growth as they are ready. We prioritise a close connection with a Key Person who understands each child’s unique needs and ensures they feel secure and valued.

Play as a Foundation for Growth

Play is central to our approach. Through play, children develop sensory, motor, social, and emotional skills in an enjoyable, natural way. We provide opportunities for sensory play, safe movement, and gentle challenges that stimulate curiosity and learning. By observing children’s interests, our team creates play experiences that are engaging, educational, and reflective of each child's developmental stage.

Encouraging Early Communication and Independence

Our youngest learners communicate through gestures, expressions, and sounds long before they speak. We respond to these cues with patience and encouragement, helping children understand that their voices are valued. From independent feeding to early problem-solving, we guide each child to discover their capabilities in a supportive, respectful environment.

Building Relationships Through Consistent Care

Young children thrive on consistency and familiarity. We require a minimum weekly attendance to support the formation of strong attachments, helping children feel safe and supported. Our Key Person approach emphasises the importance of forming stable relationships with caregivers, allowing children to build trust and confidence as they explore their surroundings.

Flexible Routines That Reflect Home Practices

We collaborate with families to create routines that support each child's natural rhythms. Whether it’s naptime, mealtime, or playtime, we aim to reflect the routines children follow at home, providing stability and comfort. Sleep hygiene is a particular focus, with personalised sleep arrangements that transition gradually toward independence as children grow.

Nurturing Development Across All Domains

We use the Our Monkey Club Model to support holistic growth through sensory exploration, physical movement, and cognitive and emotional engagement. Children are encouraged to explore textures, colours, and sounds in a language-rich environment that fosters curiosity. Our play-based approach allows children to lead their learning, promoting physical skills, language development, and emotional resilience.

15-Hour Funded Placements for Under Twos

At Our Monkey Club, we’re pleased to offer 15-hour funded placements specifically designed to support working families in accessing high-quality childcare. We understand the need for flexible options, so we provide two attendance patterns for families choosing our funded-only placements:

Term Time Only (38 Weeks per Year)

Schedule: 2 days a week at 7.5 hours per day 
Timings: Choose from either 8:00 am - 3:30 pm or 8:30 am - 4:00 pm 
This option aligns with the school term schedule and provides flexibility for families needing coverage during term time only.

Stretched Funding (48 Weeks per Year)

Schedule: 2 days a week at 6 hours per day 
Timings: Typically from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (specific timings may vary based on centre) 
Breaks: Two weeks off in August and two weeks off at Christmas 
This option offers a balanced approach, spreading funding across 48 weeks, providing continuous support with regular breaks.
Please note that additional fees may apply depending on the specific needs and services requested. 

These placements are available for eligible families under the government-funded hours program. To find out more about funding options for working families, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare.   

For further details on how we can support your family’s childcare needs, please contact us directly. 
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