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Goldilocks day nursery Reading

Heart of all we do

Heart of all we do

Goldilocks Day Nursery was established in 1990 and has cared for and supported many families over the years. We pride ourselves on offering a true home-from-home experience for every child who attends. Quality care and education are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that each child feels loved, valued, and supported throughout their day. We understand that starting nursery can be an emotional time for both children and parents. We are particularly sensitive to the needs of new families, especially during the settling-in period. Good communication between staff and parents is essential at this stage. Each child is assigned a Key Person who takes special responsibility for supporting them as they settle in and build secure attachments. Through our key person buddy system, children are also encouraged to form positive relationships with other members of staff, supporting their social development and confidence.

Our Rooms

  • Goldilocks comprises five age-appropriate rooms:
  • Rabbits (8 weeks – 14 months)
  • Squirrels (14 – 20 months)
  • Squirrels 2 (20 – 26 months)
  • Badgers (26 – 36 months)
  • Bears (36 months – school leaver)

Children move through the nursery when they are developmentally ready. Transitions are discussed with families beforehand, and once agreed, children begin short, regular visits to their new room. This helps them become familiar with the environment and build a bond with their new Key Person.

Where possible, children transition alongside familiar peers, as we have found this greatly supports their confidence and emotional wellbeing. Although each room is largely self-contained, the nursery operates as a whole. This allows flexibility, shared resources, and continuity of care. We also encourage siblings to have regular contact during the day.

Daily Routines

Each room follows its own routine and planned activities, which are displayed for parents to view.

Sleep & Rest

  • We provide appropriate rest opportunities for all children.
  • Babies under approximately 18 months sleep in cots and sleep pods.
  • Older children rest on sleep mats according to their individual needs.
  • Children who no longer require sleep are offered quiet time.
  • Bedding is provided for our eldest children. All sleeping arrangements are discussed and agreed with parents.

 

Meals & Nutrition

We are proud to have been awarded a 5-Star Food Hygiene Rating by Environmental Health — the highest possible award. We work alongside Nursery Kitchen Ltd, who prepare our freshly cooked hot lunches in line with children’s nutritional guidelines, carefully monitoring salt, sugar, and fat content. Snacks are freshly prepared on site by our nursery cook. We are a strictly nut-free nursery. Our daily meal provision includes:

  • Breakfast (available until 8:30am)
  • Mid-morning snack (10:00am)
  • Two-course hot lunch (11:00am – 12:00pm)
  • Afternoon snack (3:30pm), including fresh fruit or yoghurt

Water and milk are offered throughout the day, and fresh drinking water is always available.

Mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions. Staff encourage good table manners, independence, and respect for each child’s individual pace of eating. In our Bears room, children help to lay the table and serve themselves, promoting independence and responsibility.

We are happy to cater for allergies and specific dietary requirements, which should be discussed in advance with the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager.

CCTV & Safety

For added reassurance, Goldilocks is equipped with state-of-the-art CCTV covering all classrooms and outdoor areas. This allows management to monitor activities throughout the day and ensures the highest standards of safety and care.

Policies

All nursery policies are available upon request. A parent policy folder is also located in the entrance hall for your convenience.