Crèche
The SureStart Whitley Children's Centre crèche can accommodate up to 12 children, aged 3 months to 4 years, in each session. The crèche sessions normally last between 2 and 3 hours. Crèches are provided so that SureStart parents can access a range of courses such as IT and First Aid. The crèche is Ofsted registered and provides a safe and stimulating environment for the children to play in. We currently have a trained staff team of 7 crèche workers offering a range of activities for the children such as painting, singing and story times as well as playing with toys. Healthy snacks are provided and the workers see to all the children’s personal needs.
For more details contact Kelly Dadd,
Crèche Co-ordinator on 0118 901 5777

Buttercups
Buttercups offers 1 session a week for children on the waiting list for Sunflowers sessional care from the age of 2 years 6 months. The sessions run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30 to 11.00am during term time at SureStart Whitley Children's Centre. This session enables the children to become familiar with being in a group setting and routines. This helps both parents and children during what may be a difficult transition period as the child becomes more independent. Parents may be asked to stay for several visits to help the children settle.
SureStart Whitley Early Years Provision
SureStart Whitley Early Years Provision incorporate 36 day care places for children aged from 3 months to 5 years(12 in each of the following age ranges 0-2,2-3 &3-5 years. It is located at the back of South Reading Youth and Community Centre, Northumberland Avenue, Reading. It is purpose built and equipped providing a fun and stimulating environment for all children. There are 3 main activity rooms(in the ages ranges mentioned above) an outdoor play area with covered decking, a large sand pit and picnic tables. The day care is available Monday to Friday 8am until 6pm 51 weeks of the year (excluding Christmas week and Bank Holidays)
All staff working in this room have obtained or are working towards a level 2 or 3 childcare qualifications and first aid training. The staff are dedicated to providing the children with stimulating and fun care and education.
The Provision is split into three rooms:
0-2 years- Daffodil Room
The Daffodil Room caters for 12 children aged from 3 months up to 2 years. The adult to child ratio is 1:3. There is a separate sleep room with cots and sleep mats for children to rest or sleep. We have a nappy changing room with designated changing areas, potties/toilet and wash hand basin. The milk kitchen is only used for making milk feeds and preparing foods for weaning and sterilising all equipment used.
The staff work towards the Birth to Three Matters framework with all the planning being displayed weekly for parents to read.
2-3 years- Bluebell Room
The Bluebell Room caters for 12 day care and 12 sessional care children (Buttercups) aged from 2 –3 years. The adult to child ratio is 1:4. The room works on an open plan basis with various areas set out for the children including sand and water play, art and craft, reading, writing and imaginative play. There are 3 toilets and wash hand basins in this room to encourage greater independence for the children
The staff work towards the Birth to Three Matters Framework with all the planning being displayed weekly for parents to read.
3-5 years- Sunflower Room
The Sunflower Room has 12 day care places and 14 sessional care places. Sessional care children will be able to access either five morning or five afternoon sessions free from the term after their 3rd birthday (this will be term time only) and will be eligible for the Nursery Education Grant
In the Sunflower Room the Foundation Stage Curriculum is followed covering all six areas of development encouraging the children to learn the appropriate skills through a variety of activities, free play, arts and craft activities, home corner, book corner, maths, writing and messy play with sand and water.

All children in the Reading area are entitled to the Nursery Education Grant funding from the term after their third birthday on completion of the relevant forms. Please request a leaflet if you would like further information on the Nursery Education Grant.

For further information or an application form please call 0118 901 5208.