Children’s wellbeing

At Funky Owls Nursery we prioritise the holistic development of children, recognising many interconnected needs for their wellbeing. We believe in fostering a nurturing environment which encompasses emotional wellbeing, develops strong connections and friendships, builds confidence, encourages community engagement, physical exercise, and mindfulness, as well as well balanced nutrition.

Emotional Wellbeing
Our dedicated team understands the significance of emotional wellbeing in a child’s development. Through empathy and encouragement of self-expression, we create a safe space where all emotions are acknowledged and embraced. This allows children to navigate their feelings with resilience and helps develop a positive emotional framework for their future.

Connections and Friendships
We celebrate the power of connections and friendships. Our inclusive environment encourages children to build meaningful relationships with their peers and our caring team. These connections not only enhance social skills but also contribute to a strong sense of belonging and support.

Confidence Building
Empowering children to believe in themselves and their individual abilities is a cornerstone of our approach. Through engaging activities, positive reinforcement and personalised encouragement, we guide children towards discovering their unique strengths. This confidence-building journey equips them with the self-assurance they need to face life’s challenges with flexibility and resilience.

Being Part of a Community
Funky Owls Nursery is more than just a place of learning—it is a community. Being located in the heart of Colliers Wood, we are a part of a rich and diverse society with whom we frequently join in collaborative projects, group activities, and outreach initiatives to help children to develop a sense of responsibility and belonging. We believe that a strong community connection contributes to a child’s overall wellbeing and their understanding of self-worth.

Staying Active
Promoting an active lifestyle is key to ensuring the physical wellbeing of your child and fostering a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Our well-designed, daily excursions and engaging physical activities provide opportunities for children to develop fine and gross motor skills, good coordination, build stamina, and develop a passion for being active and outdoors.

Mindfulness Practices
In our fast-paced world, cultivating and making tine for mindfulness is crucial for our mental wellbeing. We integrate age-appropriate mindfulness practices into our daily routines, as well as weekly yoga practice for older children. These practices promote focus, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, contributing to a calm and centred environment, and state of mind.

Great Food – Meals with Purpose
We understand the vital role nutrition plays in a child’s wellbeing. Our dedicated chef prepares nutritious and delicious meals, incorporating a variety of food groups to support overall health. Every meal is crafted with care, ensuring that children receive the nourishment they need to thrive.

Staff’s wellbeing

At Funky Owls Nursery, we recognise that our team sets us apart. We value their hard work and strive to ensure their happiness here. Our aim is to inspire and support them to bring their best to work every day.

Upon joining our team, new joiners will find a thoughtful welcome gift awaiting them in their personalised cupboard within our dedicated, private staff room.

Each birthday is celebrated with a personalised box of specially handpicked gifts for that team member! Additionally, they receive an extra day of annual leave to enjoy on their birthday or at any time throughout the year, as they prefer.

Upon successfully completing a probationary period, all permanent employees are awarded a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.

Many of our team enjoy a 4 day working week. This model is well known for reducing burnout and increasing overall happiness amongst workforces worldwide. Our flexible work schedule grants team members a valuable day off each week, to prioritise themselves, their family, or even tackle tasks like that towering laundry pile (or perhaps indulge in some Netflix time!).

After successfully completing probation, all permanent employees are granted enrolment into Bupa, giving immediate access to a healthcare Cash Plan that annually includes up to:

  • £200 dental care
  • £200 optical
  • £500 therapies including
    • physiotherapy, osteopathy,
    • chiropractic, acupuncture and chiropody
    • £45 prescription cover
    • £200 Bupa health assessments

Being a part of Bupa’s membership also provides access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential counselling and guidance from qualified experts, available 24/7.

The Management team conducts routine wellbeing meetings aimed at ensuring the holistic care of each and every employee. These sessions serve as a platform to address individual needs, discuss concerns, and explore ways to enhance overall welfare. These meetings prioritise the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of employees, fostering a supportive and nurturing work environment.

Keep an eye out for a delightful bouquet of flowers delivered right to your doorstep on your work anniversary.

Every quarter, the team engages in a nomination process to recognise and honour a colleague with an award. This initiative encourages team members to identify and acknowledge exceptional contributions, fostering a culture of appreciation and camaraderie within our nursery. Upon receiving this recognition, one team member is presented with a star badge to wear on their uniform, and their photo is showcased in the entrance to nursery.

Each quarter, we invite parents to nominate a practitioner for the employee of the quarter award. This is an opportunity for parents to recognise and commend a staff member who has made a positive impact on their child’s experience at Funky Owls Nursery. Upon receiving this recognition, one team member is presented with a star badge to wear on their uniform, and their photo is showcased in the entrance to nursery.

Each full year of service (from January 1st to December 31st) earns employees an extra day of annual leave, capped at a maximum of 5 additional days after completing five years of service.

We prioritise paying competitive salaries, ensuring that our qualified staff earn significantly above the London Living Wage. Additionally, salary reviews are conducted yearly for all employees as a standard practice.

We offer both in-house and online training for all our staff. We strongly believe that continuous learning and skill development contribute significantly to personal growth and overall wellbeing.

We firmly believe that beyond the daily tasks and responsibilities, the essence of a thriving workplace lies in the connections and relationships forged among our team members. That’s why we organise social gatherings and cultivate little gestures that go beyond mere professional interactions. These deliberate efforts are aimed at creating an environment where every staff member feels genuinely valued, appreciated, and content, contributing to a positive and fulfilling work atmosphere.

Parent’s wellbeing

At Funky Owls Nursery we recognise the integral role parents play in the wellbeing of both child and family. We prioritise not only the growth of your child but also the wellbeing of you. From a warm settling-in process to ongoing support and engagement, we strive to create a nurturing environment that extends beyond the classroom, and into the home.

Settling In with a Personal Touch
We understand that the settling-in process is a crucial time for both children and parents. At Funky Owls Nursery, we offer a personalised approach to help your individual child feel comfortable and secure. After a session when families and children get to personally meet the team, as a special welcome, we invite them to our neighbouring coffee shop for a complimentary coffee and pastry, creating a cozy atmosphere for parents during their child’s initial transition into this exciting new chapter.

Daily Updates with a Smile
We believe in keeping parents informed and connected with their child’s daily experiences and routine. They receive daily updates through our dedicated app, complete with photos or videos, capturing a memorable moment of your child’s day. This peek into their activities ensures you are part of their adventures during the day, even when you’re not physically present.

Parental Social Events
Building a supportive community is at the heart of Funky Owls Nursery. We host a series of social events throughout the year to bring parents together. Whether it’s a weekend picnic, a seasonal celebration, or an informative parents’ meeting, these events provide opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and fostering connections among our wonderful parent community.

Parents Forum: A Partnership in Education
We value the partnership between parents and our nursery. Our Parents Forum serves as a platform for open communication, collaboration, and idea-sharing. Your input is invaluable, and through this forum, we work together to create an enriching environment that reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of all our families.