An innovative new ‘they learn while you shop’ nursery school is to open at Sainsbury’s Castle Point, Bournemouth on Saturday 14 May, making Sainsbury’s the first UK supermarket to provide educational facilities for under 5s.
Unlike other typical in-store crèches, where children simply play whilst you shop, this nursery, provided by Tic Toc Childcare, will provide structured learning for children from three months to five years, using nationally recognised teaching methods enabling them to learn while their parents shop.
Using state of the art equipment and nationally recognised teaching methods set by industry watchdog Ofsted, the nursery will help children improve vital learning skills. As the nursery is recognised by Ofsted, three-five year olds will be eligible for up to five free government-funded sessions per week.
Jane Jenkinson, Sainsbury’s New Business Development Manager said: “This is a great facility and we think Tic Toc will prove very popular with our customers - especially those parents who want to take advantage of nursery places on an ad hoc basis.”
She added, “Many parents have told us that this is something they would welcome. It helps towards making shopping a hassle-free experience for parents with young children.
If successful, Sainsbury’s will consider rolling out the concept to its larger stores across the UK. The nurseries will complement the Explore Learning Centres currently operating in nine Sainsbury’s stores. Equipped with computers and staffed by graduates from leading universities, these centres teach national curriculum subjects to children aged between 6 and 14.
Mrs Ashley Cornwell Director of Tic Toc said: “Our aim is to give children from all walks of life the opportunity to benefit from our quality childcare provision. Sainsbury’s has been extremely supportive of the idea and this demonstrates their commitment to making life easier for everyone”
Tic Toc Childcare have the highest accreditations in their field and they pride themselves on making children feel valued and good about themselves using a variety of learning experiences tailored to the child’s needs, including singing, art and interaction skills.
Notes to editors:
Tic Toc is unique in proposition in that it is a nursery in terms of the quality of care and education but is similar to a crèche in that it is aimed at parents wanting to leave their children while they shop.
Tic Toc offers sessions at a minimum of 1 1/2 hours a day and a maximum of 2 1/2 hours at the following costs;
1 1/2 hours - £5.00 2 hours - £7.00 2 1/2 hours -£9.00
Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 9.30-5.45pm and Sunday 10am-4pm
Learn Explore
Explore Learning Centres are in the following nine Sainsbury’s stores, Springfield – Chelmsford, Beaconsfield, Calcot – Reading, Bretton – Peterborough, Emersons Green – Bristol, St Clares – Hampton, Blackhall – Edinburgh, Watchmore Park – Camberly and Leamington.
All Explore Learning Centres are registered with Ofsted.
They use a computer based curriculum called ‘Success Maker’ which adapts to each individual, recognising the child’s strengths and weaknesses and accessing activities accordingly.
The tutors are either qualified teachers or good graduates of leading universities.
Active Kids
Sainsbury’s Active Kids is designed to encourage children and young people to understand the importance of healthy eating and being active. The campaign started on 2nd March 2005 with a voucher collection scheme where vouchers can be redeemed for equipment and activities (including space hoppers, trampolines, days out and coaching for primary school teachers) that go beyond the traditional curriculum based sports and PE lessons.
Until 30th June 2005, one voucher will be issued for each complete £10 spent and an extra voucher will be issued for every £5 spent on fresh fruit and vegetables.
Enquiries:
Media
Vicky Cotton
020 7695 0762
