Worthing nursery adapts to ease children’s heightened anxiety levels

Kamelia Kids Day Nursery & Beach School is a not-for-profit charity and has remained open throughout the national lockdowns to look after the children of key workers.

Daily activities have been adapted and the layout at the nursery has been adjusted, as staff have noted the children’s growing anxiety and each family’s unique set of challenges, exacerbated by Covid-19.

Suzanne Charlesworth, nursery manager, said: “We have worked extremely hard within government restrictions to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible standards of care and education to meet our children’s interests whilst keeping them and their families safe.

“I am also extremely proud of our staff who have showed resilience, determination and compassion in the face of adversity.”

Remote learning and intensive one-to-one support have been provided for the families where children are shielding or clinically vulnerable, and virtual bedtime stories have been recorded.

During lockdown, the nursery has completed the long-awaited refurbishment of its sensory room, including a state-of-the-art Magic Carpet projection system, which can be adapted to suit a range of special educational needs and disabilities.

The two outside spaces have also been transformed, one into a wildlife and beach garden complete with a boat and seaside items which will allow the children to experience the natural world and all that the beach has to offer. The other, a sensory and wellbeing garden will allow the children to freely explore and experience a range of tactile and fragrant plants.

Parent Lisa Dunn said: “Kamelia Kids has been such a huge support to our daughter’s development. Paige has global developmental delay, alongside a brain condition and epilepsy. The staff at Kamelia are brilliant.

“They are confident in dealing with Paige’s needs and the parent partnership is amazing, Sarah, the special education needs and disabilities co-ordinator, shows true love for her role and is committed and dedicated in ensuring Paige gets the full support she needs.

“I know that when Paige attends the nursery, I do not have to worry. The progression Paige has made since attending Kamelia is great and we are so happy.”