The Apple Trust was created in 2001 and is part of the St Gabriel's Community in Huyton Quarry, Merseyside. We work closely with St Gabriel's primary school and church communities and our whole ethos is where children and people come first. Known locally as Little Apples our full title explains what we are about!
The APPLE stands for St Gabriel's
Area
Partnership enabling
Play and
Learning for
Everyone
However, the main elements of our work always remain clear. We are a place where anyone can come to play or learn. We provide full daycare for birth to four year olds and wrap around care for school ages 5 - 11years. We provide facilities for partners delivering adult training and parental support and other community groups work closely with us.
Childcare
Our breakfast club, daycare, lunch and after school club provide much needed, affordable services. Parents and carers are able to return to employment, access further education and receive family support.
Some of our work includes working with older people and we have different events and clubs on offer. More details upon request.
The Apple Trust is committed to ‘Every Child Matters’ and at present follow:-
The Birth to Three aspects
A Unique Child
Positive Relationships
Enabling Environments
Learning and Development
Covering the six areas of Learning and Development
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication, Language and Literacy
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
Knowledge and Understanding of the world
Physical Development
Creative Development
We do this through our planned daily activities and resources;
Sand and Water Play Paint
Mark Making
Role Play
Dough
Story Corner
Small World Play
Construction
Creative
Physical play
Songs and Dance
Outdoor Play
Children can also take part in regular baking and other activities in both small and large groups.
All these activities are done with the support of our caring and trained staff.
We have a Sensory Room on site, which every child has access to. This room is enjoyed by both children and adults.
Healthy Eating
We promote healthy eating, both our snacks and meals are all freshly prepared daily on site using fresh produce. See sample menu link.
Water and Milk is provided with all meals and water is continually available throughout the day.
Oral Health
Children are encouraged to brush their teeth daily
Inclusion
Our commitment to inclusion guides every part of the organization, and we have are always delighted to welcome children with additional and special needs to our various projects. The Apple Trust is a key partner with portage and social services in the neighbourhood delivery of care to vulnerable young people.
Some testimonials from parents and partners:
"all children are highly valued" (Ofsted)
"children thrive" (Ofsted)
...they enjoy "healthy and nutritious freshly prepared foods"(Ofsted)
...they are cared for in "a warm, safe environment" (Ofsted)
...the best nursery we have seen (parents)
...there is a wonderful atmosphere, every child is happy, we have seldom seen negative behaviour and that is because of the care, attention and stimulation given by the staff.( HCTS Vocational Training Provider)
staff are super role models (HCTS Vocational Training Provider)
my son has the chance to mix with other children, which has helped him a lot and given him confidence (parent)
...we value highly the provision you offer for children and families and can't tell you how important it is for us to have settings of your quality.(Knowsley Children's Services Manager for Early Years)
...having so many staff in the rooms does make me feel more confident that my child's individual needs are met, especially if they need some one to one attention, without compromising the care that the other children receive.
With having some male carers in the room for our oldest child my husband felt that there was a positive male influence in their care.
