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History

After teaching in primary schools for 25 years, Pat Tomlinson became N.N.E.B. (National Nursery Examination Board) Course Tutor at West Kent College, Tonbridge. NNEB was the professional qualification gained by the famous Norland Nannies and NNEBs were, and still are, highly sought-after at home and abroad.

Finding nursery placements in the area for the practical training of her students was very difficult as there was only one full day care nursery for children with special needs, and two nursery classes attached to an infants school (which offered either a morning session or an afternoon session during term time only).  The need for full day care for the young children of parents in full-time employment was acute and Pat began her search for a suitable property for her own day nursery in which she could put her theories into practice.

After three years of searching, Oaklands came on the market. Pat visited and knew immediately that, with a lot of work, it would provide the homely atmosphere she wanted for her day nursery. The rooms were cosy and comfortable and the garden was ideal for essential outdoor play. The 'Under Eights Team' at Social Services agreed enthusiastically and the Tomlinsons sold their family home and moved into Oaklands. They opened their door to the first five 3-year-olds in January 1990.  The family lived in the comfortable Victorian house and the 'extended family' settled very happily with them.

Pat Tomlinson believes passionately that the foundations laid in the pre-school years bear fruit throughout their primary school years and beyond.  Through our carefully planned activities, and always supported by sympathetic professionals, a child's basic skills are developed. We pay particular attention to their emotional and social development and we strive to help every child to have a good opinion of him/herself.  Our efforts are amply rewarded when parents and local head teachers tell us that 'our' children make the transition from nursery to school with confident ease and that, with their well-developed pre-reading skills, they learn to read very quickly.

Parents continue to tell us of their progress and we have just been told of the high marks Oaklanders have gained in this year's selection process. The oldest ones are now 16 and giving good accounts of themselves at our excellent secondary schools, both grammar and comprehensive.

Oaklands is run by a family for families.  We appoint a high proportion of mature staff, women who have children of their own and can empathise with the parents of their young charges.  Our parents leave their children with us confident that we will continue to provide the same individual attention, excellent care and pre-school education in the secure and homely atmosphere for which we are famous.

Don't take our word for it: come and see 'The Oaklands Experience' first hand.

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