Introduction/specifics

The Katthult nursery was built by the City of Essen in 2019 and is run by Caritas-SkF-Essen gGmbH.  The name ‘Katthult’ refers to ‘Michel from Lönneberga’, the well-known character from Astrid Lindgren’s children’s books, who lived on the farm of the same name and became world-famous for his ‘pranks’.
Children aged between 1 and 6 are looked after in the ‘Wiese’, ‘Wald’ (nest group), ‘Wolke’ and ‘Wind’ groups.
The centre is situated in the south of Essen, in the Heisingen district, nestled between Lake Baldeney and the Schellenberg Forest. Heisingen, now a predominantly middle-class neighbourhood, consists mainly of low-density residential development with a town centre and several surrounding nature reserves, making it a particularly popular area among families with children.  Heisingen can be reached by car via the B227; it is also quick to get to Heisingen and neighbouring districts by public transport. The Katthult nursery is situated in a 30 km/h zone near the Fernblick and Bahrenberg bus stops, which are served by bus route 145. There are a total of two primary schools and six nurseries in the area. 

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Food

As in all Caritas-SkF-Essen gGmbH facilities, we offer freshly prepared meals. Depending on the level of care provided, the children are served breakfast and lunch, and, where applicable, an afternoon snack. This also reflects our focus: we prioritise regional and seasonal produce, which is prepared fresh every day in our kitchen. The children are actively involved in putting together the meal plans.

Basics

Every child at the centre has their own core group (closed-group approach), but there are many cross-group activities and projects in our day-to-day educational programme where children can meet one another. In line with our focus on 
‘Nature and the Environment’, the children are introduced to the topics of environmental awareness, sustainability and healthy eating in our day-to-day nursery life and are actively involved. To this end, we regularly organise activities that are either developed on an individual basis or recur annually, such as ‘Plant-a-Flower Day’ and ‘World Bee Day’, etc. We also run monthly activities where we take turns introducing the children to the animal and plant worlds.
Our focus is also on our outdoor area: a large, inviting space offering plenty of opportunities for play and exploration, as well as a variety of plants, including apple trees and raised beds with home-grown herbs and vegetables.

Employee

1 Head
1 Deputy Head
7 full-time qualified staff
3 part-time qualified staff
1 full-time support staff member
1 inclusion support worker
Trainee nursery teachers
1 daily care assistant
1 domestic staff membe

Additional Offerings

Our wide-ranging projects are always guided by the theme of ‘nature and the environment’ and draw on the children’s everyday lives. The children’s current interests and needs determine the themes of the individual projects, thereby encouraging them to explore and experiment, to marvel and to ‘want to know more’. The children learn to engage actively and creatively with problems and questions. The staff see themselves as the children’s guides, always allowing them enough space to discover and understand the world around them at their own pace.
Festivities and celebrations are planned and prepared in collaboration with our events committee, comprising representatives from the parents and the nursery. 
Once a year, the nursery hosts ‘chickens’ for four weeks: each group in the nursery looks after the feathered friends in our outdoor area for one week, whilst the parents take over care at the weekend.
Singing as a cross-group activity throughout the year: the children practise songs and simple choreographies together for special occasions.
Other activities (cross-group):
Nature Detectives (from age 4), Maxi Group (pre-school children)

Cooperations

We work in partnership with the two primary schools in Heisingen, as well as with doctors, therapists and counselling centres both within the organisation and in the local area. We also collaborate with local sports clubs. For example, we use the adjacent sports ground to run physical activity sessions with the children. 

Teamwork with school

We settle the children in using the participatory settling-in model. This model is tailored to the child’s individual needs and cues. The child is seen as an active participant in shaping their own settling-in process and is given the opportunity to help determine the pace at which this takes place. Through close cooperation between the child, parents and childcare professionals, relationships are built, trust is developed and transitions are carefully managed. The childcare staff observe the child closely, respond sensitively to their needs and adapt the settling-in process flexibly. The aim is to enable the child and their parents to have a safe, stress-free and successful start to daily life at the nursery.
The transition to primary school is also an important step in a child’s life: we work closely with local primary schools. For example, the children attend school lessons, and teachers visit the nursery to exchange ideas and get to know the children.
As part of the ‘Maxi Group’, the children’s skills are nurtured and supported to ensure a smooth transition to school.

Teamwork with parents

We work openly and transparently with parents at our centre to ensure a strong partnership in children’s education. Parents have the opportunity to get involved in various committees, such as the Parents’ Council or our Events Committee. Regular meetings are held throughout the year.
We regard discussions about settling in, a child’s stage of development, starting school, special needs, etc., as a matter of course. We are also happy to offer assistance with application procedures, as well as advice and support on all educational and personal matters.

Specifics

Focus on/connection with nature
Freshly cooked and varied meals
Plenty of space in a large outdoor area
Participation: Children play an active role in shaping their day at the nursery

The first nursery in Essen to have an automatic bee feeder. 

Close to the sports pitch, which can be used at any time (activity open to all groups).
Singing as a cross-group activity throughout the seasons: the children practise songs and simple choreographies together for special occasions.
Other activities (cross-group):
Nature Detectives (from age 4), Maxi Group (pre-school children)