Frequently Asked Questions
How can I visit the nursery?
You can visit the nursery by completing the Enquiry Form on our Registration Page and a member of our team will get in touch.
When are you open?
The nursery is open Monday-Friday for 51 weeks of the year from 7.30am-6.30pm. We are closed on bank holidays and the period between Christmas and New Years Day.
How do I find out if you have availability?
You can complete the Enquiry Form on our Registration Page and a member of our team will get in touch.
How flexible are session times?
Our session times are either 8am-6pm, 8am-1pm or 1pm-6pm. You are, of course, free to drop off or collect your child any time during those times at your convenience. Your fees will be based on which session option you choose. We do have to charge for late collection, holidays and absence through ill-health as these sessions will already have been reserved for you. Full details of our payment terms are included in our registration pack.
What regulations do nurseries have to comply with?
We are registered with Ofsted and will continually meet the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We will be subject to inspection and regulation by Ofsted. Details of how you can contact Ofsted are included in our Complaints policy.
What is a key person?
A key person is your first point of contact in the nursery. He/she will be responsible for the main care of your child each day. We have a key person system so that children form attachments to the staff who look after them. This supports their emotional wellbeing and feelings of security within the nursery. Your child’s key person will liaise closely with you when your child first starts at nursery so that we can get to know all your child’s needs and individual qualities.
Which room will my child be in?
This will depend on how old your child is. We have a designated baby room called Little Explorers for children aged under two years. Once a child reaches two years, we will liaise with you and agree whether they are ready to move from the baby room into our mixed age family rooms (Little Creators/Little Investigators/Little Discoverers). Some children may be ready to move just before they reach two, others may need to wait a bit longer. We are totally flexible in how we do this, and it will always be dependent on the needs of every child. We know that children learn best in this type of environment. We have noticed a real acceleration in their development. Please see our page on mixed ages for further information.
What food will you provide during the day?
We provide healthy, nutritious meals each day. Our menu has been designed following the advice of a registered dietician who specialises in the nutritional needs of babies and young children. We provide breakfast, lunch, and tea in addition to a mid-morning and late-afternoon snack. Drinks of water and milk will be provided throughout the day.
Do you cater for allergies?
Yes. We cater for all dietary and health requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free. In addition, we adopt a nut-free environment. Any adaptations to dishes will be made with a particular effort to ensure that they appear the same as those offered to the other children. Our kitchen and nursery staff are fully trained in understanding every child’s dietary and health needs and will plan for these accordingly. We have a colour-coding system to ensure all specific needs are always met.
How can I book extra sessions?
You will have access to our parent app where you can simply select the extra sessions that you would like with a click of a button. This will be subject to availability.
What qualifications do the staff hold?
We choose our staff very carefully to make sure they offer the highest levels of care and learning for the children. Our management team are all qualified to a minimum of level 3 in early years care and education. The nursery manager is currently completing a level 5 certificate in nursery leadership. All of our room leaders are qualified to at least level 3, which is the statutory requirement of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our other staff hold qualifications ranging from level 2 to degree level. The professional development of our team is particularly important to us. We have an extensive training programme and all staff complete mandatory training in paediatric first aid, food hygiene, safeguarding children, health and safety, fire awareness, mental health, and manual handling. Some staff come to us without professional qualifications, but they have extensive experience in working with children. We value this and consider this supports our team well. Any unqualified staff are supported to achieve a level 3 qualification as a condition of their employment.
How will I know what my child has done at nursery?
You will have access to our parent app where you can see and read what your child has done during the day. Staff will record observations on the app, upload photographs and include details of care routines, such as nappy changes, sleep periods, what your child has eaten, and anything they may have said or done during the session. Your access to the app will be provided securely once your child starts. We use a designated nursery app which has been built to ensure the safety, security and privacy of children and families.
How much will it cost?
Please complete the Enquiry Form on our Registration Page and a member of our team will get in touch.
What is included in the fees?
We believe that all our children should benefit from the same opportunities. For that reason, we do not charge any extra for the numerous extracurricular activities we offer. We provide all nappies and water wipes. If you require any specific nappies or brand of wipes, please supply these in clearly-labelled packages with your child’s name. Staff will remind you when your supplies need re-stocking. All we ask is that you purchase the nursery uniform for your child, and provide a bag with clearly labelled spare clothes, a coat/hat/gloves in colder weather, and some named wellies to stay at nursery for outdoor play.
Do you accept Childcare Vouchers?
Yes, we do. We have a list of providers available that we currently accept, but should your employer be on a different scheme, please give us the details and we will ensure that we are set up to accept them.
Do you accept Government Funding?
Yes, we accept funding for all children from the term after their 3rd birthday for either 15 or 30 hours per week. Please contact us to discuss whether you are entitled to 15 or 30 hours per week. Some children aged two years may also be eligible for funding. Please ask us and we can find out for you.