Trips & Outings
We have one main trip each year to Godstone Farm, for our 3 & 4 year olds (nursery will be closed to 2 year olds on this day).
We take regular walks and outings in the local area, but it does depend on the weather conditions, as well as what children have been learning about, as they are used as a way to enhance their learning. For these trips, we often don't know until the day, which is why we ask in advance for consent for these walks.
We always maintain statuary ratios on outings for children. We also keep children safe with hi-vis jackets, taking regular stops and breaks to ensure any tired legs don't fall behind.
All of our outings are also risk assessed to look out for anything potentially unsafe. If things change such as the weather, then we will assess if it is too risky to be out or not.
Outings and walks are on an ad-hoc basis, but we do go out to use our outside space daily, as long as it is safe to do so.
Fees & Funding
There are no additional costs for the snack that the children have in the morning and the afternoon. There are no additional costs for materials or the activities that are run each day in the nursery.
Yes - in order to secure your place, we do ask for £100 deposit. This is refundable, and will be refunded when your child leaves us, as long as there are no outstanding payments on the child's account.
As per the terms and conditions in the nursery contract, the fees will still stand if you take a term-time holiday or your child is unwell.
The government funding is from the term after a child's birthday. If a child is 3 in May, then they will be eligible for funding in September, for example.
You can find out more about funding here: Childcare Choices.
The Nursery Day
At pick up time, you will meet with your child's key person, or one of the key team, and you will be informed about all of the exciting things that your child has been doing, as well as achievements or potential concerns. We use WhatsApp to communicate with our parents through the day and send occasional photos if we have permission to do so.
We also use a system called Parenta. You will receive an email at the end of the day that your child attended, which goes into detail about what has happened in the day, as well as what your child ate and times of toilet trips/nappy changes and any naps.
The following are great to bring to nursery each day:
- packed lunch (if a morning session)
- coat
- warm hat or sun hat, depending on the weather
- nappies / spare underwear
- baby wipes (if in nappies)
- Any cream needed, such as nappy cream or suncream
- water bottle
- spare clothes (two sets ideally)
- wellie boots can be kept at the nursery, as well as a pair of slippers for indoors, if preferred
In the summer term when children have their places, our Nursery Manager, works closely with those local schools to ensure a seamless transition. We also focus on activities around school readiness to prepare children for their next stage of learning.
It isn't all about having children being able to write their name before reception, but being able to put their shoes and coat on independently and being able to use the toilet without help, for example. These are vital skills that will help the children transition well into school life.
All of our snacks are nut-free and if children have a particular allergy or intolerance, we will not provide this food (or it would be a 'free-from' alternative). We cater for children that are vegetarian/vegan or have a specific dietary requirement such as Halal.
We monitor the lunches that the children bring in from home, to make sure that products with nuts are not brought in, as well as any other particular allergen if there is a child that it could impact.
We create a health plan for all children with an allergy or health issue, so all staff know exactly what to do to help them.
If your child is doing a morning session (or staying all day), then they will need to bring in packed lunch from home for lunchtime. Packed lunches need to be nut-free, due to risk of anaphylaxis.
Packed lunches could include items like sandwiches, fruit, veggie sticks, crackers, cheese, sliced meats, and yogurt etc.
If you would like your child to have a hot lunch, then this needs to be provided in an insulated hot food container, as we are unable to reheat foods.
EYFS
Our early years curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with activities based around this.
The EYFS framework sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well, ensures children are kept healthy and safe and ensures children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school.
We follow the statuary guidelines around staff to child ratios.
For children aged 2, the ratio is 1:4 and for children 3-4, the ratio is 1:8.
Nappies & Toileting
No, we ask that all parents provide nappies for their child - with many brands and sizes it makes things simpler (although we do have some spare for any emergencies).
We also ask that parents provide any nappy cream required, for their child
We are happy to carry on with that you do at home. We do have potties to use at the nursery, but your child can bring theirs in from home, if preferred.
We can offer help and advice with this too.
We do have some spare clothes at the nursery which children can be given if there is a toileting accident. We ask that this is washed and returned as soon as possible.
We do ask that all children come with at least two spare changes of clothing and underwear of their own (if using), in case of accidents, as our own supplies of spares can run low if items are not returned in a timely manner.
Any other questions?
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We'd love to help answer any additional questions for you or arrange a tour of the nursery.
