A quick guide to our daily routines, policies, and procedures.
Navigating childcare costs can be overwhelming, but there are several government grants and funding options available to help reduce your fees. Below is a guide to help you understand what financial support your family might be eligible for.
Introduction & Our Vision
Welcome to our nursery! This handbook is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need regarding how we operate, our core policies, and the standard of care your child will receive. We view early years education as a collaborative effort and look forward to building a strong, supportive relationship with your family.
What We Aim to Achieve (Aims & Objectives)
Our primary goal is to deliver a secure, stimulating, and joyful environment where children can confidently explore the world around them. We aim to:
- Foster a natural love for learning through play.
- Encourage independence and social confidence.
- Celebrate the unique background and abilities of every single child.
- Maintain a close, transparent partnership with parents and caregivers.
Joining Our Nursery Family (Admissions)
We operate an inclusive admissions policy. Places are allocated based on availability within the required age group rooms. Once a place is offered, parents are required to complete a comprehensive registration form, which includes emergency contacts, dietary requirements, and medical history, before the child’s first day.
The Settling-In Process
We recognize that transitioning into a nursery setting can be an emotional experience for both the child and the parents. We require a mandatory settling-in period. These are short, gradually lengthening sessions where your child gets to know their new environment and their designated Key Worker, ensuring they feel completely safe and secure before attending a full day.
Childcare Fees & Invoicing
- Invoicing: Fees are calculated on an annualized basis and divided into equal monthly installments. Invoices are issued around the 20th of the month prior to the month of attendance.
- Payment Terms: All fees must be paid in advance by the 1st of each month.
- Accepted Methods: We accept direct bank transfers, standing orders, and payments via the government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
- Late Payments: Consistent late payments may result in an administration fee or the suspension of your child’s nursery place.
Holidays & Sickness Absences
Regular attendance is highly encouraged to support your child’s routine and development. However, we understand that family holidays and illnesses occur. Please note that standard nursery fees remain fully payable during periods of absence, whether due to family vacations or sickness, to hold your child’s place.
Leaving the Nursery (Notice Periods)
If you wish to withdraw your child from the nursery or reduce their registered sessions, we require a minimum of four weeks’ written notice. Fees will remain payable throughout this notice period, even if your child stops attending earlier.
Late Pick-Up Policy
Our nursery operates within strict staff-to-child ratios and licensing hours. It is crucial that children are collected on time at the end of their booked session. If an unavoidable emergency delays you, you must contact the nursery immediately. Persistent late collections will be subject to a late fee charge to cover the cost of the staff required to stay behind.
Health, Illness, and Exclusion Periods
To protect the health of all children and staff, children who are unwell must not attend the nursery.
- Infectious Diseases: We follow official public health guidance regarding exclusion periods for infectious conditions like chickenpox, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and conjunctivitis.
- Fever/Temperature: Children must be free of a fever for 24 hours before returning.
- Sickness & Diarrhea: We operate a strict 48-hour exclusion policy from the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
Administering Medication
Our staff can only administer medication that has been prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist, and it must clearly display the prescription label with your child’s name. Parents must complete and sign a ‘Medication Consent Form’ each day the medicine is to be given. We cannot administer over-the-counter remedies like Calpol unless it is a sudden emergency (e.g., rapid temperature spike) and we have your prior written consent on file.
Accidents and First Aid Procedures
Despite all our safety precautions, minor bumps and scrapes are a part of growing up. Our staff are fully trained in Paediatric First Aid. If your child has a minor accident, it will be treated, recorded on an Accident Form, and you will be asked to sign it upon collection. In the rare event of a more serious emergency, we will contact you immediately and seek professional medical assistance.
Child Protection & Safeguarding
The welfare of the children in our care is paramount. We have a legal and moral obligation to protect children from harm. Our team undergoes rigorous safeguarding training, and we have a designated Safeguarding Lead on-site. If we have any serious concerns about a child’s physical or emotional well-being, we are obligated to follow local authority safeguarding procedures, which may include contacting social services.
Promoting Positive Behavior
We guide children’s behavior through positive reinforcement, modeling good manners, and offering praise. We teach children to respect themselves, others, and their environment. We do not use any form of physical punishment or humiliation. If a child’s behavior becomes challenging, we will work closely with the parents to develop a consistent, supportive strategy.
Food, Drink, and Dietary Requirements
We provide nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks throughout the day, prepared by our on-site chef. Fresh drinking water is accessible at all times. We cater to a wide variety of medical, cultural, and ethical dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, dairy-free, halal). Parents must ensure all allergies are clearly documented on the registration forms.
What Your Child Should Wear
Please dress your child in comfortable, practical clothing that is easy for them to move in and appropriate for messy play! While we provide aprons, paint and mud can still find their way onto clothes.
- Spares: Every child must bring a bag with at least one full change of clothes (including socks and underwear).
- Labeling: Please clearly label all items of clothing, coats, and shoes with your child’s full name.
Potty Training & Nappy Care
- Nappies: Parents are responsible for providing sufficient nappies, wipes, and barrier creams for their child’s daily needs.
- Toilet Training: When you feel your child is ready to begin toilet training, please discuss it with their Key Worker. We will work in partnership with you to ensure a consistent, stress-free approach between home and nursery.
Sun Safety & Protection
During the warmer months, we spend as much time outdoors as possible. Parents must apply a long-lasting sunblock to their child before arriving at the nursery. You must also provide a labeled bottle of sunscreen for us to reapply in the afternoon, along with a suitable sun hat.
Supporting Additional Needs (SEND)
We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all children, including those with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). Our designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) will work closely with parents and external professionals to ensure tailored support plans are in place so every child can reach their full potential.
Resolving Concerns and Complaints
We maintain an open-door policy and encourage parents to discuss any worries or concerns with their child’s Key Worker or the Nursery Manager as soon as they arise. Most issues can be resolved quickly through informal chats. However, if you feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, we have a formal written complaints procedure available upon request.
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