What should my child bring to nursery?
Footwear
All children are required to wear slippers with a hard sole indoors. This ensures their comfort and safety while they play and explore. During the winter months, a pair of wellies is also essential for outdoor activities. These items will be kept at the nursery as needed and must be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
Clothing
We aim to encourage children’s independence, so please dress your child in clothing that is easy for them to manage, especially during potty training. Clothes that you don’t mind getting messy are ideal, as we love hands-on, creative play! Dungarees are not recommended as they can be tricky for little ones to manage on their own.
Dental Hygiene
We actively promote good dental hygiene habits at nursery. Each child will need to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, clearly labelled. We will incorporate toothbrushing into our daily routine, teaching children about the importance of looking after their teeth in a fun and engaging way.
Outside Wear
Our nursery follows an all-weather policy, so it’s important to provide your child with appropriate outdoor clothing. In colder months, this means warm, waterproof jackets, hats, and gloves. During the summer, a sun hat is essential.
We provide Factor 50 sun cream to protect your child’s skin, but you must give us permission to apply it. Alternatively, you may supply your own labelled sun cream if you prefer. Please note that children without permission for sun cream will not be able to participate in outdoor activities.
Do I need to provide nappies?
If your child uses nappies, please supply a sufficient amount on a monthly basis. We will provide the wipes needed for nappy changes. If your child requires nappy cream, please provide it clearly labelled, and our staff or your child’s key person will use it as required. We will let you know when nappies are running low so you can replenish them promptly.
When are you closed and what happens?
We are open for 38 weeks during term time, operating from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
During school holidays and half-terms, we run holiday clubs with reduced hours, opening from 9am to 3:30pm.
Our nursery is closed for:
- Three weeks in August
- Two weeks over Christmas
- One week over Easter
- All Bank Holidays
Additionally, we set aside 2–3 staff training days throughout the year to ensure we continue providing the highest standard of care. We aim to give parents at least 8 weeks’ notice of these dates.
When do I need to pay fees by?
We offer fully funded spaces for all eligible children, as well as private sessions and extras such as lunches and uniforms. You will receive an invoice for any private sessions or extras you choose. Invoices are produced on the 1st of each month and must be paid within the following days, by the 7th of that month. For example, fees for September will be invoiced on the 1st of September and must be paid by the 7th of September.
If you are paying by standing order or childcare vouchers, please ensure that payments are arranged to arrive in our bank account by maximum the 7th of the month. Payments received after this date will incur a late payment charge of £2 per day.
This system ensures a smooth process for managing fees and allows us to continue providing the highest level of care and education for your child.
Why are my fees the same every month and not based on how many days my child actually attended in a month?
As our nursery operates during term time only, any invoices will reflect the actual hours your child attends. Instead of spreading the cost across the year, we calculate fees based on the specific term dates and the hours booked for each child. This means that your invoice will vary depending on the number of weeks in the term.
We believe this approach ensures transparency and fairness, as you are charged only for the hours your child attends. By providing a detailed breakdown of fees for each term, we aim to support families in managing their budgets with clarity and confidence.
Do I get a discount if I have two children at the nursery?
The sibling discount applies to children attending 3 days or more. The 10% discount will be applied to the lower fees.
How much is the registration fee?
To ensure your place at our nursery, a £50 deposit is required. This deposit guarantees your child’s space with us and will be applied toward your first invoice, making it an excellent way to start your nursery journey!
For families eligible for fully funded places, the deposit may not be required. Please don’t hesitate to speak with our friendly manager, to discuss your eligibility and options.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to our nurturing and inspiring nursery family!
Why do I have to pay fees when the nursery is closed for training?
Yes, the government recommends that nurseries allocate certain days each year for staff training. These days are called “Inset Days” and ensure our team is well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care and support for your child’s development. We will always provide at least eight weeks’ notice before a scheduled training day.
Can I pay my childcare fees using vouchers?
Yes, we accept a variety of recognised childcare vouchers and payments via the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
Childcare vouchers offer parents a great way to save on registered childcare costs. They are not means-tested and are available to all working parents whose employers operate childcare voucher schemes. The amount of vouchers you can claim may vary depending on your income. By using vouchers, you can save on both National Insurance and Income Tax. A set amount is deducted from your gross salary each week or month, which is then provided to you as childcare vouchers – exempt from National Insurance and Income Tax.
For families using the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, the government will top up your contributions by 20%, meaning for every £8 you deposit, the government adds £2. This can significantly reduce your childcare costs.
Please ensure that any remaining balance, after payment via vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare, is settled via direct debit or an alternative payment method. If you have any questions, our manager Lucianna will be happy to assist.