Frequently asked questions
Can I come and view the nurseries?
Yes you are more than welcome to have a look around any of our four nurseries. Ideally we ask that you ring to make an appointment to view so that a manager will be available to take you round and answer any questions you may have. You will then be given an enrolment form to complete and return.
Is there normally a waiting list for a place?
Yes, all of our nurseries have a waiting list. Most vacancies occur in August and September when the older pre-school children leave us to start school and younger children move up through the different units in the nursery. Places for these vacancies will have been booked far in advance. There will be occasions where your requirements will match the places available at the nursery, however in most cases you will need to inform us of your requirements several months before you would like your child to start.
What hours does the nursery open?
The nurseries open from 8.00am until 5.30pm Monday to Friday. There is also an 'early' and 'late' session offered at an additional charge between 7.30am to 8.00am and 5.30pm to 6.00pm. These sessions can be booked in advance but can also be used when needed.
Is the nursery open on Bank Holidays?
The nurseries are closed for all Bank Holidays. Unlike some nurseries, we do not charge parents when we are closed.
Are you open over Christmas?
The nurseries close at 3.00pm on Christmas Eve and reopen after the New Year bank holiday. We do not charge fees over the Christmas period.
How are fees paid?
All parents pay their fees by monthly direct debit. Fees are taken out of your account on the 3rd working day of the month. The amount will vary depending on whether it is a four or five week month or if there are any extra sessions or days. Parents are given 10 working days notice of the amount to be taken, so they can check it is correct.
What is provided in the cost?
Included in the cost is full care from 8.00am until 5.30pm. All food and drinks (including formula milk for babies), nappies, baby wipes and sun-creams are included.
Does the nursery accept childcare vouchers?
In order to help parents pay their fees we accept a wide variety of childcare vouchers.
Are any fees required up front?
There are occasions when we may ask for a deposit of one weeks fees to secure your place but this is usually at busy times of the years when places are limited. In all cases we ask that you pay a two-week advance once your child starts at nursery. This is used as payment for the last two weeks of your child's attendance at nursery. It must reflect any permanent changes in your child's attendance i.e. an increase in days will mean an increase in payment, a decrease in days will result in a refund.
Can I change my days of attendance?
Extra days can be accommodated on a temporary or permanent basis if there is a vacancy. All we ask is that you give us two weeks written notice of any permanent changes to the days of attendance.
Are your staff qualified?
Over 95% of our staff hold a childcare qualification with the vast majority fully qualified holding a NNEB, DCE or NVQ L3 equivalent and many hold higher qualifications including NVQ L4, foundation degrees in early years and the early years professional status. A large number of our staff are working towards higher qualifications and are supported in this by the nurseries. All of our staff are trained in safeguarding children, food hygiene certificate and the majority hold a paediatric first aid qualification.
Do you check your staff’s details
We always send for two references and all staff must receive an ‘enhanced’ clearance through the Criminal Records Bureau (C.R.B.) and complete an induction period before they are left alone with children.
Do you operate an inclusion policy?
We include all children with specific needs. Inclusive education is a process of educating all children, for example, a child with physical or behavioural difficulties should be included in a normal setting.