Where children have fun, learning

Essential Info

Opening Times

We want to support all of our families as much as we can and one of the ways we do this is through extended opening hours. Our nurseries are open 7.30am-6.00pm, Monday to Friday, all year round except bank holidays and the Christmas Week (from when we close on Christmas Eve to 2nd January).

Welcoming a child to the nursery

Children about to start nursery are recommended to make at least two familiarisation visits with a parent/carer to help them settle in.

On their first ‘proper’ day with us they will be welcomed by their Key Person and re-introduced to the other children. Whilst we try not to encourage children to bring their own toys from home with them, sometimes a teddy or blanket can be a comfort during the first few days. However, most children quickly settle in and enjoy their new surroundings.

Security

All visitors to the nursery are greeted and released by a member of staff. Only those who are pre-authorised to collect their child from nursery will be allowed to do so, unless approval is given by the parent/carer. Parents/carers are asked to leave an emergency number where they can be contacted.

What to bring with you

Each child should have sufficient clothes for their daily needs plus a spare set in the event of "accidents". Parents are asked to ensure that children do not bring valuable items with them, as the nursery cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage.

Please bring sunhats and an adequate sun block during the summer months, Wellington boots, gloves and suitable outdoor clothing during the winter to ensure that your child can benefit from outdoor pursuits.

All clothes should be clearly labelled. Parents of babies and children who are not fully toilet trained are asked to provide enough nappies to last the day.

Medication

Where children become unwell during their nursery session and a temperature is identified, we will call you and ask for the child to be collected. Where the child has a temperature, we will seek permission to administer Calpol whilst they are waiting to be collected. They can return to nursery when the temperature has ceased if they are well enough to attend.

If prior to their nursery session children have been administered Calpol or other medication that can reduce a temperature, they will not be admitted unless this has been given for teething or following early childhood vaccinations.

We are happy to administer Calpol during the nursery day for children who are teething or following early childhood vaccinations. This should be provided by the parent, clearly marked with your child’s name and handed to a member of staff when dropping your child to nursery. Staff will request that a medication form is completed prior to administration.

Full details of our Medication Policy (No. 312) is available on request.

What to do in case of sickness

Any child who has, or develops, an infectious illness must be kept at home in order to help prevent the spread of illness. This includes conditions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, discharges from eyes or mouth, sore throat and obvious rashes. In particular, any child suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea must be kept at home until clear of symptom for a minimum period of 48 hours. Please call the nursery before 9.30am if your child is unable to attend. For more details speak with the Nursery Manager or ask for a copy of our complete sickness policy. If a child has been sent home from nursery with a high temperature, they will not be admitted into nursery for a further 24 hours.

Babies

Baby milk is not provided by the nursery. Formula or expressed milk must be supplied by the parent/carer in bottles clearly labelled with your child’s name and the date. Babies' feeds must be brought in ready made. All milk and food must be clearly labelled and passed to the Manager on arrival for safe storage in the refrigerator. Weaning foods are supplied by the nursery and a weaning menu is available on request.

Accidents & incidents

Despite extensive risk analyses and all efforts to remove hazards, accidents can happen. All such incidents are recorded, monitored and reported back to the parent/carer, who will be asked to sign an accident form. Where an accident is of a serious nature we will contact the parent/carer or the emergency contact to advise them of what has happened and what action is being taken. Where necessary we will contact the child’s doctor or the emergency services.