Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that we have provided all the information you require to help you make an informed decision on your child's place at nursery.
Below are some of our FAQ's - if the answer is not here then please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
We think it is great that you are considering our nursery and you are welcome to arrange a visit to our site at a time that is convenient to you. We look forward to welcoming you into our nursery and hope that both yours and your child's experience with us is positive, productive and helpful for you in making your decision.
Funding
What is the Universal 15 hours Funding Entitlement?
The Universal 15 hours funding entitlement is a government funded scheme in England offering 570 hours of free early education or childcare per year for all three- and four-year olds. It applies regardless of the parent’s employment status or income level. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.
What is the Extended 30 hours Funding Entitlement?
The Extended 30 hours funding is 30 hours of free childcare for 38 weeks of the year, or you can stretch your hours over the 51 weeks having 22.5 hours of free childcare per week. This is for working parents who work over 16 hours per week.
How is the Universal 15 hours Funding Entitlement different to the Extended 30 hours Funding Entitlement?
Every 3 and 4-year-old is entitled to the Universal 15 hours funding, regardless of income. The Extended 30 hours provides an additional 15 hours specifically for eligible working parents. Typically, parents need to work over 16 hours and in 2 parent families both parents need to be working.
Am I eligible to receive the Extended 30 hours Funding?
Check you meet the current eligibility criteria before applying: https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/check-youre-eligible
What happens if we are no longer eligible for 30 hours?
If your child is already in a place, a grace period for your childcare entitlement will apply. This means your child can continue in their place for a short time, but you need to reconfirm your eligibility during this period as soon as you can to keep getting the childcare entitlements and/or Tax-Free Childcare. If your grace period end's and you are still no longer eligible you can either drop your child's hours to just the universal 15 hours or pay for your place
Are there minimum session requirements to access 30 hours funding?
No, providing you use the full 15 universal hours, you can agree the extra hours with your provider
Why do I need to get my Eligibility Code with my National Insurance number? Why do I need to check it every term?
You use your national insurance number as it goes off your working hours and your wage, you need to re-confirm every 3 months to make sure that your working circumstances have not changed
We didn’t obtain our Eligibility Code in time. Why have I been sent a fees invoice?
If you have not obtained your Eligibility code in time, this means you will not be entitled to your funding until the term after, meaning you are not entitled to any free hours and childcare will be charged at the full daily rate
What are the local authority’s funding term dates?
Autumn Term: 1st September – 31st December Note: You need to get your code to us before 31st August
Spring Term: 1st January – 31st March Note: You need to get your code to us before 31st December
Summer Term: 1st April – 31st August Note: You need to get your code to us before 31st March
What is not included in the funded care fees?
Government funding does not cover:
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meals
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nappies
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additional hours
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additional activities, such as trips
You might be asked to pay for these things. However, these charges must not be mandatory, or a condition of accessing a funded place and you can speak to your provider about what alternative options they may have.
Can I get help towards childcare costs?
Use this calculator to find out how much you could get towards approved childcare: https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator
Payment
When is my monthly invoice issued and when is payment due by?
Invoices are sent out around the 20th of each month and must be paid by the end of each calendar month
Are you required to pay the fees for any absence period?
If you only pay for meals no, if you pay for your sessions yes
Can my child attend extra one-off or ad-hoc sessions? How do I book and pay for them?
If we have space you can book your child in, you just need to ask a member of staff.
Please Note: Payment will be due at the time of booking.
Meals and Food
Can I view the food menu served at nursery?
The food menu is displayed in the nursery entrance. We can email a copy to you at any time, just ask.
Can you cater for special dietary requirements?
We are able to meet any dietary requirements and we will at all times endeavour to cook meals the same for all children regardless of what their dietary needs are so they feel included and part of the group.
Absence and Illness
What happens if my child becomes ill during the nursery day?
If your child becomes ill during the nursery day we will contact the parent/caregiver and ask for them to be collected.
How long will my child need to be absent from nursery if they are ill?
If your child is suffering from a high temperature, sore throat, headache, rashes or discharge from the eyes or ears then they should not attend nursery until the symptoms have cleared up or they have seen a doctor and have been cleared to return to nursery. If your child has sickness and/or diarrhoea, they should not attend nursery until 48 hours after their last episode. If they require antibiotics, they need to be on them for at least 48 hours before returning. Children can come back in as long as they are well enough, and not needing any pain relief to get them through the day.
Can my child attend nursery if they are taking medication?
As long as they have already been on the medication for at least 48 hours and they are well enough in themselves. A medication form will need to be completed on drop off and our administering medication policy is followed throughout the day.
Child Care
Do you have a waiting list and how does it work?
If there are no spaces available in the nursery we will put the child/ren on a waiting list and once space becomes available we will contact the parent/caregiver to see whether they still require their place.
Why do I need to inform nursery about any accidents at home?
You need to inform nursery about any accidents at home so staff can safely track existing injuries, prevent further complications during daily activities and fulfil safeguarding requirements. An accident at home form will need to be completed when dropping your child off. If parents forget to inform us and a member of staff notices any unexplained marks, parents will be contacted and the form will be filled in on collection.
What do I need to bring to nursery on the first day?
A bag with nappies & wipes (if needed), spare clothes and a water bottle. Please ensure that wherever possible all items are labelled with your child’s name.
What information should I expect to be given whilst my child is at nursery?
Photos and posts will also be uploaded onto our Facebook page. You will be given a full hand over on collection, staff will tell parents how their child has been throughout their day, what they have eaten and inform them of any accidents or incidents.
What happens when my child is ready to move rooms?
Your child’s keyperson will advise you when your child is ready to move rooms. They will liaise with you and let you know when they will do visits with them to their new room. These visits will continue until your child is happy and confident enough to make the move to their new room.
What notice period are we required to provide for changes to our childcare?
We require 4 weeks notice if you are cancelling their place. If you only want to change sessions, if we can accommodate these, we will, if we can't the child will go on our waiting list, until a space becomes available.
Public Holidays
Does the nursery close for Christmas or a summer break?
We close at 12.30pm Christmas Eve and re-open on January 2nd. We are open throughout the Summer break
Are you closed on bank holidays? Do I have to pay?
Yes, we are closed on bank holidays.
Unless you are accessing the free entitlement hours for your child, you will have to pay.
Drop Off and Collection
Can I drop off my child a little later or pick up my child early from a session?
Yes, of course. The session times are a guide for us to ensure we have enough staff on duty. We just ask if possible you inform us if there is a change.
Will I be charged if I arrive late to collect my child from any session?
We will make the parent aware on the 1st time that there is a late charge. If you are persistently late then a £1 per minute charge will be given.
Can my child stay for an extra hour if I am unable to collect them at lunch time?
We will always try to accommodate requests and if we have space available then it shouldn’t be a problem however, we do have ratios to adhere to.
A family member will be collecting my child tonight and they have never been before. Is this allowed?
Yes, this is fine as long as you have notified us and have a password system in place.