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Nursery FAQs

Here are some of the questions we hear most often at Footsteps Nursery.

The information you want

It’s understandable that you want to know as much as possible about a place where your child may be spending a significant amount of time, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.

We are often asked the same questions by parents – they’re things that most parents will want to know! So, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers here. If you have anything else you need to know, please contact our nursery in Workington.

  • How can I read your Ofsted report?
    You can read it on Ofsted’s website
  • What are your staff:child ratios?
    Each age group is different, we work on 1:3 for under twos, 1:5 for our 2 and 3-year-olds, 1:8 for our older nursery education children or 1:13 for the Early Years Teachers. However, we also have many students and trainees within the building, who are not counted in our staff team. This means we usually have extra adults available.
  • What type of bookings do you accept?
    We aim to be as flexible as possible to meet your needs. We have two types of bookings: a permanent booking (includes any rota bookings) which offers parents the reassurance that their child has a place booked every week a non-permanent booking of a minimum of 6 hours per week, which allows a degree of flexibility for those parents who need it. For non-permanent bookings, we ask that you request your bookings by Wednesday morning for the following week (place permitting)
  • Am I able to ‘swap’ the bookings?
    If you have a permanent booking, then the hours are permanent and you will not be allowed to swap your hours, although you are able to either book in extra sessions/different times/days (place permitting) and/or request a holiday (if you have days) If you have a non-permanent booking, once you have made your booking the staff will be assigned to the booking and therefore the booking cannot be swapped
  • Do you accept childcare vouchers?
    Yes, we accept a variety of different childcare vouchers, please ask for details
  • Do you offer any sibling discounts?
    Yes, please ask office staff for details
  • When is my child eligible for free funding?
    We are registered to deliver: 2-year-old funding. To see if you are eligible, and to apply, you need complete the on-line application form at www.cumbria.gov.uk/childcare 3 and 4-year-old grant funding. Your child will be eligible the term after their third birthday. You will need to complete our nursery education application. Please ask a member of nursery staff or ring the nursery office for more information.
  • How do I pay?
    Invoices are created at the end of each calendar month. They are then emailed out to parents at the beginning of each new month. You are requested to pay cash/card/bank transfer/tax-free childcare via the office, or by setting up a direct payment within 7 working days. More details can be found on our Parents’ Information page.
  • How much notice do you require if I wish to stop my booking?
    We ask for a month’s notice to cancel your booking
  • Do I need to let you know if my child will not be attending nursery?
    Yes, please let nursery know as soon as possible. Your child’s key person may be planning individual activities for your child. Also, if your child has any communicable disease, it is important the nursery knows.
  • How do I inform you if I change my details?
    Please let the office staff know as soon as possible, it is very important that your child’s details are current at all times.
  • How long will my child need to be absent from nursery if they have an illness?
    We ask that your child does not attend nursery for 48 hours following any vomiting and/or diarrhoea. For other childhood illnesses, please refer to our policy and Health Protection England guidelines.
  • Can my child attend nursery if they require medication?
    Yes, although we need you to complete a medication form. Please speak to the team about this.
  • What happens when my child is ready to transition from room to room?
    Your child’s key person will work with you and a transition plan will be implemented to ensure your child experiences a positive transition without tears.
  • What food will be provided?
    Our healthy eating snacks are provided at 10.00am and 2.00pm. Our lunch menu is carefully thought out and planned in advance, and we follow the guidance for providing meals for the under 5’s. Meals are all homemade from fresh local ingredients. These need to be booked and paid for in advance. We are able to accommodate a variety of special dietary requirements- please ask if needed.
  • Will I get a report on my child’s progress?
    Yes, you will receive a diary account of your child’s time in nursery on a day-to-day basis. Also, three times during the year you will receive a more formal progress report. You are also welcome to speak to staff regarding your child’s progress at any time.
  • Do you have parents’ evenings?
    Yes, we hold parents evening twice a year, where you are able to speak with your child’s key person and discuss their learning and development. However, we urge you to have regular conversations with our staff who will are able to answer all your questions.

Contact the nursery

If you have any queries about our nursery care provision, please contact Footsteps Nursery in Workington today. We welcome feedback.

01900 872011

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