FAQ - Parents Information

How can I read your Ofsted report?

Follow the link on the website

What are your staff:child ratios?

Each age group is different, we work on 1:3 for under two’s, 1:4 for our 2-3year olds, 1:8 for our older Nursery Education children or 1:13 for the Early Years Practitioners/Teachers. However, we also have many students within the building, who on a day to day basis are not counted in our staff team, therefore, we usually have extra adult members of staff around the areas.

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, which allows a degree of flexibility for those parents who need it, 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 is unable to 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, you need to apply and complete the on-line application form to see if you are eligible. www.cumbria.gov.uk/childcare
• 3 & 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 handed/posted out/emailed out to parents at the beginning of each new month. You are requested to pay cash/card/cheque via the office, or by setting up a direct payment, or via the payment option on our website within 7 working days.

How much notice do you require if I wish to stop my booking?

We ask for a months’ 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 he/she has 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

What happens when my child is ready to transition from room to room?

Your child’s key person will speak to 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, both are included in the hourly rate.
Our lunch and tea time menus are 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, on a day to day basis you will receive a diary account of your child’s time in nursery. Also, three times during the year you will receive a more formal child’s progress report. Although, you are able 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 question.