FAQs

All your questions answered!

All parents have many questions that they want answering before making the important decision on which nursery they chose for their child. We’ve put together a list of Frequent Asked Questions – but please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything else you need to know.

Is the nursery Ofsted registered?

Yes, the nursery is Ofsted registered – our registration number is EY261466. At our latest inspection we were delighted to be awarded an Outstanding grade.

View our Ofsted Report
When does the nursery open?

The nursery opens at 07.15am every morning and closes at 6.00pm every day. The nursery is open 51 weeks a year – we are closed all bank holidays and Christmas week.

Do I have to pay for bank holidays and other holidays?

Yes, we have to pay our staff for bank holidays and staffing equates to some 70% of our costs so we are not able to give concessions for bank holidays. You will have to pay for holidays you take as again we have to staff for your child’s place for the whole year. We do not charge for the Christmas week and fees are calculated over 51 weeks of the year.

What do I need to bring with me?

If your child is on breast milk please bring in a labelled bag to store in the fridge. If your child is on formula milk please bring in either a carton of formula or a bottle made up. You will also need to bring in nappies, creams, comforters and any medication your child needs. We also ask parents to bring in at least one spare set of clothes (and lots more when they’re toilet training!).

How will you settle my child into nursery?

We recommend 2 settling in sessions – one where you stay with your child, chat and get to know the staff in your child’s room, the other where you leave them for about an hour. We will also ask you to complete a Baby Routine Sheet so that we understand your child’s daily routine, their likes and dislikes, sleep patterns through the day etc.

What happens if my child is taken ill at nursery?

We will contact you immediately if your child is taken ill. Sometimes we will ask for permission to give Calpol etc, other times we will ask you to come and collect your child if they are not well enough to be in nursery or have a contagious illness. In the interests of all children it is important that your child is well before returning to nursery.

What happens if my child is ill and cannot attend nursery?

We ask parents to ring and let us know if their child will not be in nursery. Unfortunately, no refund can be made if your child doesn’t attend nursery owing to illness.

How often do you review your fees and when do we have to pay our fees?

Our fees are reviewed annually, usually in April. Payment is made in advance, either by standing order or childcare vouchers. We can accept cash payments.

Does the nursery accept payment through the Government’s Tax Free Childcare Scheme ?

Yes. We are registered the Government's Tax Free Childcare Scheme, which helps eligible parents with a 20% contribution towards their childcare fees.

Can I claim the Early Education Grant for working parents at your nursery?

Yes, children of eligible working parents can claim 30 hours funding. The grant is only received for 38 weeks a year, however, we divide your contribution over 12 months so that you pay the same amount each month. Parents will need to apply through HMRC and provide us with a code to enable us to claim this funding. Parents will need to renew their codes every 3 months (HMRC will send you email reminders).

My child is 3 – am I entitled the Government’s 15 hours funding if I am not eligible for the working parent entitlement?

Yes, every child is entitled to 15 hours of nursery education from the term after their 3rd birthday. The funding is only for 38 weeks a year, however, we divide your hours over 12 months so that you pay the same amount each month.

My child is 2 – am I entitled to 15 hours 2-year old funding?

Certain children are eligible for 15 hours funding at 2 year olds. If you think you may be entitled to this funding you can ring Calderdale Early Years on 01422 392695.

How many staff will look after my child?

We work on Ofsted guidelines for adult : child ratios

  • Under 2s – 1 adult to every 3 children
  • 2 to 3s – 1 adult to every 4 children (over Ofsted requirement of 1 adult to every 5 children)
  • 3 – 5s – 1 adult to every 8 children
What qualifications do your staff have?

Approximately 85% of our childcare staff hold an NVQ Level 3 in childcare (or equivalent) – the remainder have either NVQ Level 2 or are Trainees working towards their Level 3. All our childcare staff have been trained in Paediatric First Aid and also Safeguarding.

How do I know my child is safe in nursery?

All rooms to the nursery are accessed via a video entry system – no access to the rooms is permitted to anyone who is unknown to us. There is also CCTV surveillance outside nursery, the play area is enclosed. All staff have Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check – until this is received they are never left unsupervised in the rooms.

Are staff allowed mobile phones in the rooms?

No, all staff have to hand their phones in to the office when they arrive at work

Will I know what my child has done throughout the day at nursery?

Every day you will receive feedback from staff when you collect your child. We use the Famly App and you can log in throughout the day to see what your child has done e.g. when they slept, what they ate, nappy changes etc. You can login and read your child’s online learning journey any time you wish – this has lots of photos and observations of your child whilst they are at nursery. All parents are invited to parents’ evenings, where you can discuss your child’s development with their keyworker.

Do the children go out on trips?

Yes. We have a 4-seater pram to take the younger children out on local walks. The older children walk up to the library, local park and Piece Hall, as and when both the weather and staffing permits. We never take older children out with less than a 1:4 ratio (and more often 1:3) and all children are on wrist straps if they are unable to hold an adult’s hand. We also organise an annual trip to Knowsley Safari Park and regular cinema trips, for Pre-School children and also Norland Scarecrow Festival.

My child has a food allergy, are you able to cater for them?

We have a lot of experience in dealing with children with different dietary requirements. When your child starts nursery you will be asked to complete a Registration Form, which will include details of any allergies. All children with dietary requirements will be provided with a Care Plan to ensure all staff and the cook are aware of their needs.

What happens if I can’t get to pick my child up?

If you are unable to collect your child please call nursery and inform us who will be collecting, with a description if we have never seen them before. You will be asked to provide them with a password to give us on collection.

What happens if I am delayed collecting my child?

We understand that occasionally there are traffic problems or problems at work – please ring us as soon as you know you will be late to pick your child up so that we can make arrangements for staff to stay behind. As we have to pay two staff to stay behind there will be charges applied to cover these costs. If we are unaware that you are going to be late we will endeavour to contact you and/or your emergency contacts – should we be unable to contact anyone we will follow our Uncollected Child Procedure.

Does the nursery have a full set of policies and procedures?

Yes, we have policies and procedures covering all aspects of child welfare, staffing etc. They are available to view in the Famly App, all rooms and also reception area. We review our policies once a year, or more often should there be a need e.g. a change in regulations/legislation.