FAQs
Do you offer Free Entitlement hours and Childcare Vouchers at the nursery?
Yes, all three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year and we can incorporate this into your childcare sessions. We also accept Childcare Vouchers from your employer.
What qualifications do your child carers hold?
Each room is lead by a minimum level 3 qualified or above childcarer.
What ratios do you operate?
We aim to exceed the national standards for staff ratios set by Ofstead by implementing ratios of 1:2 for babies, 1:3 for toddlers, 1:4 for aged 2 and above and 1:8 for 3 and above.
Do you operate a key worker system?
Yes we do – you child’s key worker is the room leader who is supported by the colleagues in their room in caring for your child and completing relevant documentation.
How far in advance do I have to book to ensure my child has a place?
Popular nurseries do tend to have a waiting list and if you are unable to be flexible on days/sessions then you might find that there are no vacancies in the nursery of your choice. Going back to work might seem a long way off whilst you’re still pregnant but you would be surprised at how many people do start looking at this time!
Are all your staff CRB checked?
Yes, all members of staff employed by Early Years Childcare have been CRB checked.
What are the opening hours for Early Years Childcare nurseries?
8am-6pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), Greenwich 7:30am-6pm.
What happens if my child is ill?
If your child becomes ill at Nursery his/her condition is brought to the attention of a senior member of staff. Based upon their symptoms, including any visible signs and your child’s body temperature, a decision is made as to whether you are immediately informed or whether staff should continue monitoring your child. If your child’s condition continues to deteriorate you will be contacted and asked to collect him/her at your earliest convenience.
We recognise that it can be frustrating when a child is excluded but it is important to bear in mind that the exclusion is for the benefit of all children in the nursery. Early Years Childcare adheres to the Department of Health guidelines regarding incubation periods and exclusions.
More details of this will be covered at your initial meeting.
Do you have facilities for play outside?
We take great pride in our outside play areas at Early Years Childcare and children play outside in them every day. Our motto is; there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad planning.
Many of our nurseries have vegetable growing areas and a range of outdoor equipment that they children love.
Will I get regular feedback on my child’s progress?
At the end of each day you will receive a daily sheet that details your child’s progression throughout the day, the activities they have participated in, how much food they have eaten and any naps they have had etc.
I only work mornings is it ok to put my child in to Early Years Childcare for just a morning session?
Yes, this is fine, you can pick and choose the sessions you want as long as there is availability.
Session Times
AM: 08:00 – 1300
PM: 13:00 – 1800
What happens when a member of Early Years Childcare staff is ill?
We have a bank of reliable and qualified temporary childcare staff that are able to cover when an Early Years Childcare practitioner is ill.
How do you monitor access to Early Years Childcare nurseries?
All parents/carers must use either the intercom or the keypad entry system to gain entry to Early Years Childcare nurseries and many of our nurseries have thumb print recognition access.
Only people who are pre authorised by parents can collect children from Early Years Childcare and no one is allowed access to the building without being acknowledged by a member of staff.
What happens if my child has problems settling in?
Once your child’s place at Early Years Childcare has been confirmed, we invite you to come in for a number of settling in sessions to ensure that the child has a smooth transition into nursery life.
Do you offer discounts for siblings?
We offer a 10% discount for the eldest child when two children attend an Early Years Childcare nursery, plus a 5% discount for the second child when three children attend the nursery.
Why don’t you serve red meat?
It is recommended that young children should only eat red meat2-3 times a week so we feel we should leave it up to parents to incorporate this within family meal times if they wish to do so.
Our nursery menu is nutritionally well balanced and we encorporate a range of red meat alternatives such as pulses, vegetables and lentil, which all provide the children with the recommended amount of iron and protein.
Do I have to pay for bank holidays?
Statuary legislation dictates that we have to pay our staff on bank holidays even though they are not working. We also still have to cover other over heads such as rent so we do charge on bank holidays.
Do I still have to pay if we’re on holiday?
You do still have to pay while on holiday to reserve your child’s place at nursery
What are your fees?
Fee sheets are available from each individual nursery and fees are assessed in October of each year
What is the EYFS?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are the statutory curriculum guidelines that all early years providers should work towards. The EYFS provides guidance and support for childcare providers on meeting the overall emotion, physical and developmental needs of all children.
How do you keep in touch with parents?
We value our relationships with parents and believe that it is very important to establish good partner partnerships. We regularly update our website to communicate useful information to parents, we send out a termly newsletter and we display posters with details of any special events or activities that are taking place at nursery.
Who should I talk to if I have a problem?
Should you have a problem, however big or small your child’s room leader and/or nursery manager will always be available to talk to.
