Nursery FAQ

Q: How do you help my child to settle in?

A:  We don’t have a fixed method of settling a child in, as each child is unique. We will discuss your child’s needs with you before they start and tailor the approach accordingly. We take into account your home routine (including sleeping and eating times) and your child’s favourite toys, games and interests.

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Q: What do I need to bring?

A: If your child is in over the lunchtime period you will need to supply a packed lunch. We do not have enough space in our fridges, so please use a cool box style bag with an ice pack to keep the food fresh.

Drinks and snacks are provided however Blossoming Braeburns and Pre-School Pippins can bring their own bottle of water/juice to keep in the room. The children then have access to their drink at any time and this fits in with the routine they will have when they go to school.

You need to provide nappies/pullups, sun lotion and sun hat, spare clothing and adequate outdoor clothing. If you send your child in wellingtons please also send indoor footwear.

We ask that you don’t allow your child to bring toys in but comforters and ‘snugglies’ are fine.

Please remember to label all your clothing and belongings (lunch boxes, juice holder etc.) and don’t send your child in expensive clothes – they WILL get dirty!

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Q: What will my child eat when at nursery?

A: This depends on the time of attendance. In the morning we provide toast or cereal and the mid-afternoon snack will be fruit, vegetables, cheese, biscuits etc. If your child stays past 4pm then a light tea is provided e.g. sandwiches, beans on toast, jacket potato, fruit or yoghurt etc.

If your child is in over the lunchtime period you will need to supply a packed lunch. We do not have enough space in our fridges, so please use a cool box style bag with an ice pack to keep the food fresh.

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Q: How flexible are sessions?

A: At Appletree Nursery we offer a flexible approach to childcare, therefore please speak to us with your requirements and we will work together to ensure your childcare needs are met. We have to adhere to strict legal guidelines on the number of children allowed per session so we may not always be able to meet your requests.

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Q: Do you offer free nursery?

A: All children are eligible for Free Early Learning (FEL) from the term AFTER their 3^rd birthday. This allows you access to 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. There is also a ‘stretched’ offer which allows you access to 12 hours per week over 47 weeks of the year.

You can see our Free Early Learning Policy for more information or speak to one of the management team.

Families on low incomes and on certain benefits may also be eligible for FEL when they are 2 years old.

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Q: How do I pay?

A: We will send you an invoice at the beginning of each month detailing your sessions. Payment is required by the end of that month. We prefer you to pay by bank transfer, direct debit or standing order. We also accept childcare vouchers, cash and cheques.

Please see our Payment Policy for all the details. There is also a copy on the notice board in the entrance of Pre-School Pippins building.

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Q: How and what will my child learn?

A: Our children learn through play – young children don’t learn by being taught, they learn by doing.  This means that they will learn about weight/capacity through playing with water, learn to write by playing in sand etc.

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Q: How do you prepare my child for school?

A: We are always getting children prepared for school, simple things like having their own coat hook with their name on and having lunch together. Our Pre-School Pippins have ‘School Club’ the term before they start school where they practice writing their name, getting changed for P.E., taking the register, learning numbers and Jolly Phonics.

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Q: What happens if my child needs medicine?

A: If your child is unwell we will call you and discuss the options. We may gain your agreement to administer Calpol or agree that they should be collected from nursery.

We can administer prescribed medicine, a ‘Medicine Administration Form’ must be completed and signed with a member of staff.

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Q: What is the staff to child ratio?

A: This is the minimum number of staff we must have on duty to care for a set number of children. This is set by Ofsted and we always aim to have more than the minimum staff to child ratios.

Baby Bramleys – 1:3

Blossoming Braeburns – 1:4

Pre-School Pippins – 1:8

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Q: What is a key person and will my child have one?

A: A key person is assigned to your child and they are your main point of contact to discuss the care and development of your child.  Development reports are completed and available to you every term. Parent/Carers evenings are held once a year but you can arrange a visit at any time.

Baby Bramleys (3m-2y) have a record book which documents their daily activities e.g. sleep and eat times, nappy changes, activities they have done etc.

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Q: Can you deal with special requirements?

A: Yes we can.

Please see the list below and if you cannot find the answer, please contact us to discuss.

Breastfeeding – we will store and use breast milk provided.

Reusable nappies – can be used. Soiled nappies will be stored for you to collect at the end of your child’s session.

Dietary and medical requirements – we have strict controls to deal with foods to be excluded (e.g. allergies, vegetarians) and medicines to be administered. We will discuss all the requirements and a care plan will be put in place for when your child starts nursery.

Special Needs – we work with external specialists, i.e. Physiotherapists, Speech Therapy, Portage workers etc.  and alongside Sheffield City Council’s ‘Special Needs Inclusion Playcare Service’.

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Q: What is EYFS?

A: There is a very useful booklet called ‘What To Expect, When’ available to download from the Foundation Years website.  The purpose of this booklet is to help you as a parent/carer find out more about how your child is learning and developing during their first five years, in relation to the EYFS.

Children develop more rapidly during the first five years of their lives than at any other time.  This booklet has been written to help you as a parent know what to expect during these vitally important years by focusing on the seven areas of learning and development which are covered in the EYFS.

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Q: How can I ensure my child is getting a healthy start in life?

A: Our staff can offer support in healthy eating and leading a healthy lifestyle.

There are useful links here to the Start 4 Life and Change 4 Life websites provided by the NHS.

Appletree Childcare recognises the importance of breastfeeding.  We offer support to mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies, toddlers and children.  We provide a safe environment in which to feed and we will store and use breastmilk provided.