We ask that parents/carers do not bring their child/children before their specific allocated time and that they collect their child/children on time. This is to ensure staff ratios are adhered to at all times.

Unfortunately, we will need to charge a fee if you are unable to pick up your child before 6:00 pm to enable staff overtime to be paid.

Between 6:00pm and 6:15pm – £2.00

Between 6:15pm and 6:30pm – £5.00

Between 6.30pm and 6.45pm – £10.00

After 6.45 pm parents will be charged £5.00 for every 5 minutes they are late.

We never allow your child to be collected from the nursery by a person that we do not know. If on the odd occasion you are unable to collect your child and none of the named, authorised people can collect them either, then you must inform a member of the management team and preferably bring a photo of the new person who is to collect the child. Also, a password system is in place and this can be implemented through an arrangement with a member of the management team.

Please do not ask us to allow anyone under 16 years of age to collect your child from Amber’s Attic.

Please also be aware that we will implement the non-collection of a child procedure if you fail to collect your child.

For everybody’s wellbeing, the procedure of non-collection of a child will be followed from 7.00 pm, where no contact has been made between Ambers Attic and parent. If we believe that any adult is under the influence of alcohol or any other substance, then in the interest of your child’s safety, we reserve the right to refuse to let the child leave the premises and will expect alternative arrangements to be made. In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to involve the police and/or Children’s Social Care.

Contact us for more information.

The nursery organises the day so that the children participate in both child-led and adult-led activities that aim to stretch their minds, language and ability. These take into consideration the individual needs of each child and their differing energy levels throughout the day.

All children have the opportunity for outdoor play which contributes towards their good health, physical development and knowledge of the world around them. Plans for the room’s activities are always on display and please ask a member of staff to explain them in more detail if you wish.

Your child will be allocated a key person within the room and this enables continuity of care, a smooth transition and for the key person to build a sound relationship with you and your child. The key worker will settle you both into the nursery routines. They regularly assess your child’s progress against the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS explained further in this handbook), so as to provide appropriate learning opportunities and keep a learning journey of that progress. You can ask to see your child’s file at any time.

Parents/Carers evenings will be held twice a year where you will have the opportunity to speak in more detail with your child’s key person about your child’s achievements. We promote positive working in partnership with parents/carers and will implement activities for you to do within your home as an extension of the learning done at nursery and equally, interests from home will be integrated into the daily activity at nursery.

The nursery keeps a record of achievement for each child. We work in partnership with you as parents/carers to gather information and celebrate achievements so as to gather a true picture of your child’s journey. Your child’s key person will work with you to keep this record and gather information about your child’s needs, interests, activity, and achievements.

As part of the learning journey, the key person will complete observations, both planned and spontaneous, as evidence of your child’s learning and achievements. All information gathered helps inform the planning of individual activities that aim to maximise each child’s potential.

If you feel you would like to participate in particular activities at the nursery then please see a member of the management team. All the staff sees themselves as co-workers with you in providing care and education for your child. There are many ways in which you can be involved within the nursery and we welcome you to…

• Exchanging knowledge about your child’s interests with the staff.
• Share your own hobbies, interests, career with the children.
• Taking part in events and curriculum activities.
• Coming along to parents’ evenings.
• Join in community events held within the nursery.
• Build friendships with other parents at the nursery.

We ask that children who are prescribed antibiotics are kept off nursery for at least 48hours so as to minimise cross-contamination to other children. It may be possible for prescribed medication to be administered by a member of the management team on completion of the relevant paperwork.

Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to give Calpol and other non-prescribed medicines. We suggest that if you feel your child is well enough to attend nursery, you give any dosage to your child prior to arriving.

If the symptoms persist during the day once the initial dosage has worn off then we will ring you to inform you of your child’s illness persisting. Parents are asked to refer to ‘exclusion periods for communicable diseases’ as appropriate and we reserve the right to telephone you to ask that you collect your child if we suspect a communicable disease is evident. Unfortunately, we are not able to reduce fees for illness unless your child is ill for a long period of time (4 weeks or more).

Please will you keep us updated on any changes of name, address and telephone numbers (including mobiles), listed on your child’s application form?

It is essential that we have the correct information so we can contact you in the event of an emergency. All personal information is kept confidentially.

In the interest of child safety, we ask that all parents/carers ensure they close all gates and doors on entry and exit from the nursery. We have installed a security system on doors for your child’s safety and to prevent unauthorised access. Please do not let any other person into the nursery with you once you are buzzed in.

If you wish to leave any of the above equipment at the nursery during the day, then please label it clearly with your name and leave it in the designated storage area located just outside the front door. Sorry but the nursery accepts no responsibility for any items left in this storage area.

For the comfort and safety of your child please ensure he/she:

Brings a complete change of clothes every day in case of accidents. These should be in a bag with the child’s name clearly marked on it and hung on your child’s peg outside their room.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING IN A PLASTIC CARRIER BAG IN THE INTEREST OF THE CHILD’S SAFETY.

• Wears comfortable and appropriate footwear.
• Brings a pair of wellingtons for outdoor play.
• Does not wear jewellery.
• Brings an outdoor coat.
• Has a hat, scarf, gloves etc for cold weather outdoor play.
• Has a sun hat, sun cream etc for hot weather outdoor play

Please remember to label clearly, all articles with your child’s name.

Your child will be encouraged to participate in all kinds of activities such as sand, painting, water, play dough, gloop etc and on these daily occasions your child may return home looking like they have enjoyed themselves thoroughly! So please don’t send them in their Sunday best clothes!!

We ask that you provide nappies, wipes and formula milk for your baby/child. These will be personally labelled and will not be used for other children in the nursery. We will inform you of low supplies in good time to replenish your stock.

Amber’s Attic provides breakfast, lunch, and a lighter tea. We also provide healthy snacks throughout the day. A sample of the menus is displayed on the information board in the reception area. If your child has an allergy to any particular food or has any specific likes and dislikes, please inform your child’s key person.

We provide a healthy and balanced diet that works to provide the 5 recommended portions of fruit and vegetables each day. We do not provide sugary drinks or food but water is available continually throughout the day. We ask that parents/carers do not bring juices or sweets etc to the nursery for their child except on very special occasions where we celebrate together.

If you are planning a family holiday that means your child will be absent from nursery, please inform a member of the management team and your child’s key person. Unfortunately, we cannot reduce fees during holiday absences.

During your child’s time at the nursery, he/she may go off the premises on a variety of outings or visits that enhance his/her learning. You will always be asked to sign a consent form prior to this excursion and no child will be taken off the premises without this consent. If a vehicle is used for the trip, they will have relevant insurances, correctly fitted seatbelts and car seats and all adults will have the relevant vetting and barring clearance.

Every three-year-old child is entitled to funding from the government enabling free access to an early education place for 15 hours per week, at a setting of their choice. This funding starts from the term after the child’s third birthday and continues until they go to school. Some two year olds can also get funding towards a 15 hour early education place but this is not a universal offer and is dependent on meeting certain criteria. Please ask a member of the management team for further information or contact us and we will be happy to help. Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds have the opportunity to apply for an additional 15 hrs free funded place.

Click here for an eligibility check.

The nursery is inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) regularly and a copy of their reports can be found on their website, www.ofsted.gov.uk or by following this link.

CLICK HERE

A hard copy is available for all parents/carers to read and can be found in the reception area.

There is a complaint, compliments and comments procedure in operation. If a parent/carer feels they have concerns about anything at all then please discuss in the first instance with your child’s key person. If the issue is not resolved then bring it to the attention of a manager where concerns will be dealt with in confidence. Management and staff can be approached at all times no matter how big or small you feel an issue may be. We feel that by discussing your concerns/complaints with a member of staff then most issues will be addressed, however, if you feel we have neglected to rectify the issues to your satisfaction, then you have the option to put your complaint into OFSTED.

Please feel free to ask about staff’s experiences and backgrounds within the childcare field and we will be happy to discuss these if you are interested. You are also welcome to look at staff qualifications and training

if you wish. Photographs and descriptions of staff members are located around the setting for your information.

Policies and procedures are discussed at settling in visits so you can familiarise yourself with how the nursery operates and what you can expect from us as a setting. Policies and procedures are displayed around the setting so you can access these at your leisure. If you require a copy of any of the policies, then these are available on request.