Is there a waiting list in operation?

Yes, we do have a waiting list and we strongly advise parents to be proactive about planning their child's care and education.

Our suggestion is to short list the settings which you consider will best suit your baby, toddler or young child needs (and yours), then arrange viewings to ensure the indoor, outdoor environments, opening times, staff meet your aspirations and requirements.

 

What should my child bring with them to nursery?

Lunch box/bag, drink bottle and a contribution to our healthy eating policy of fruit, vegetables or other healthy food for the children's snack time.

At least two full changes of clothes, more if toilet training, in their bag. 

Sun hats, sun cream for spring/summer. 

Outdoor coat, all-in-one/wet suit, wellington boots, warm hat, waterproof gloves for autumn/winter.

Please clearly label all of your child's belongings with their full name.

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Do I need to provide nappies?

Yes please, we require nappies, bags and wipes for each session.

 

What is the settling in period?

We offer settling in sessions tailored to each child. These are where you will have the opportunity to come along during this period. You will be invited to stay and play with your child, then gradually the key person, as the secondary attachment figure, will help support your child and start to build up a relationship with you and your child.

 

If I need my child to leave the setting, what is the notice period?

We require a full term's notice.

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Is there an outdoor space?

Yes, we have a free-flow system into our immediate large outdoor space where there are plenty of opportunities for your child to explore rich sourced areas within the space.  Our outdoor area is divided into three spaces, one is our purpose built all year round area that includes;

• a large climb in sand pit

• large water tray with pump

• a music area with sound wall and wooden xylophone

• large role play area

• challenging physical apparatus such as balance beams, climbing wall, wobbly bridge, tunnel

• discovery boards, mark making opportunities, numerals plus lots more.

• Mirror Wall, Number and Alphabet Boards

• Block area: Outdoor Community Playthings Outlast blocks, ramps and crates

• Teepee den

• wide range of large and small loose parts

Our second zone is a large grassed area that is in places banked and includes;

• our orchard with growing area

• a large slide (set in the bank)

• lots of space for the children to create with loose parts

• large wooden gazebo sheltered area

Our third area is our mud kitchen space and outdoor lodge classroom, which includes;

• a mud kitchen, herb/wild flowers surrounded by fields

• firepit

• natural loose parts, foraged items from our woodland setting 

• outdoor classroom lodge classroom - which is nature classroom and our second space we use to carry out Forest School experiences onsite as well as in our woodland.  

• all set within and surrounded by glorious farm land and country views.

 

Additionally, we run daily Forest School sessions in the 40 acre woodland we have access to.

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​​​How will I be informed of my child's development?

You will be invited to regular 'Working in Partnership' (WiP) meetings to discuss your child's development, where you will be invited to contribute your thoughts, ideas and collaborate your child moving forward on their journey here.

The first meeting is usually arranged six weeks after they have started.

 

In consultation, with you the parents, and after reflection on the many observations, your child's key person will be in a position to plan specific next experiences for your child.  These meetings will be initiated twice a year and regular termly informal meetings/conversations with your child's key person to ensure you are kept informed of your child's progress and their next steps in learning and development.

 

We will work in partnership to support your child through key developmental stages, such as potty training, supporting behaviour and new siblings.  Additionally, you can request a WiP meeting at anytime.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What food is provided for the children?

We are part of the nursery milk scheme and your child will be offered 1/3 pint of milk each day they attend nursery. We ask our parents to make a contribution to our healthy eating policy by providing fruit, vegetables and other healthy foods; this enhances the range we provide so the children can have a wider choice.

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Do you accept childcare vouchers?

Yes, we accept most childcare vouchers , your childcare voucher company will require our unique Ofsted registration number, address and bank details.

All children are eligible for 15 FREE funded hours in the first full term after their third birthday. (In some circumstances funding may also be available for two years olds - please contact the nursery manager for more information).

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What information should I expect whilst my child is at nursery?

• Termly ITM observations and next steps for nursery and home learning

• Online learning journal 

• Parent meetings (twice a year)

• Milestone reports -27month check

• Assessments (three times a year)

• Weekly newsletter

• Daily communication via our communication boards

• Frequent emails to update parents

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Policy on changing sessions

Sessions are booked on registration, any alteration to this pattern will require one term's notice. Extra sessions can be booked if places are available but swopping sessions ad hoc is not usually possible.

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​When will my child be eligible for the Early Years Education Entitlement?

All children are eligible for 15 FREE funded hours in the first full term after their third birthday. In addition some children will be eligible for two years old funding. For more information please contact Miss Karen.

 

How can I read your latest Ofsted report?

Please see our Ofsted links page

 

How do I book extra sessions?

Contact the nursery manager to discuss availability.

 

Do I need to let you know if my child will not be attending nursery?

Yes, it is important that you contact the nursery to let us know. The nursery manager has a statutory duty to record any absenteeism particularly if ill health is due to a communicable illness. Full fees will still be required if your child does not attend due to ill health.

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What have you put in place since COVID-19?

We immediately instigated significant changes to the nursery in 2020, initially completely changing how the nursery operated, for instance creating three family groups with their own entrances, however now, thankfully, we are back to being one family again and enjoying the freedom it brings. Our existing ethos, and part of the culture and practice at Young Haymakers, is to provide inspiring outdoor environments and these, alongside our daily forest school sessions, ensure children and staff enjoy an abundance of fresh air. We will not hesitate to reinstate previous procedures, that were very effective, should the virus rates increase and present higher risks to all concerned. We will adapt our provision according to statutory and local guidance,