Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many staff will there be, and what is the staff/child ratio?
The staff/child ratio depends on the age of the child. The regulations state the following:
Under 2 1 staff member to every 3 children
2 - 3 1 staff member to every 4 children
3 - 5 1 staff member to every 8 children
We will provide more staff than the regulations require
2. What qualifications will your staff have?
All staff currently undergo one month Induction period and attend Paediatric First Aid training. They also attend other courses relevant to their work. As an organisation we are committed to the continuous development of our staff
3. How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
All our staff have enhanced Criminal Record Bureau checks before they are allowed to work with the children. In addition, two personal references are taken up prior to starting work with Little Monkeys
All the toys and equipment in the Nursery are of a high quality and regular Risk Assessments on equipment and procedures are carried out to ensure everything is maintained to the highest standard.
We carry out regular Fire Drills with the children, so that they become familiar with the routine, and should we have an emergency, we will be able to clear the building quickly and safely.
Children must be signed in and out each day. If a child is to be collected by a different person, (relative, friend etc), staff must be notified at Registration. We will not release a child to anyone unless we have confirmation from the parent that it is O.K. to do so.
All children's areas have a security entry pad system and can only be entered with a member of staff.
4. What activities will the children be doing in the Nursery?
Children are offered a mixture of different activities throughout the day, which will include creative play, activities to help with numeracy and literacy, construction and problem-solving, story time, dance and movement, rest and relaxation. There will also be plenty of opportunity for free play to allow children to be inventive and use their imaginations. A copy of our Daily Programme is available at Reception. Children are observed and assessed against the nationally recognised Early Years Foundation Stage for 0 - 5 years.
5. What will the children be given to eat and drink?
Breakfast, lunch, high tea and snacks, will be offered to the children daily (depending on what time they are attending the nursery) and is included in the fees. We are particularly keen to offer the children a varied and healthy diet made where possible from organic, fresh produce.
6. Do I have to provide nappies?
No, nappies are included in the fees. We are committed to being as environmentally friendly as possible and so use bio degradable Nappies.
7. What happens if my child is taken ill at the Nursery?
If your child is taken ill at the Nursery, we will contact you immediately. Our staff are trained to give First Aid for minor injuries and we have comprehensive Policies and Procedures in place to deal with more serious emergencies.
8. What if my child is ill and cannot attend Nursery?
If your child misses Nursery due to illness, unfortunately no refund can be made. In the interest of the other children, it is important that your child is well before returning them to the Nursery.
9. What happens if I am delayed collecting my child?
Sometimes parents are unavoidably delayed. Please let us know as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary concerns. Arrangements will be made to look after your child until you arrive. In the event that you are more than 15 minutes late, we may have to make an additional charge to cover staff costs.
10. If I have a complaint, what should I do?
We always want to hear if you or your child is unhappy with any aspect of the Nursery. Please raise any concerns you have with the Nursery Manager who will endeavour to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction if possible. Should you still be unhappy, you can take your complaint further by contacting OFSTED directly. The Nursery Manager will be happy to give your contact details.
11. When is the Nursery open?
We are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. We operate all year round, with the exception of the week between Christmas and New Year and bank holidays.
12. What are your charges?
Please refer to our Price List at the back of the Brochure
IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE NOT COVERED HERE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO TALK TO THE MANAGER, WHO WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU.