frequently asked questions

1. How can Chuckles Nursery help me with the nursery fees?

Chuckles will accept childcare vouchers from many providers but preferably computer vouchers, Busy Bees, care-4 and Sodexho PASS. If your employer uses a different provider, our nursery manager will be able to make the necessary arrangements. Most parents are also able to receive help from tax credits towards the cost of their childcare, please speak to the nursery manager for more details. or visit the following - www.hmrc.gov.uk/TAXCREDITS/     www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare/
 

2. Do you open for Bank Holidays and holidays?

Our nurseries are open 51 weeks a year, during which time full fees are payable. On Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period we close and by law, we have to pay our staff for their Bank Holiday break. As staffing costs equate to over 50% of our income we are not able to give concessions in exchange for bank holidays.

3. How often do you review your fees?

Our fees are reviewed each February through a structured process to look at the costs of operating the nursery. If we feel that the operating cost have risen we will then increase the fees. You will receive notice in February of the fee increase, with the first month of the increase being April.

4. When do I get the Nursery Education Grant?

Your child is entitled to the grant the school term after their 3rd birthday. The nursery is required to complete a number of forms for the Local Education Authority. The Nursery Manager will identify all eligible children through our registers and computer system and will apply for the grant on your behalf. Some Local Education Authorities require you to complete a form, however this will be given to you by the Nursery Manager. The Nursery Education Grant will be automatically deducted from the fees and will appear on the invoice as Funding.

5. On the show round the children seemed to play by themselves. What group activities do they have?

Your child's 'key person' is responsible for observing your child during their play and to devise activities that will assist their development and learning. Sometimes this will include small group activities where children showing similar interests and skills can participate in an activity together. They will also have an opportunity to listen to stories and sing songs which may also occur in small groups. These group activities may occur both indoors and outdoors.

6. Do you take the children out for trips?

Sometimes children may go on trips to the park, shops, farm or other places that children have shown an interest in. These trips will help extend children's learning and will be well planned. You will always be advised of these trips before they occur.

7. How do I know about my child's daily routine?

At the end of the day, your child's key person will feed back information about your child's day. For the babies and younger children, this will include information about their sleep times, mealtimes and nappy changes. The key person will also feed back information about activities and experiences that your child has been involved with over the day. If the key person is not there, the backup key person or another nominated staff member will be available to share that information with you.

8. How do you prepare my child for school?

We expose children to a wide variety of experiences and activities which encourage them to make decisions and become independent learners. We expose them to mathematical concepts such as big and small, shapes, full and empty etc. as well as numbers. All of this they learn through playing with sand, water, and construction materials, using paint, glue and scissors and with outdoor activities.

We encourage children to read by looking at books, listening and telling stories, identifying words and signs in the environment, discussing pictures and looking and copying patterns. These are just some of the ways we expose children to reading.

By making marks on paper, in sand and with paint etc., we encourage participation in experiences that develop the big and small muscles that will help them write. Children have name cards to learn to identify their name and to copy onto their 'work'. The key person's role is to identify their learning and development needs and to plan activities and experiences that will assist them starting school.

9. My child has an allergy. How can you ensure they do not become exposed?

When you complete the child registration forms there are a number of questions about allergies. If your child has an allergy, you will be asked to complete an allergy questionnaire that will highlight the allergen, the symptoms if they are exposed and treatment required. We also have a 'Special Diet' policy where we complete a number of forms for the kitchen and room staff.

Any the allergy information will be passed onto the nursery cook to ensure she is aware of when your child attends and that a special meal will need to be prepared. All staff who are working with your child will be made aware of the allergy.

If your child has a severe allergy and requires an EpiPen, we will also complete a Risk Assessment and Care Plan. Through this procedure, we feel that the risk of exposure to the allergen will be unlikely. Ask the manager to see the Special Diet Policy.

10. Who can I speak to if I have any questions regarding my child's care and I don't want to talk to the Nursery Manager?

You can talk to our Nursery Manager Ellen Jackson or our Deputy Michelle Thompson on 01924 452547or email them on chucklesdaynursery@yahoo.co.uk and they will be happy to deal with your enquiry.

Thank you for taking the time time to look at our website if you need anymore information please don't hesitate to contact us.

Feel free to ring our nursery manager Ellen Jackson 01924 452547 or e-mail us at the link below to book a visit or request a brochure.

www.chucklesdaynursery@yahoo.co.uk

Or visit us on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/chucklesdaynursery