We understand you will have many questions about the care we offer. Here we list some of the frequently asked questions you may have, and perhaps some you hadn’t thought of.  It is important that you have all the information you need in making the decision about choosing Evergreen Children's Day Nursery and here we will try to answer some of the most common questions we are asked. If you have any other queries not listed here please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our full list of policies and procedures are available on request. 

GENERAL

Are you Ofsted registered?

Yes – our number for the Ofsted Number is EY357491 .
View a copy of our latest Ofsted reports.

What are the Nursery session times at Evergreen?

We offer the following nursery sessions:

Mornings:  07:45 – 12:45

Afternoons: 12:45 - 18:00

Full Day: 07:45 – 18.00

We close promptly at 6pm. Should you wish to have a detailed discussion about your child's day, please aim to arrive at the nursery for 17:45.

Can I drop my child off or collect them mid session?

You are free to drop off or collect your child at any time.

However please be aware that we may have organised specific activities that day to support your childs learning and development.

Therefore we ask that you bear this mind and drop your child off before 9am and collect them after 3.30pm.

From what age can my child attend your nursery?

We welcome children from 0 - 5 years of age, depending on your preference and subject to availability. 

How do I know my child will be safe and secure?

All the toys and equipment in the Nursery are of a high quality.

Regular risk assessments on equipment and procedures are carried out to ensure everything is maintained to the highest standard.

My child has never attended a nursery before how do we ensure a calm transition?

We have a gradual admission process over a four week period.

For more information about how we ensure your child is settled at Evergreen please see the Why Us page.

My child has special educational needs, can they still attend?  

We are a fully inclusive nursery and adapt our care to the individual needs of each child. 

The owner of Evergreen Children's Day nursery has a BA Honours in Special Education Needs.

Key Practionioners have experience with Special Educational Needs and will discuss with you in advance, and in detail, your child’s needs along with any concerns you may have and the best approach to take to ensure your child settles comfortably into the nursery.

My child has a set routine, will this fit into nursery life?  

When your child starts in our nursery we maintain their routine to ensure there is a smooth transition from home life.

Our daily diaries record information such as meals and changing so you are upto date with what your child has done throughout each day.

Evergreen staff will also communicate verbally with all of their key children's parents/guardian at the beginning and end of your child’s session. 

What happens if I am delayed collecting my child?

We understand that 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 will have to make an additional charge to cover staff cost.

What if I have to send someone else to collect my child?

For the occasions where a person unknown to us is required to pick up your child we operate a password system.

Parents confirm their chosen password with staff when they start at the nursery. 

You must also inform us in advance if someone else is collecting your child.

When the unknown person comes to collect the child they will be asked for the password before being allowed entry. 

Under no circumstances will any child be allowed to leave the nursery premises with an adult the staff do not know and do not have the correct password. 

What should I bring to nursery for my child?  

1. Bottles where needed.
2. For babies and toddlers nappies and nappy cream (these should be clearly labelled). 
3. A comforter such as a dummy and/or blanket stored in a clearly labelled bag. 
4. All parents are asked to bring a change of clothes. If your child is toilet training please bring an extra change of clothes. Please ensure that your child’s spare clothing is clearly labelled.
5. We encourage good oral hygiene and the children brush their teeth after lunch. If you prefer a specific type of toothpaste different to the one the nursery uses this should be brought along.
6. During the summer months a sunhat and suncream will be required. We do have a sun protection policy in place encouraging the children to be aware of what is needed to play safely in the sun.
7. Any long term medication or emergency medications such as Inhaler’s or Epipen’s. All parents, whose child requires medication, should adhere to our medication policy, by completing authorisation forms for us to administer medication to their child.

Do I have to provide nappies?

Yes please.  We are happy to use both disposable and cotton nappies.
If you use cotton nappies we ask that parents provide enough clean nappies daily in a small bag. 

Cotton nappies will not be washed at the nursery and will be returned home at the end of each day with your child.
Nappies, wet wipes, nappy cream and a spare change of clothes can be stored at nursery in their individual box or bag.

Do I have to send my child every day?

No, nursery provision is flexible, subject to the availability of places for your chosen sessions.  Parents may choose to start with a few mornings and increase to every day, or use the nursery for a number of full days per week, whatever is right for you and your family.  

Will the Nursery be term time only, or will it be available in the holidays too?

Evergreen operate for 51 weeks during the year. We are however closed for one week only during Christmas.

What do I need to do to reserve a place?

You can register your child for a place at the nursery by contacting us.

STAFF

How many staff will there be at Nursery?

The number of staff working at the Nursery depends on how many children are attending on that particular day. 

We ensure we adhere to the staff to children ratio’s, which are:
1:3 for children under 2 years old.
1:4 for children aged between 2 and 3 years old.
1:8 for children aged 3 years and older.

However we employ additional practionerers to enhance our quality of care.

What qualifications do your staff have?

Evergreen Children's Day Nursery are committed to the continuous development of our employees.

All staff undergo Criminal Record Bureau checks before they are allowed to be with the children. 

References are requested prior to starting work with Evergreen Children's Day Nursery.

All our Family Rooms are led and managed by practionioners qualified to level 3 or above in Childcare and Education as well as having Level 2 or above Team Leaders Qualification. The rest of our team have varying qualifications in childcare inc Degree Level.

Evergreen employees undergo a 3-month Induction period.

All staff attend Food and Hygiene, Paediatric First Aid, and Safeguarding Children Training as well as other courses relevant to their work such as Creative Play and Being a Key Person.. 

Training is continually updated and refreshed. 

How do I find out more about the staff working at Nursery?

We have a dedicated page on our website which details the practionioners we have working at Evergreen. 

In addition, when your child starts you will be given a Welcome Pack that gives information about the key person working with your child.  We have noticeboards in the nursery with photographs and information of our team or you can ask the manager who will be happy to answer any query you have.

What is a key person? 

Every child attending Evergreen Children's Day Nursery is assigned a key person. 

The role of a key person is to assist in the learning of each child in order to help them reach their full potential

Each key person works closely with the child and of course their parents/guardians.

Your child’s key person is responsible for monitoring your child's Learning and Development. 

We keep a collection of written and photographic evidence in Magical Moment Books which parents can view at any time.

Although the Key Person has responsibility for their child’s Learning Diary, all members of staff observe the children.

Please do not hesitate to ask if you would like to view your child's Learning Diary.

Should you want to discuss anything about your child's development, please speak to their key person or the manager who will be happy to answer any of your questions.

FEES

Can I use the EYFE?

From September 2017 pupils from the age of three until the first term of their fifth birthday will be eligible to receive up to 30 hours of Early Years Free Entitlement (EYFE) within the sessions attended.

EYFE is available for six terms, from the term following your child's third birthday until the term when they turn five,

Funding will continue to be available in your child’s Reception year, to the end of the term in which their fifth birthday falls. 

Funding is not available beyond the Reception year. 

To enable the Evergreen to claim the EYFE funding, a Parental Declaration Form will need to be completed and signed.  

Can I use Childcare vouchers?

Evergreen Children's Day Nursery is registered with all of the current Childcare Voucher providers, and therefore be able to accept Childcare Vouchers for Nursery Fees.

Can I claim EYFE for more than one child?

Yes

Are any other discounts available?

Siblings of children currently attending Evergreen Children's Day Nursery who join their brothers or sisters will receive a 10% sibling discount. 

How can I pay fees?

Fees are payable by cash, bacs or childcare vouchers. 

Any additional charges, over and above that covered by Childcare Vouchers, will be collected by cash or bacs.

Do I pay a deposit to secure my Childs place?  

Yes, one week’s applicable fee is paid to secure your child’s place.

This deposit is then deducted from your final payment once the nursery receives your 4 weeks’ notice.

COMMUNICATION

How do you communicate with parents?

As well as daily contact between staff and parents we also send out regular newsletters which provide you with the latest news about the nursery.  Parents evenings are held three times a year, around the end of each term. 

Parents can of course book an appointment to speak to a member of staff, or the manager, at any time.

If I have a complaint, what should I do?

We always want to hear if you or your child are unhappy with any aspect of our nursery. 

Please raise any concerns you have with the nursery manager who will resolve your complaint to your satisfaction if possible. 

Should you still be unhappy, you can take your complaint further by contacting OFSTED directly.

What is your policy regarding behaviour management?

At Evergreen Children’s Day Nursery we have high expectations of aims to promote exceptional behaviour appropriate to each child's stage of development. At all times we will support every child to develop and encourage appropriate behaviour through positive strategies, gentle encouragement and explanation. Staff will always model good behaviour.

Can I see a copy of your policies and procedures?

Our full list of policies and procedures are available on request.