Nursery FAQs

Who leads Little Ferns Nursery? 
A fully qualified teacher will lead the nursery, supported by a Level 3 childcare practitioner. Recruitment for the Level 3 post will take place closer to opening. 

What are your adult–child ratios? 
We follow statutory EYFS ratios: 

• 1:8 with a Level 3 practitioner 
• 1:13 with a qualified teacher leading 
  Ratios may be enhanced depending on the needs of the group. 

Who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)? 
Hannah McNamara, Headteacher, DSL. 

Jo Fineran, Deputy Headteacher, Deputy DSL. 

How many children can attend? 
Up to 26 children aged 3–4. 

How do I get a place? 
Complete the Expression of Interest form as early as possible. September starters are prioritised and interest is currently growing. 

What are your session times? 

Term time, Monday-Friday: 

Do you follow school term dates? 
Yes. We follow the school term calendar and close for INSET days and bank holidays. 

Do you offer wraparound care? 
We plan to offer breakfast and afterschool club options for nursery children in line with our school’s wraparound care offer. This will be 7:30-9am and 3:30-6pm 

How do you allocate places if oversubscribed? 
We use clear criteria as per our Admission Policy such as: September starters, siblings, proximity, and priority groups. Our Admissions Policy is on our website. 

Is there a notice period? 
Yes – typically a half term’s written notice for withdrawal. However, changes to hours can be requested each term.

Do you accept 15 and 30 hours? 

Yes: 

• Universal 15 hours (all 3–4s) 

• Extended 30 hours for eligible working families 
  Families must supply a valid 30-hour code before termly deadlines. 

Are there additional costs? 
Optional services such as hot meals, wraparound care, and hours beyond funded entitlements incur charges. A full fee structure will be provided. 

How do payments work? 
Fees are billed monthly, and we accept Tax-Free Childcare and common voucher schemes for wraparound care. 

Do you charge for consumables? 
If applicable, a small fee may cover snacks, materials, or visiting providers. 

Are meals provided? 
Hot meals for full-day children are prepared onsite by Hutchison Catering (Impact Food Group). Lunchtime meals for sessional children may be available at an additional cost. 

How do you manage allergies? 
We gather detailed medical information at enrolment and work with caterers to provide safe alternatives. Allergy-aware practices are followed throughout the setting. 

How do you support SEND/EAL? 

We make reasonable adjustments and work closely with families and external agencies. Our Inclusion Lead, Jo Fineran, oversees provision. Home languages are valued and supported.  How is progress tracked?  Through observations and regular assessment under the EYFS framework. Next steps are shared with families. 

How do you support behaviour? 
Through coregulation, positive relationships, routines, and teaching social/emotional skills such as sharing and turn-taking. 

How do you keep children safe? 
Robust safeguarding procedures, DBS-checked staff, secure site systems, and clear pickup protocols. 

Who can collect my child? 
Only named adults with prior permission given at enrolment can collect your child. We use agreed passwords to confirm the identify of adults who have consent to collect but do not do so regularly. 

How will you share updates? 
We use an online learning journal platform to share updates, send newsletters, and offer some parent/carer stay and play opportunities.  

Can I meet my child’s Key Person? 
Yes - through scheduled meetings and informal conversations

What if we’re late or absent? 
Please inform the office if your child will be late or absent, using the school office number. 

Do you go out in all weathers? 
Yes - children play and learn outdoors daily, with appropriate clothing. 

How will we know about closures? 
Updates are sent via email/website/social media. Little Ferns will be part of all of our whole-school procedures. 

Will children go on trips? 
Yes - local walks and visits (park, library) with prior consent. We also bring external visitors onto the school site for enrichment. Little Ferns will be involved in whole-school events. 

When should my child stay home? 
If they are unwell or contagious e.g., 48 hours after sickness/diarrhoea. We follow NHS guidance. On being allocated a place, we will issue guidance to families on this. 

Can staff administer medication? 
Yes - with a completed medication form. Prescription items must be labelled clearly. 

What if my child has an accident? 
Paediatric First Aiders are on site. All incidents are recorded, and head bumps receive additional monitoring and notification. 

Do you take photos? 
Yes, with parental consent, for learning journals and displays. Separate consent is required for marketing use. 

How is data handled? 
We comply with UK GDPR. Our privacy notice explains how data is used and stored. 

How do you support the move to Reception? 
We work closely with Reception staff, offer shared events, visits, and a detailed handover. We hope your child will attend Coppice Primary School for their Reception year but will work all schools to support transition.  

Can my child join mid=year? 
Yes, if places are available. We have three intakes per year, September, January and April.