Parent FAQs
Take a look here for some commonly asked questions and if you can’t find answers to what you’re looking for, please get in touch with us or email us.
We recommend as soon as possible to secure your place as the nurseries can fill up very fast.
There are a few options, you can contact our Nursery Managers by telephone or email to arrange a tour of the nursery and complete the paperwork. Alternatively, you can book a place via our online booking form, request a prospectus and complete application form.
To ensure a smooth transition into nursery we recommend at least 3 settling-in visits for all children to enable them to adapt to their new surroundings and to meet staff and children in the room. Where possible, we suggest this is done over 2 weeks to ensure there is time if required, to increase the number of visits.
A recent photograph of your child, not passport size.
A named bag, not too large (not plastic or drawstring)
A change of clothes, including underwear if potty training. Please include wellies, rain coats, sunscreen and hats (suitable for the season). Please label.
Toothbrush, toothpaste and small comb
EpiPen or any other type of long term medicine if your child has an allergy or medical condition which requires this. Medicine needs to be prescibed and labelled with name and instructions clear.
For Kids Allowed settings, a change of clothes and any long-term medication is required.
OFSTED inspections take place approximately once every cycle, this is normally between 2 and 5 years. New settings are inspected with 2½ years of opening.
Please contact the Nursery Manager at the nursery to confirm the details.
Our staff are qualified to Level 3 in childcare or higher. Staff who do not hold a level 3 qualification are currently studying towards one.
The ratios, as outlined by Early Years Foundation Stage, are; 0-2 years – 1 adult: 3 children, 2-3 years – 1:4 and over 3 years 1:8 or 1:13 with an EYP or teacher.
We hold regular first aid courses throughout the nursery group for all our staff and our aim is to ensure everyone is first aid trained within a short time of starting Good Shepherd Day Nursery.
For younger babies we have cots and as children get older we have sleep mats. Every child has their own bedding within nursery that is laundered at least weekly and whenever they sleep this is put out for them.
Staff sit with children and rub their tummy, back or stroke their heads. This is optional, if you would like your child to go to sleep by themselves you should let a member of staff know.
When children start at nursery we follow their routines to ensure there is a smooth transition from home life to nursery. We work with families to ensure there is a continuity of care.
At GSDN, we would work with you as a parent to discuss weaning stages and we would follow your routine from home as your introduce new foods to your child. We also have a weaning menu in place for children who are just starting the weaning process.
Every child is allocated a key person and it is this person which develops a special bond with that child. They are based in the room that the child attends and completes the child’s learning development journal through observation and link each child’s progress within the EYFS.
Our nursery work in partnership with other childcare providers and local school to ensure a smooth transition from nursery to school.
At the beginning of each month, we will send you an invoice detailing your payment requirements, which will include our bank details for your convenience in making bank transfers.
To find out what your nursery fees are, please contact the nursery.