Question 1

Question: How early do I need to put my child’s name down to attend GSDN?

Accepted Answer

We recommend as soon as possible to secure your place as the nurseries can fill up very fast.

Question 2

Question: How do I book a place for my child?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Question: Can my child visit the nursery prior to starting?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Question: What should I/my child bring to nursery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Question: How often are your nurseries inspected by OFSTED?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Question: What are your opening times and when are you closed?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Nursery Manager at the nursery to confirm the details.

Question 7

Question: Do all staff hold relevant childcare qualifications?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Question: What are staff to child ratios at Good Shepherd Day Nursery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Question: Are your staff First Aid trained?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Question: How will my child sleep at nursery and where?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Question: How do staff get children to sleep?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Question: What happens if my baby is not yet weaned when they start nursery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Question: How will my child’s progress be tracked throughout nursery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Question: Do you have connections and relationships with surrounding schools?

Accepted Answer

Our nursery work in partnership with other childcare providers and local school to ensure a smooth transition from nursery to school.

Question 16

Question: How can I pay my childcare fees?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Question: What are the nursery fees?

Accepted Answer

To find out what your nursery fees are, please contact the nursery.

Parent FAQs