FAQ
Helpful Information
Are your staff First Aid trained?
We hold regular fist aid courses for all our staff. Our aim is to ensure every single member of staff is first aid trained within a short time of starting at Secret Garden Nursery.
Are all staff DBS checked?
All staff have to go through a DBS (CRB | Police) check prior to starting work at Secret Garden Nursery. DBS checks are then renewed every two years. In addition, all staff are on DBS Update so that we're able to verify any change of circumstances at any point of time.
What are staff to child ratios?
We follow Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The ratios, as outlined by EYFS are as follows:
0 to 2 years of age - 1 adult : 3 children
2 to 3 years of age - 1 adult : 4 children
over 3 years of age - 1 adult : 8 children or 1 adult : 13 children with an EYTS or QTS
Do all staff hold relevant childcare qualifications?
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.
How will my child's progress be tracked?
Every child is allocated a key person and it is this person which develops a special bond with the child. They are based in the group that the child attends and completes the child's learning development journal through observations and link each child's progress within the EYFS.
Do you hold parents evenings?
We hold parents evenings on regular basis, but you can book an appointment or have a one to one discussion with your child's key person at any time. You are able to see child's work at any time through our digital platform given to a parent/guardian when the child first registers with us.
My child has Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)?
Secret Garden Nursery is a fully inclusive nursery and will adapt our care to the individual needs of each child who attends, where possible.
How secure is the nursery?
We have a state of the art security system. Our nursery has a secure door entry system which only allows designated people entry into the main entrance.
How often will my child go outside to play?
We are outdoors nursery. We go outside in all-weather within nursery and children have direct access to the large outdoors throughout the day.
Do you go for trips?
We hold regular trips to local markets, museums, theatres, libraries, and specific entities with educational outcomes in mind.
Do you hold extra-curricular activities?
We hold a lot of extra-curricular activities in our nursery and these can include things like sports, dance, drama, and art.
How can I pay my childcare fees?
We accept payments by direct debit, bank transfer, childcare vouchers, and cash.
When are childcare fees due to be paid?
Fees are payable in advance, and are due to be paid by the first day of the term or the child's registration date, if started whilst the term is running. The first invoice is due to be paid prior to your child's attendance.
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
Yes - we do! The Secret Garden Nursery is registered with most childcare voucher companies.
Do you offer funded places for 2, 3, and 4 year olds?
Yes, we offer FREE funded places for eligible 2 year olds and 3 to 4 year olds are eligible for 15 and 30 hours free childcare.
How often is your nursery inspected by OFSTED?
We are an OFSTED registered public service provision provider. OFSTED inspections take place approximately once every cycle, this is normally between 2 to 5 years. New setting is inspected within two and half years of opening.
What are your opening times and when are you closed?
The Secret Garden Nursery is open Monday to Friday, term time only. We are closed for half-terms, bank holidays, and summer holidays. Our opening hours are as follow:
Monday: 09:00 am - 15:00 pm
Tuesday: 09:00 am - 15:00 pm
Wednesday: 09:00 am - 15:00 pm
Thursday: 09:00 am - 15:00 pm
Friday: 09:00 am - 15:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
What about the waiting list?
As places are limited and to avoid disappointment, applications for places should be made well in advance of your required start date. If the sessions you require are full, your child's name is put onto a waiting list.
What happens in the event of nursery closure?
There may be occasions where it will be necessary to close the nursery due to unforeseen circumstances. These will be due to outside influences that affect the daily running of the nursery and do not allow us to meet our strict health and safety guidelines e.g. adverse weather conditions, powerful failure etc - this list is not exclusive or exhaustive. In cases of adverse weather, the nursery may close early to allow service users to travel home safely. Fees remain payable.
Absence and Illness
If the child is absent, we'd be grateful if a Parent/Guardian could inform us as soon as possible with regards to the absence and/or illness. Fees remain payable. Notice of any holidays that you intend your child to take from nursery should be provided. Fees remain payable.
How many sessions do you run?
We are open from 09:00 am to 15:00 pm Monday to Friday, term time only.
We run the following sessions:
Morning sessions: 09:30 am - 12:30 pm
Full day sessions: 09:00 am - 15:00 pm
The minimum number of sessions you are allowed to take is 3 days per week, if spaces are available.