Shortly before your child's start date, our Nursery Manager will reach out to you to arrange Settling in Sessions. During the first session, both you and your child will spend time at the nursery, meeting our Practitioners, completing necessary paperwork, and allowing us to become acquainted with your child. Approximately half of the second session will be spent with your child in their room, followed by a meeting with the Nursery Manager to finalize paperwork and address any remaining questions you may have.

For the third settling in session, we kindly request that you drop off your child at the nursery and then leave for two hours. This step allows your child to gradually acclimate to the new environment. Based on your child's experience during the third session, we may set up additional sessions if needed. Our aim is to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for both you and your child as they embark on their journey at our nursery.

To ensure your child's comfort and well-being during their time at our nursery, we kindly request that you provide the following items:

• Spare change of clothes
• Appropriate clothing for outdoor or garden activities
• Comforter
• Sufficient nappies and wipes
• Bottles and formula
• Nappy cream (if used)
• Prescription medication (if needed)

For organization and easy identification, please ensure that all belongings are labelled with your child's complete name and placed in their designated bag. This helps us maintain a seamless and personalised experience for your child while in our care. If you have any specific instructions or preferences, feel free to communicate them with our staff for optimal care.

To provide reassurance during the initial weeks, we recommend that you reach out to the nursery. Rest assured that if there is ever a need to discuss anything related to your child's care, we will promptly give you a call. Additionally, please feel free to get in touch with us through our Online Journals, where our Practitioners can provide you with the latest information. We are committed to open communication and ensuring that you stay well-informed about your child's experiences and well-being at our nursery

For children aged two and older, we offer uniforms, available for purchase directly at the nursery. The uniform includes a Sunflower Nursery Sweatshirt and T-shirt, which can be paired with shorts, skirts, or trousers of your choice. This initiative not only instils a sense of identity but also helps children prepare for their eventual transition to school. For added convenience, we recommend that children wear shoes with Velcro closures. Should you have any questions or if you'd like to explore the uniform options, please feel free to inquire at the nursery.

When completing the initial paperwork, you will be asked to submit the names and contact information of two emergency contacts who are authorised to pick up your child on your behalf. If you are aware in advance that one of your emergency contacts will be picking up your child on a particular day, please inform the nursery ahead of time. The designated emergency contact will need to present a photo ID and provide a security passcode, which the nursery will convey to the parents. This additional layer of security ensures a safe and seamless handover of your child to the designated individual.

We kindly request that you notify us as soon as possible if you anticipate being late for picking up your child. In accordance with our contract terms, a charge of £1 may be applied for each minute you are late. In the event that you fail to pick up your child by the session closing time, they will be under the care of two staff members. The nursery manager and/or senior manager will assess the situation and, if after thirty minutes we are unable to reach you or any authorized individuals listed in your nursery contacts, including emergency contacts, we may need to contact social services. This protocol is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your child in unforeseen circumstances.

At our nursery, we prioritize the well-being of your child by providing freshly prepared meals and snacks made from scratch on-site by our dedicated nursery cook. Using locally sourced fresh ingredients, we offer a nutritious and balanced menu that includes breakfast, lunch, tea, and healthy snacks every day. Additionally, we ensure that drinks are readily available throughout the day, contributing to a holistic approach to your child's health and development

At our nursery, your child will always be offered the daily menu, and we make sure to provide alternatives to accommodate individual preferences or dietary requirements. Our goal is to ensure that each child receives a satisfying and nutritious meal, and we are happy to work with parents to address any specific dietary considerations or preferences.

Before your child begins at the nursery, we ask you to complete an allergy section to help us create the best meal plan tailored to your child's needs. If your child has an AAI (adrenaline auto-injector), we request that two of them be kept at the nursery at all times. This ensures we are well-prepared to address any potential allergic reactions and prioritize the safety and well-being of your child.

At our nursery, we cater to all dietary requirements to ensure that your child enjoys a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It's important to note that we do not serve beef or pork, aligning with our commitment to providing diverse and inclusive meal options for all children in our care.

For the well-being and hygiene of your child, we kindly request that you provide sterile bottles and the preferred formula, pre-measured in portable dispenser pots. If you are using expressed breast milk (EBM), it must be given in sterile bottles. This ensures that we can provide the best care and feeding experience for your child during their time at the nursery.

We kindly ask that you inform us when you begin introducing pureed foods at home, as we aim to align with your feeding practices at the nursery. We never offer new foods to your child before you do at home. As your baby progresses from pureed to mashed and finally to finely chopped foods, we will work closely with you to ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to your child's development and nutritional needs.

The safety and well-being of all children in our care are paramount, especially regarding potential allergies. We appreciate your understanding and mindfulness about the food prepared and served in the nursery. For events held at the nursery, you are more than welcome to bring snacks; however, we kindly request that any snacks or food brought into the nursery be nut-free and suitable for vegetarians. This precautionary measure ensures a safe and inclusive environment for all children.

We welcome the celebration of special occasions with cakes and party bags at the nursery. However, to ensure the safety and inclusivity of all children, we kindly request that any cakes and party bags brought into the nursery be nut-free and suitable for vegetarians. Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated, as it contributes to creating a joyful and considerate environment for everyone.

Before your child starts at the nursery, we require you to complete a medical questionnaire to facilitate the creation of a care strategy tailored to your child's needs. In the case of long-term medication, the necessary paperwork must be completed to ensure we can administer the medication or cream when required. For the first twenty-four hours following the initial dose of any medication prescribed by a UK registered general practitioner (GP) or medical professional, your child will need to stay at home, regardless of whether they have taken it before. Once the required paperwork is complete, we can continue administering the medication at the lowest dosage as long as your child's symptoms have subsided, and they are deemed healthy enough to return to the nursery.

To ensure the well-being of your child, we provide sun cream with a UVA/UVB rating of five stars and a sun protection factor of fifty. This high level of sun protection helps safeguard your child's skin during outdoor activities, promoting a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun while at the nursery.

For the protection of your child and the other children in the nursery, we have a comprehensive list of exclusion periods. The nursery manager will provide you with this information, detailing the recommended duration, which can range from 24 hours to 2-3 weeks, depending on the intensity of the symptoms. Adhering to these guidelines helps maintain a healthy and safe environment for all children at the nursery.

In the event of any contagious illness, we will promptly notify you and collaboratively decide on an appropriate plan of action. While we generally follow Public Health England's recommendations for childcare facilities and schools, there may be instances where we adopt a corporate stance, extending quarantine times for specific illnesses. Children diagnosed with contagious conditions are not permitted to attend nursery, and a 48-hour exclusion period follows their most recent illness.

For a comprehensive overview of exclusion periods, please refer to our policies and procedures. Additionally, we recommend visiting the NHS website for detailed information about illnesses affecting children, including symptoms and indicators. Your child's health and safety are our top priorities, and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a healthy environment within the nursery.

In the event of an accident involving your child at the nursery, you will be promptly notified at the time of collection and required to sign an accident form. If the incident involves a head bump, you will receive an immediate phone notification. While under observation, your child will typically be able to continue with their day as usual. If any concerns arise from the accident, you may be asked to pick up your child, and a visit to your general practitioner may be advised.

For accidents requiring more immediate medical attention, you will be informed immediately, and the necessary actions will be taken. In severe situations, this could involve contacting paramedics for assistance. Your child's safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we take every measure to ensure their health is safeguarded while in our care.

While our children are cared for in groups, we recognise the importance of meeting the individual needs of each child. To facilitate a strong and personal connection, each child is assigned a 'key person' at the nursery. This key person is responsible for observing your child, planning for their learning and development, and assessing their progress. This approach ensures that every child has the opportunity to bond with a designated caregiver, fostering a sense of security and personalised attention during their time at the nursery.

At our nursery, we adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a framework used by early years professionals that spans from birth to the end of the school reception year. This comprehensive approach enables us to address all seven areas of learning, providing your child with a solid foundation for their educational journey. By following the EYFS, we ensure a holistic and well-rounded approach to your child's development, encompassing their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth.

At our nursery, we recognise that young learners thrive and learn best through play. Accordingly, our activities are thoughtfully planned to align with each child's individual interests and needs. By tailoring our approach in this way, we ensure that children not only enjoy their time but also continue to learn and develop while engaged in activities that revolve around their unique interests. This personalized and play-based approach fosters a love for learning and creates a positive and stimulating environment for every child at our nursery.

To encourage a holistic learning experience, every day, every child at our nursery has access to outdoor areas. In order to fully enjoy and participate in outdoor activities, we kindly request that you provide outdoor clothing suitable for the prevailing weather conditions throughout the entire year. This ensures that your child can make the most of their time outdoors, engaging in enriching experiences that contribute to their overall development and well-being.

We understand the importance of consistency in your child's nap schedule, and we are committed to accommodating their individual needs. During nap times, we provide sleep mats along with blankets and sheets, ensuring a comfortable and familiar environment that aligns with your child's routine. Our goal is to create a nurturing space where your child can rest and recharge, contributing to their overall well-being during their time at the nursery.

In supporting your child through the toilet training process, we work in partnership with you to ensure a smooth and positive experience. Our approach involves regular toilet breaks for your child, accompanied by plenty of encouragement and praise. To make this process comfortable for your child, we kindly request that you provide extra cosy clothes for them to wear during toilet training. This collaborative effort helps create a supportive environment for your child's developmental milestone.

We believe in keeping you well-informed about your child's day at the nursery. Daily feedback is provided through online learning journals and/or verbal updates, depending on your child's age. We encourage parents to attend our termly parent meetings, offering an opportunity to discuss their child's progress with the assigned key person. If you have any concerns, you can schedule a meeting with the key person or the nursery manager at your convenience.

To enhance communication and keep you involved in your child's development, we utilize an online learning journal. This journal documents your child's activities of interest and developmental milestones. It serves as a fantastic way for you to access real-time progress updates and communicate with your child's key person. You'll receive a secure login to access your account and the app anytime. We also love to see and share photos of your child's activities outside of the nursery, further strengthening our partnership in your child's care and development.

To support effective communication and understanding, we encourage parents to provide a list of important words phonetically written in the child's first language. This includes common phrases such as hello, goodbye, toilet, hungry, thirsty, happy, etc. We strategically place picture routines and prompts throughout the child's room to aid their comprehension of their surroundings and daily routine.

Moreover, our nurseries are equipped with a diverse selection of dual-language books, and we are proud to have several multilingual staff members who can assist the young ones. This ensures a supportive and inclusive environment where language diversity is celebrated, and every child feels understood and engaged.

At Sunflower, our dedicated staff members hold NVQ qualifications and undergo comprehensive training to ensure the highest standards of care. This includes training in fire safety awareness, food safety and hygiene, paediatric first aid, and child protection. In addition to their foundational qualifications, our staff receive ongoing training aligned with their roles and responsibilities. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that our team is well-equipped to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for every child in our care.

For the safety and well-being of the children and to avoid potential conflicts of interest, our staff members are not permitted to watch children outside of the nursery or provide transportation to or from the nursery on behalf of parents. This policy ensures clear boundaries and maintains a professional and secure environment for all children attending our nursery.

Our nursery is closed only on bank holidays, the last week of August, and the week between Christmas and New Year. This ensures that we remain open and accessible for the majority of the year, offering continuous care and support for your child's development and well-being.

We kindly request that parents provide a written notice of one month when planning to withdraw your child from the nursery. This notice period allows us to manage transitions effectively and ensures that we can accommodate the needs of both the child and the family during this process. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

To provide transparency and facilitate budgeting and planning, our monthly fees are calculated using the following formula: the 'daily fee rate' multiplied by the 'number of days attended per week,' multiplied by 52 weeks, and then divided by 12 months. This approach ensures a consistent monthly fee, allowing parents to anticipate and manage expenses effectively. Fees will be determined based on the number of days your child attends during the month of joining or leaving, adjusting accordingly if they do not stay for the entire month.

We kindly request that monthly payments for fees be settled by the first of each month. This timely payment allows us to provide uninterrupted care and services for your child and contributes to the overall efficiency of our operations. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

To accommodate various preferences and provide flexibility, we accept payments through multiple channels, including BACS transfers, credit/debit cards, direct debit, childcare vouchers, and the government's tax-free childcare programme. This diversity in payment options is designed to cater to the individual needs and preferences of our parents, ensuring a convenient and accessible process for settling nursery fees.

We understand that flexibility is crucial for parents, and we aim to accommodate additional sessions based on availability. To request additional sessions, you can schedule a meeting with the nursery manager. We will consider these requests based on the number of enrolled children for the required day. Please note that additional sessions must be paid for in advance to secure the booking and ensure smooth coordination of nursery resources.

We understand that scheduling needs may change, and we are open to discussing any adjustments with the nursery manager. While we strive to accommodate changes based on availability, it's important to note that alterations to the booking schedule may impact monthly fees. We encourage open communication to find a solution that works best for both the parents and the nursery, ensuring a smooth and accommodating experience for all

Please be advised that in the event of any absences from the nursery, regular fees will still apply. This policy ensures the continued provision of quality care, resources, and staff support, regardless of a child's occasional absence. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining the stability and sustainability of our nursery services.

We regret to inform you that swapping days is not feasible due to the necessity of planning our staffing in advance based on the number of children enrolled. This strategic planning is essential to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all children. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding of the challenges involved in accommodating such changes. If you have any concerns or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to discuss this with our nursery staff. We value your cooperation and commitment to the well-being of all the children in our care.

Various options are available to assist you with part of the cost of nursery, taking into consideration your child's age and your individual circumstances. We encourage you to explore these options to ensure that access to quality nursery care is as inclusive as possible. Feel free to reach out to our administrative team for more information and guidance on the available support mechanisms. We are here to help you navigate the options that best suit your needs and ensure that your child receives the quality care they deserve.

It's great that there are various options available to families to help with the cost of nursery. Here's a breakdown of the mentioned options:

• Universal Tax Credits:

  Eligibility: Nine out of ten families are eligible for financial assistance through Universal Tax Credits.
  Factors Considered: The benefit amount depends on household circumstances, the number of children, employment status, working hours, and childcare expenses.
  Website: www.gov.uk/child-tax-credit

• Childcare Grant:

  Eligibility: Full-time students with dependent children may qualify, subject to income criteria.
  Details: Visit www.gov.uk/childcare-grant or, for those under 20, www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.

• Tax-Free Childcare:

  Benefits: The government contributes £2 for every £8 of childcare costs.
  Claim Limit: You can claim up to £2,000 per annum for each child.
  Application: Apply at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk under the 'Tax Free Childcare' section.

• Free Early Education:

  Entitlement: All children are entitled to up to 15 hours of free early education per week from the term after their third birthday until they start reception or reach compulsory school age.
  Extended Hours: Some children may qualify for an additional extended 15 hours based on parents' earnings.
  Qualification Check: Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk and select the option for 30 hours childcare.

These resources provide valuable support for families seeking financial assistance with nursery expenses. For additional information or to address specific concerns, individuals are encouraged to visit the provided websites for each option.

Our goal is to provide kids with a happy, safe, and secure environment where they can grow and thrive. In all of our nurseries, we aim to provide excellent care and nursery education. We acknowledge that even with our best efforts, there may be times when you feel we have fallen short of your expectations, and we promise to always handle your concerns fairly and sympathetically. Please speak with the nursery manager in the first instance if you have any concerns about the care or any other aspect of the nursery. However, feel that the nursery manager has not fully addressed your queries and/or concerns, then please e-mail us at or call us

We also appreciate all your positive feedback too, so please share them with us on our reviews. Thank you!