Your questions answered

At Daisy Chain Nursery, we want you to make a well-informed choice when choosing the childcare for your child.

The following represent answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive from parents.

1. Are your facilities appropriately registered?

We are inspected and registered by Ofsted regularly, and a copy of our latest inspection report is available through Ofsted's website.

2. Are nursery nurse and carer ratios by in line with Ofsted requirements?

Daisy Chain Nursery has nursery nurse and carer ratios that meet Ofsted requirements. (1:3 for under 2's, 1:4 for 2-3 years, 1:8 for 3-5 years).  We currently have 13 N.V.Q. 3 or equivalent qualified nursery nurses.

3. What is the experience and qualifications of the manager, nursery nurses and other carers?

Our Manager, nursery nurses and other carers possess a great deal of experience and relevant qualifications. Both our Manager, Claire Heslop and deputy Manager Margaret Wilkes have been with the nursery since we opened in 1997.

A complete listing of the qualifications of our people can be found under 'Our people'.

4. Does the nursery invest in nursery nurse and carer training and development?

We actively encourage all our nursery nurses and other carers to regularly attend training in childcare and youth education areas, so that they are able to implement new ideas and requirements. We also ensure that all people are up-to-date on their health and safety training.

5. How does the nursery communicate with parents?

We believe strongly in two-way communication with parents. Our people are available for discussions on a daily basis if required; there is a notice board; our regular newsletter includes details of activities; we have special events involving parents and children, including our summer fair in July, our Bonfire celebration, and our Nativity play; and we hold Open Days/Evenings to discuss your child's progress.

There is also a parents' group, which meets regularly with our manager, Claire Heslop, to provide feedback and suggestions.

6. What is your approach to settling in new children; do you have a procedure for "getting to know you"?

Settling your child into the nursery environment is very important. The approach to the introduction of your child will be discussed on a one-on-one basis with you and the optimum introduction method will be adopted depending on their age, experience and temperament.

7. Does the nursery have a variety of pre-school programmes, and how do activities meet Early Learning Goals ?

The six areas of learning are a focus of our nursery environment. These areas are:

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Language, literacy and communication
• Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development

8. Is there outdoor play areas for my child?

Daisy Chain Nursery has large secure outdoor play areas where children can enjoy safe and supervised play in a pleasant environment.

This includes:

• large grass and safety flooring areas for older children, which also has a canopy for differing weather conditions.
• a secluded lawned  area where babies can play under supervision.
• there is a sensory garden, where your child can explore different sensations.
• equipment including a play house is also available for them to enjoy.

9. Am I able to book extra sessions (subject to availability) to cover emergencies, appointments etc.?

Extra sessions can be booked easily by contacting Claire Heslop, our Manager.

10. Are meals nutritious, and how does the nursery cater for individual dietary needs?

All diets can be catered for and the meals provided are breakfast, lunch and light tea. The nursery menus have been prepared in line with the recommendations from the community dietician and in accordance with the guidelines laid down in Eating Well For The Unders 5s In Childcare.

11. Are there procedures for dealing with accidents and emergencies, and who has been trained in First Aid?

All staff members have undertaken Health and Safety briefings, and many of our staff members have qualifications in this area.

12. Are there procedures regarding the collection of my child?

Our nursery nurses and other carers will only release children into the care of parents or other adults by prior arrangement with their parents. We have specific procedures for collection of children that will be made available to parents on enrolment of their child.

13. What security measures are in place?

The following measures are in place:

• CCTV in each room and covering our outdoor play areas, which is accessible by our Manager.
• Security front-doors, which can only open from the inside, and sound an alarm when open.
• An emergency alarm system linked directly to a security firm control centre is in place for added peace of mind.

14. Are the outside play areas and gardens well maintained?

We take great pride in Daisy Cottage and its gardens, and employ a landscape gardener who maintains our outdoor surroundings to the highest standard.

15. Are the nursery and staff welcoming and open, and is the environment bright, clean and child friendly?

Please come and visit and see for yourself - all of our nursery nurses and other carers enjoy working with Daisy Chain Nursery; they are a well established and committed team who always have the welfare of the children in their care as their first priority.

If you have any further questions not covered above, please call Claire Heslop on (01274) 499 411, who will be happy to answer your questions.