Parent Handbook
Welcome to the Parent Handbook page of St Mary's Community Nursery. Here you will find important information and guidelines to help you navigate through our educational programs and services. We aim to keep you informed and ensure a smooth communication between parents and our nursery staff.
Fees
For children who pay fees, invoices will be issued on a monthly basis and payment is required one month in advance. You can pay your fees through online banking, in cash or by card.We allow parents to pay weekly but these fees must be paid each week on the first day that your child attends the nursery. Charges may apply for late payment so it is important that you speak with the Nursery Directors if you are having payment difficulties. Please see our fees policy in the reception area. Four weeks notice is required if your child leaves the nursery.
Outdoor Play
We believe in the importance of outdoor play for children's physical health and overall well-being. Our nursery has a safe and secure outdoor play area where children can engage in active play, explore nature, and develop their gross motor skills. We encourage outdoor play as part of our daily routine. Please ensure your children come to Nursery in appropriate clothes and footwear.
Lunch
If your child is staying for a full day, you will need to provide them with a healthy packed lunch.
Allowed Foods
Fruit and vegetables, at least one portion. Ensure grapes and berries are cut in half (long ways).
Carbohydrates, starchy food such as bread, pasta, rice, couscous,, noodles, potatoes.
Dairy Food, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais or soya products
An un-iced cake or biscuit.
Sandwich fillings to be savoury only, no jam, honey, peanut butter or chocolate spread.
The following should not be included in the packed lunch
Chocolate including chocolate spread
Nuts or nut products
Confectionary such as chocolate bars, chocolate covered biscuits or sweets.
Cooked food such as pasta, rice, meat etc. cannot be reheated on the premises, so please ensure your child's lunch box can be consumed at room temperature.
No drinks should be sent as children will be offered water or milk throughout the day. Children will have their own water bottle at nursery with their name and picture on and will be reminded to have a drink throughout the day.
Children are only allowed to eat their own food.
Named Lunch Box
All foods must be placed in a named lunch box. We have spare lunch boxes available at nursery should you require one. Lunch boxes are not stored in the fridge and we advice sending lunch in an insulated bag with freezer blocks where possible.
Waste and Disposal
Nursery will, within reason, send any uneaten packed lunch food items back home. The rational for this is that parents can also monitor what their child has consumed during the day.
Snack
Snack costs 50p and we provide a variety of food such as cerial, apples, oranges, strawberries, toast, crackers, cheese and breadsticks.
Babies snacks & food
Parents & Carers will fill out the daily routine of their child including times to be fed and how much.
Breast Milk
Containers
Breast milk should be brought to Nursery in a sterilized bottle suitable for the purpose of refrigerated storage and clearly marked with the Babies full name and dated.
Bottles will be returned to parents/carers at the end of each day. The containers will be washed but not sterilised.
Parents must ensure that the container is sterilised before re-use.
Storage
Breast milk should be provided on a daily basis, unused milk will be discarded at the end of each feed.
Formula Milk
Absences
Absences need to be reported to us on the first day that your child is absent. You can let us know by call 01274 602457 or texting 07503402157. Please let us know the reason for the absence and when your child is likely to return. It is important that we are aware of the reason for absences, as we have to keep a record. It also helps us to meet our safeguarding requirements. If you choose to take your child out of nursery during our opening times for holidays etc, you will still need to pay for any fees that are due.
Late Picking up Please inform the Nursery as soon as possible if you find yourself unavoidably delayed. If you are consistently late, a charge may be applied.
Nappies/Toilet Training
If your child is in nappies, please supply nappies, wet wipes, nappy bags and spare clothing. These must be in a small named zipped bag. Your child’s Key Person will be happy to work alongside your child if they are toilet training.
Uniform
Uniform is not compulsary but can be ordered from maduck.co.uk
