Frequently Asked Questions

Start dates are dependent on availability within each nursery. The Nursery Manager will be best placed to discuss current availability and suitable start dates with you.

Yes, we offer settling-in sessions once we have received your child’s completed registration pack and deposit. These sessions typically take place during the week prior to your child’s start date.

We provide three settling-in sessions:

• Session 1 (30 minutes): You and your child will meet their key person and review any necessary paperwork.
• Session 2 (45 minutes): You will accompany your child into the room, stay for approximately 10 minutes, and then leave them with the staff for the remaining time.
• Session 3 (2 hours): This session usually takes place over a mealtime (lunch or tea), allowing your child to experience a typical part of the nursery day.

We ask parents to provide:

• A bag containing spare clothing, including vests and socks
• Weather-appropriate items such as sun cream and a hat
• Indoor shoes or slippers
• A puddle suit to enable outdoor play in all weather conditions

Flower Pots Day Nursery follows the Development Matters framework in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

We use a secure online platform called Famly, which parents can access. Through the app, you will receive updates on your child’s meals, sleep, and nappy changes, as well as observations that include photos and videos of your child participating in activities.

• Putting on coats and shoes independently
• Finding their place at the table during mealtimes
• Self-serving food
• Clearing their plates after meals

Yes, each child is assigned a key person who supports their development and wellbeing. The key person is the main point of contact for parents and is responsible for care routines, observations, and providing daily feedback at collection time.

Yes, all of our nurseries have a designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). They work alongside your child’s key person to provide tailored support and guidance.

We hold regular meetings with parents and welcome collaboration with external professionals, such as speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, and teaching and learning advisors.

Session changes are subject to availability and must be discussed with the Nursery Manager. While we cannot accommodate ad hoc session swaps, we can consider permanent changes where possible.

No, we operate year-round, closing only for one week between Christmas and New Year, and on all national bank holidays. Therefore, term-time-only places are not available.

If your child is absent, we ask that you inform the Nursery Manager. In cases of illness, the manager may provide guidance regarding symptoms and incubation periods and will request daily updates.

For planned absences, such as holidays, please notify us in writing in advance.

If your child becomes upset or is struggling, the Nursery Manager will contact you. For new starters, reassurance and support will be provided, as this is a normal part of settling in.

If concerns arise after your child has settled, we will arrange an informal meeting with you, your child’s key person, and the Nursery Manager to discuss possible causes and supportive strategies.

When a child is ready to move to the next room, we provide a series of transition sessions to help them become familiar with the new environment, staff, and routine.

Parents will be informed of the new key person and invited to meet them. A thorough handover is conducted between key persons to ensure continuity of care, including sharing information about your child’s interests, preferences, and development.