ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Naturally parents have a lot of questions about sending their child to nursery. Hopefully we've been able to answer them here.
What are your opening hours?
We open during term time only, from 8.30 am to 3 pm on Monday to Thursday and from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm on Friday.
What if I am late picking my child up outside the opening hours?
We would appreciate if you could call us to let us know you may be late picking up your child, and in some cases a late fee may be charged. If someone else is collecting your child, the Nursery Staff must be informed and details written in the Day book, including a password if needed.
Can I drop my child off earlier?
The Nursery doors will open at 8.30 am. If you need to arrive earlier for any reason arrangements must be made with the Supervisor.
How long will it take my child to settle at nursery?
This will vary for every child, however we ensure the children are made to feel as welcome as possible, easing the transition between home life and nursery life as much as possible. Everyone is friendly and we aim to teach the children to be compassionate towards each other and include everyone in the days activities to help settle them in.
Do you have a daily schedule? What activities will my child be doing?
We like to have a range of different activities each day to ensure different skill sets are tested and explored, but in general mornings focus on areas such as language skills, mathematics or sensorial activities from going on nature walks, gardening, cooking activities, sand and water play, or use of magnets, weights and scales. Story time is always incorporated into both morning and afternoon sessions. The afternoon sessions aim to give the children a chance to gain confidence in areas that are not experienced in our morning sessions but will benefit them when they arrive at school. For example, opening a lunch box or flask, changing into a T-shirt and shorts for gym.
What shall I bring to the nursery each day?
Wellington boots may be needed for outdoor play, while a gym kit of shorts, a T-shirt and plimsolls/trainers is needed for gym sessions. In the summer please ensure that you apply sun cream before you bring your child to the Nursery and supply a sunhat, we will apply nursery sun cream during the day. If your child is here for the full day a packed lunch should be provided with a non fizzy drink.
What happens if my child has an accident at nursery?
Any accidents/ incidents that may occur during a session will be recorded in the Accident Book. Parents will then be informed and asked to sign the form. If it is necessary to administer medication to your child whilst they are attending the Nursery a parent must sign a medication slip. Please keep the nursery updated with emergency numbers.
How long should I keep my child away from nursery if they are unwell?
If your child is unwell the Nursery should be informed, either by ringing the in or out of hours phone number. A child who has a fever needs to have a normal temperature for at least 48 hours before returning to Nursery to avoid spreading the illness to other children or adults.
How will I know how well my child is progressing?
Each child keeps their own Learning Journal filled with their work, and progress will be kept and available for you to see at any time. We have regular conversations with parents updating you on your child's progress, and a meeting to discuss any further inquiries or questions can be arranged.
What training do the staff have to make sure they are capable of looking after children?
How accessible is the Montessori?
The Nursery School occupies a wonderful location in Coolham Village with easy access from the surrounding districts. Located on the A272 Billingshurst Road there is ample parking and a secure outdoor child’s play area. Find the full address here.
How do you prepare and support my child for moving to a new setting/primary school?
Throughout their time at nursery we aim to give the children a chance to gain confidence in areas that will benefit them when they arrive at school, for example by carrying out tasks independently or by problem solving in groups. We also encourage children to wash up their own cups and mop up spills so that they can gain a sense of independence and community. This all builds on the child's skills and confidence, so when the time comes to move to primary school, they are prepared and feel ready to take their next step in education.
How are the fees paid?
Please make cheques payable to Coolham Montessori Nursery School. Term fees are payable in advance seven days before the commencement of each term, or can be paid monthly. The fees are not refundable through absence, illness, holidays or for any other reason. The fees will increase once a year, after the Autumn break.
What do ofsted do and will I be involved?
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages, to make sure that organisations providing education, training and care services in England do so to a high standard for children and students. Our most recent Ofsted report awarded us GOOD in all areas. It is available for you to read here.
Who can I contact for further information?
Feel free to contact us by email coolham.nursery@btinternet.com or call us on 01403 741101, alternatively you can contact the manager on 01903 209170 after nursery hours.
Please mention the needs of your child upon making contact so we can help and support you.
