We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about The Barnes Village Nursery. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What are your opening hours?

Our opening hours are 9:10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The Barnes Village Nursery offers core nursery sessions between 9.10-12.15pm.

We also offer optional Early Bird’s Club (8.00-9.10am)

Munch Bunch Sessions (12.15pm-3.00pm).

Mad Hatters Tea Party (3pm - 6pm) (N.B. commencing April 22nd 2025)

Currently, the nursery operates throughout the academic year, except for public holidays. There is an option to join for term time or full time from April 2025. We have a short closure over the Christmas period.

(please see Term Dates for more information)

What age groups do you cater for?

We welcome children from 9 months old to pre-schoolers turning 5 years old. We provide age-appropriate care and activities tailored to their developmental stages.

 Do you offer part-time or flexible sessions?

Yes, we offer both full-time and part-time options to suit your family’s needs. Please contact us for specific availability.

What meals do you provide?

We provide healthy, balanced meals prepared and provided by Zebedees and snacks prepared on-site by staff qualified to handle food. Our menus are designed to meet dietary guidelines and accommodate allergies or specific dietary requirements.

-       Morning snack

-       Hot Lunch

- Afternoon tea (from April 2025)

Find out more about Zebedee’s food providers follow the link to their website https://zebedees.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAs5i8BhDmARIsAGE4xHzN20nbWvH3EsJgLdKqfUy_NyHVEptV8mUZ51V7vIKCgjgcdQRBFQ8aAk52EALw_wcB

How do you handle allergies and special dietary requirements?

We work closely with parents to ensure all dietary needs are met. You’ll have the opportunity to inform us of allergies or intolerances during the registration process, and our team will ensure all meals are safe for your child.

 What is your staff-to-child ratio?

We follow the statutory guidelines for staff-to-child ratios, however usually have more staff:

-       Under 2 years: 1 teacher for every 3 children

-       2 to 3 years: 1 teacher for every 4 children

-       Over 3 years: 1 teacher for every 8 children

What curriculum do you follow?

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring a balance of play-based and structured learning. This includes activities in:

-       Communication and language

-       Physical development

-       Personal, social, and emotional development

-       Literacy, mathematics, and expressive arts

What is your approach to settling in new children?

We offer a flexible settling-in process tailored to each child’s needs. This usually involves the option of  a ‘stay and play’ session where you can stay with your child to get to know the nursery staff, environment and other children. You can meet your child’s Class Leader and discuss your child’s needs or any other concerns you may have.

 How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress?

We use a combination of:

-       Daily handovers to share updates on your child’s day.

-       A secure online platform Famly provides photos, videos, and notes about their activities and development.

-       Parent-teacher meetings to discuss progress and next steps.

 What happens if my child is unwell at the nursery?

If your child becomes unwell, we will contact you immediately. In case of minor injuries, our trained first-aid staff will provide care and report the incident or accident on the Famly app and also inform you during pick-up. For emergencies, we will follow our first-aid protocol and keep you updated.

 How do you ensure safety at the nursery?

We prioritise safety with measures such as:

-       Secure entry systems and CCTV monitoring.

-       Regular risk assessments and fire drills.

-       A strict health and safety policy covering food hygiene, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.

Do you provide outdoor activities?

Yes! Outdoor play is a key part of our daily routine. We have a secure garden where children can explore, play, and engage in physical activities. Weather and seasonal permitting, we also organise local outings. We also do weekly ball skills lessons.

 What is your policy on sickness and infections?

We ask that children with contagious illnesses (e.g., chickenpox or stomach bugs) remain at home until they are no longer infectious. This helps us maintain a healthy environment for everyone.

 How do I raise a concern or make a complaint?

We value feedback and are committed to resolving any concerns promptly. You can:

-       Speak directly with your child’s teacher or the nursery manager.

-       Use our formal complaints process if needed.

-       Contact Ofsted if you feel your complaint has not been addressed adequately.

 Are you registered with Ofsted?

Yes, we are registered with Ofsted and were last inspected in November 2022, receiving a “GOOD” rating. [View our latest report here.]

 Is my child ready for Nursery?

If your home starts to look like this… the simple answer is YES !!