Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I bring with my child when they start?
- A spare change of clothing, nappies if required, a coat, hat, gloves, sun cream, a comforter or favourite toy, bag - all named of course!
- Do I stay with my child or go?
- You will be invited to visit with your child before their starting date. Starting with short visits building up to short sessions without you, but, if you feel your child would settle better with you around for a while, then we don't mind - you know your child best, we will make you a drink and make you welcome.
- Are there provisions for naps?
- We have beds, cushions and screens so we can make a nice comfortable area for them to rest and be constantly monitored.
- Will you still take my child even though they are still in nappies?
- Of course we will, we have a private area so your child can be changed and when you decide to potty train we will support you and continue that here.
- Do you have a behaviour policy?
- We do, and you are welcome to read it and all our other policies at any time. We will always talk to the child and discuss with them what they did wrong, we will also talk to you the parent at the end of the session so you can reinforce if necessary. In the event of extreme behaviour, we will work closely with you to devise a behaviour modification plan that we can all work to.
- Can you give my child medicines?
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Yes, but you need to make sure you have filled out a medication form and signed to give permission.
All medicines need handing in to the office and not leaving in bags.
If your child becomes ill at Ducklings we will contact you or your emergency contacts to come and collect them.
If your child is ill he/she should be kept at home where they will be more comfortable and please ring us to let us know, in the event of diarrhoea/sickness children are not allowed back until 48 hours after the last bout.
- Will someone cuddle my child if they become upset?
- Of course we will! Everyone needs a cuddle sometimes, we will try to calm your child down and re-assure them of your return, but if they get too distressed, we will phone you to collect them early and use shorter sessions until they are happy with their environment.
- What should my child wear at Ducklings?
- Please do not put them in any clothes that you don't want spoilt, as we have a fun filled, messy day. Use old clothes, or, you can purchase our sweatshirts and polo shirts, this will save all their clothes and make them feel like they are school.
- Does Ducklings join in with St. Margaret's?
- For some things yes, like Harvest and Christmas, we tend to join in more with Reception class, next door to us. We take the older children in on regular visits to get them used to school life and the teachers bring some children over to us, this is known as transition period. We liaise with the Reception teachers over new legislations etc. we do not teach our children to read and write as such, but give them every opportunity to experience books, mark making and numbers.
- Can I see a copy of your OFSTED report?
- It is available for all to read in the entrance, but if you want your own copy, either ask at the office or read it online.
- Do I have to make an appointment to visit Ducklings?
- No, you don't have to make an appointment, all we ask is that you avoid 11:30 am until 12:30 pm as this is the children's lunchtime and crossover period. Ducklings operate an "open door" policy which means you can call in to talk to someone at any time.
- I don't understand the Nursery Education Grant; can you explain it to me?
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The government pays for your child to access up to 15 hours of nursery education per week during term time only. Your child is entitled to this the term after their third birthday.
For example, if your child's birthday falls between 1st January and 31st March - they are entitled to the grant from 1st April that year.
If your child's birthday falls between 1st April and 31st August - they are entitled to the grant from 1st September that year.
If your child's birthday falls between 1st September and 31st December - they are entitled to the grant from 1st January the following year.
Once your child is eligible for the grant, this amount is deducted immediately from your invoice. It can be accessed flexibly to suit your needs - you may wish to use 2 lots of 3 hours in one day.
- What if I am late to pick up my child?
- We understand that unexpected things can happen, just try and contact us so we know. We take into account circumstances that lead to late pick-up and reserve the right to charge (as stated in our terms and conditions) for persistent offenders.
- How flexible are you with childcare?
- As flexible as possible, we have tried to make our day accessible for all. We offer the choice of all year care or term-time only, each day is split into 4 parts enabling you to mix and match. If you take the choice of term-time only and realise you need a couple of days during the holidays you can ring up and book your child a place with us.
- If I want to put my child's name down for a place what do I do now?
- You'll soon be able to download and print out our short registration form from this web site and return it to us together with your deposit (which is refunded on your first invoice) and we will put your child's name down on our waiting list. We will then write to you when a place becomes available.