Frequently Asked Questions

Nurseries

What experience/qualifications do your staff have?
All of our managers hold a minimum childcare qualification at Level 3 and all other staff hold at least a Level 2 qualification. Our Early Years Services Manager who oversees all our nurseries holds a Masters Degree in Integrated Provision for Children and Families, and is an Early Years Teacher.

All staff hold a paediatric first aid certificate and have regular safeguarding training. In addition they undertake continual professional development (CPD) which may include workshops, online training, etc. 

How do you ensure safe recruitment of staff?
FSN has effective systems in place to check the suitability of those who have regular contact with children. This includes a disclosing and barring service check (DBS), suitability of qualifications and work references.

Do you offer funded 2, 3 and 4-year-old places?
Yes the free entitlement offer is available across all of our nurseries. The offer is totally free between the hours of 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

What are the ratios of staff to children in the nursery?

• Under 2 years old the ratios are 1:3

• 2 year olds 1:4

• 3 year olds and over 1:8
   

Will my child have a key person?

Each child must be assigned a key person; their role is help build a secure relationship with both you and your child and be the person who ensures the care is tailored to your child’s needs.
 

How do you ensure the safety of the children in your care?

Each nursery carries out risk assessments of all areas the children have access to which includes inside and outdoor space and whenever they take children out. They are also required to record any accidents or incidents and any medication that is given. All information is shared with you.
 

What activities do you provide?

Nurseries will be providing a range of activities both within the setting and out in the community. These should meet the needs of children of all ages. Make sure you share your children’s particular interests and find out how they could be catered for.

How do you support children's learning and development?

All nurseries are required to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and provide activities that are based on your child’s interests to help them progress in their development.
 

How do you keep parents informed of their child's progress?

Nursery staff will carry out observations on children that help them to ensure each child is making progress and also identify any area of need. FSN use an online learning journal, Tapestry, to do this through photos, video and written observation. They are required to provide ongoing feedback and at the age of between 2 and 3 years provide a progress check.
 

What types of meals and snacks do you provide?

Nurseries will provide snacks, and must maintain good food hygiene and provide information on any allergens contained in the food they provide. They will work closely with you to meet the dietary requirements of your child. We ask that you do not bring in juice as milk and water are provided at all times.

In our full day care nurseries, we are able to offer a nutritionally balanced afternoon meal for a small charge.
 

How do you manage children's behaviour?

All FSN nurseries work to a behaviour policy which ensures a consistent approach and includes using positive methods such as distraction. For further information ask to see the policy.
 

What will I need to provide?

When starting nursery, you will need to provide a named bag with:

• Nappies
• Wipes
• Appropriate clothing (sun hat, wellington boots)
• A change of clothing
• A coat/jacket/cardigan
• A healthy packed lunch – we ask that you do not send in any nut products (peanut butter etc.) to avoid risks for children with nut allergies

Can the children in all rooms access an outdoor area?

All of our nurseries have access to an outdoor area and children are encouraged to use the space to play and explore.
 

What is your induction/settling in process? How will the nursery staff get to know me and my child?

All of our nurseries offer a home visit before starting nursery. This gives us an opportunity to get to know you and your child, their interests and to answer any questions. FSN nurseries provide opportunities for settling in visits to the nursery to aid transition and as reassurance to you.