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Parent Information at General Day Nursery
We know that choosing a nursery is a big decision, and we’re here to make that journey as smooth as possible. We’re more than just a nursery – we’re a community, and we’re here to support your family every step of the way. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how we work with parents to create the best experience for you and your child.
👨👩👧 Parents and Families
At General Day Nursery, we’re proud of the strong relationships we build with our parents and families. Many of our parents say that our nursery feels like one big family – and that’s exactly how we want it to be!
We’re always here with a listening ear if you need to talk, and we often hold coffee mornings so that parents can get to know each other. Whether it’s a quick chat at drop-off or a bit of extra help when things are tough, we’re always happy to lend a hand.
🎨 Stay and Play Sessions & Parents’ Evenings
We love welcoming parents into the nursery to see what their little ones have been up to. We offer regular Stay and Play sessions and two Parents’ Evenings a year.
These are great opportunities to:
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Meet the staff and see how your child is getting on.
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Ask questions about your child’s development.
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Share any concerns or discuss next steps in your child’s learning.
We know how important it is to work in partnership with parents to help children thrive – after all, you know your child best!
🥫 Nursery Food Bank
We know that life can be unpredictable, and we want to be there for families during difficult times. That’s why we offer a nursery food bank with free food cupboard items in our porch.
We also offer frozen nursery meals for parents to take home for a small donation. If you ever need a little extra support, it’s there for you – no questions asked.
🤗 Settling-In Sessions
We know how hard it can be to leave your child at nursery for the first time. That’s why we offer as many settling-in sessions as you need to make sure both you and your child feel comfortable.
You’re also welcome to call us throughout the day for updates – we’re happy to give you a little reassurance that your child is happy, safe, and having fun.
📚 Nursery Library
Every child at General Day Nursery gets their very own library bag and card when they start with us. They can choose books to take home and read with their families, and when they’re done, they can bring them back and swap them for a new one.
Why is this important?
📖 Reading with your child helps them develop language skills.
💬 Hearing lots of new words broadens their vocabulary.
🤝 Shared reading time helps strengthen the bond between you and your child.
We love seeing children excited to pick out their next book and share stories at home!
💻 Parent Zone App
We know life is busy, so we’ve made it easier for you to stay connected with your child’s day at nursery through the Parent Zone app.
With Parent Zone, you can:
📱 See updates about your child’s day in real time.
📸 View photos and wow moments captured by staff.
💬 Comment on observations and share updates from home.
💳 Pay fees directly through the app, view invoices, and keep track of your balance.
The app ensures you’re always in the loop, even if you’re not the one doing pick-up or drop-off.
💰 Funding Options
We know that childcare costs can add up, so we’re here to help you make the most of funding options. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available:
9 Months – 3 Years (Starting September 2024)
Eligible working parents will soon be entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 3 years.
2-Year-Old Funding
Some families qualify for 15 hours of free childcare for 2-year-olds if they meet specific criteria, such as income thresholds or certain benefits.
3- and 4-Year-Old Funding
All children are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education from the term after their third birthday.
Eligible working parents can claim up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
To check your eligibility, visit Childcare Choices.
🥦 Nutrition & Healthy Habits
At General Day Nursery, we’re big believers in healthy eating. Our meals are freshly prepared each day by our on-site cook, and we make sure they’re both nutritious and delicious.
Here’s what you can expect from our menus:
🍎 A balanced diet with plenty of variety.
🥕 Fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal.
🧂 Minimal salt and sugar to promote healthy habits.
🥛 Calcium- and iron-rich foods to support growing bodies.
We’re happy to cater to dietary requirements – just let us know your child’s needs. Our menus are updated termly, and we love hearing meal ideas from parents too!
💧 Fresh drinking water is available all day, and our older children love using the water dispensers to pour their own drinks – helping them build independence.
Tax-Free Childcare
The Tax-Free Childcare scheme is a great way to save money on nursery fees. For every £8 you put into your childcare account, the government will add £2 – up to £2,000 a year per child.
You can combine Tax-Free Childcare with other funding options to help cover your nursery costs.
💻 Check your eligibility at Childcare Choices.
Parent Resources
Reward Chart
No Cook Playdough
Recipe
Hungry Caterpillar Playdough mats
Colour Flashcards
Ready to Join the Fun?
We’d love to welcome your little one to General Day Nursery!
📞 Give us a call on 01744 454111 or
📧 Drop us an email at info@generaldaynursery.com
🎒 Let’s get your child signed up – we can’t wait to meet you!
👉 Book a visit and get started today!