Parent FAQs

Choosing a day nursery for the first time can be a little daunting and we understand that you will probably have lots of questions. We will be happy to answer them personally but in the meantime you may find some useful answers below.

What should I bring to nursery?

All Children

1. A recent photograph of your child (not passport size)

2. A named bag – not too large

3. A change of clothes (suitable for the season)

4. Sun hat / sunscreen (in summer months only)

5. Toothbrush, Toothpaste and a small comb

6. Epipen (If your child has an allergy which requires this)

If your child is potty training, additional underwear should be provided.

Additional items depending on the age of your child:

1. Nappies and wipes

2. Nappy cream

3. Prepared formula feeds (in a bottle)/Breast Milk (in a bottle)

4. Packet food if your child is not weaned onto nursery food i.e. under 6 months

5. Comforter/dummy (if used), this MUST be clearly labelled

Note: Please ensure all clothes and shoes are labelled with your child's full name on.

What should I bring to nursery for my child?

We ask parents to bring a change of clothes in for all children should they need to be changed.
Where needed bottles containing the correct amount of cooled boiled water and the powder for milk measured out in a powder dispensor.
A comforter such as a dummy if your child has one.
A pack of nappies and wipes which we store in the childs nappy box and we will let you know if we need anymore.
Labelled clothes with your child's name inside.

Is the food cooked freshly on the nursery premises on a daily basis?

All our nurseries have a Nursery Chef who prepares all the food on the nursery premises with fresh ingredients with no added salt or sugar. We have a 4 weekly or 6 weekly menu in all of our nurseries. Our Nursery cook has a level 3 in food preparation and food safety.

Do we have a Halal option on our menu?

At all our nurseries we offer a vegetarian option daily. Where there is sufficient demand we also cater for other dietary needs and in certain nurseries this includes a Halal menu.

What times are mealtimes?

Breakfast is 7.30-8.30am - A choice of cereals or porridge and fresh fruit.

Snack is around 9.30am - Fresh fruit or light snacks such as crackers and cheese or breadsticks with dips.

Lunch is between 11.30-11.45am - A hot meal and a pudding.

High Tea is between 3.15 – 3.30pm - A light snack such as beans on toast or sandwiches and salad sticks.

Where do children eat their meals?

Children sit around the tables within their age specific room. Mealtimes are very sociable times and the staff will sit with the children and model good table manners.

What happens if my baby is not yet weaned when they start nursery?

At Kids Planet we would work with you as a parent to discuss weaning stages and we would follow your routine from home as you introduce new foods to your child. We also have a weaning menu in place for children who are just starting the weaning process.

Do you have extra curricular activities during the day?

We have lots of extra curricular activities through out our nurseries these include things like ballet, French, drama, sports sessions.

Do you have connections and relationships with surrounding schools?

All our nurseries work in partnership with other childcare providers and local schools to ensure a smooth transition from nursery to school.

Does the CCTV link up to the internet like a webcam?

The CCTV is not accessible through the internet, but it is accessible each day for parents to view their child's room, this is a good tool for settling in visits, checking your child is settled in after drop off or have a sneak peek into what they're up to just before you collect them. Some parents also like to pop into Kids Planet on their lunch break to see how there child's day is going.

My child has never attended a nursery before can they do more visits if required?

We recommend at least 3 visits for all children and where possible suggest this is done over 2 weeks to ensure there is time if required to increase the number of visits.

My child has a set routine how will this fit into nursery life?

When children start at nursery we follow their routines to ensure there is a smooth transition from home life to nursery. We work with families to ensure there is a continuity of care.

Are all staff CRB checked?

Yes, all staff have a CRB check completed when they first start at Kids Planet. CRB checks are then renewed every two years.

Do all staff hold relevant childcare qualifications?

Yes, all staff are qualified to level 3 in childcare or higher. Staff who do not hold a level 3 qualification are currently studying towards one.

What are staff to child ratios at Kids Planet?

The ratios, as outlined by Early Years Foundation Stage are; 0 – 2 years (1 adult:3 children ) 2 - 3 years (1:4) and over 3 years (1:8)

How will my child's progress be tracked through out nursery?

Every child is allocated a key person and it is this person which develops a special bond with that child. They are based in the room that the child attends and complete the child's learning development journal through observation and link each childs progress within the EYFS.

Are the same staff based in each room so there is continuity?

We have set staff in each room on a daily basis and when staff are on holiday or absent due to illness we have familiar supply staff who cover within nursery so there remains continuity for each child.

My child has special educational needs can they still attend Kid Planet?

Of course, we are a fully inclusive nursery and will adapt our care to the individual needs of each child who attends.

How often will my child go outside to play?

We go outside in all weather within nursery and where children have direct access to the outdoors they go out very frequently through out the day. Where children do not have direct access to the outdoors we have timetabled times for children to go out to play both in the morning and the afternoon.

Do you go for trips/ local walks?

Yes we go out on local walks often to the local parks, to feed the ducks or to visit the library. We have an annual trip each year for parents to attend and we also arrange group specific trips throughout the year.

How often does Kids Planet hold Parents Evenings?

We hold 2 parents' evenings per year but you can book an appointment or have a chat with your child's key person at any time. You are also able to take home your child's file at any time to have a peek and see what they are enjoying at nursery

How will my child sleep at nursery and where?

For younger babies we have cots within nursery and as children get older we have sleep mats. Every child has their own bedding within nursery that is laundered at least weekly and when ever they sleep this is put out for them.

How do the staff get children to sleep?

Staff sit with children and rub their tummy or back or stroke their heads. This is optional if you would like your child to go to sleep by themselves you should let a member of staff know.

How old are babies when they move from sleeping in a cot to a bed?

Only the baby room has cots so as part of the transition process, the staff in the baby room will speak to you as a parent about moving your child from sleeping in a cot to a bed.

Do children have their own bedding at Kids Planet and how often is this washed?

We provide each child with their own blanket and sheet at nursery; this is stored in a bag labelled with their name. We have a laundry room onsite and bedding is cleaned at least once per week.

How do I log-in to access information for my child's nursery?

When your child joins Kids Planet we issue a user name and password so that you may log in to your nursery area. You can click on the the big red button above to access your log in area.

Does Kids Planet have extra curricular activities?

Children at Kids Planet can take part in a range of different extra sessions ranging from Ballet, Drama, Football and French.

How often is Kids Planet OFSTED inspected?

OFSTED inspections take place approximately every three years.

How can I pay my childcare fees?

At Kids Planet there are lots of ways to pay your childcare fees, we accept cash, cheques, we have a card machine on site so parents can pay as they drop off or collect their child and we also accepts bank transfers and direct debits can be set up. Kids planet are registered with most childcare voucher companies for parents who receive childcare vouchers through work and this amount will come off your monthly invoice.

How is my invoice calculated?

The number of sessions or days each child does per week is added together and then multiplied by 52 weeks and then divided by 12 to generate a set monthly invoice which has a fixed value each month *except at Bridge Farm.

Do I pay a deposit to secure my Childs place?

We take a £50 Admin Fee to secure a childs place at Kids Planet, this covers all settling in sessions when your child starts Nursery.

I have more than one child I wish to attend Kids Planet is there any family discount available?

Yes, if you have siblings at nursery, the eldest sibling will have a 10% reduction in fees *except at Bridge Farm where different T&Cs apply.

How early do I need to put my Childs name down to attend Kids Planet?

We recommend as soon as possible to secure your place as places can fill up very fast.

How often does the Nursery Hairdresser visit Kids Planet?

The nursery hairdresser visits every 6 weeks.

Does Kids Planet close over the Christmas period?

We open 52 weeks per year, we only close for bank holidays.