Question 1

What are the staff to children ratios across the age groups?

Accepted Answer

We comply to ratios as defined by Ofsted.  1 member of staff : 4 children for those aged 2 years  1 member of staff: 8 children for those aged 3 years and above  We choose to employ staff who hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare in order to maintain outstanding learning experiences for every child. We also have a number of staff members who hold full and relevant Level 6, Qualified Teacher Status, Bachelor of Arts degrees and masters degrees. We may employ apprentices who are studying for their Level 3 qualifications as we are passionate about supporting the training and development of the next generation of teachers. The qualifications held by our team significantly exceed the requirements set by Ofsted.  For the health & safety of all of children, all of our team are also Paediatric First Aid trained.

Question 2

What curriculum do you follow?

Accepted Answer

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We plan our days around the individual interests of each child using the framework of the seven areas of learning and development, and ensuring they are delivered in a way which promote the characteristics of effective learning. We also take inspiration from other teaching philosophies to ensure a well-rounded approach to our learning, for example integrating practical life skills from the Montessori approach and the outdoor education approach of Forest School.

Question 3

Do you provide morning and afternoon sessions?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we only offer full-day sessions. We feel that full days are far more beneficial to a child’s education – children spend mornings taking part in learning experiences which can then be extended in the afternoon. Through only offering full days we are also able to maintain smaller groups working with each key person, which means each key person can really have quality time with all of the children in their group focusing on their wellbeing, learning and development.

Question 4

What is the admissions policy?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to join our waiting list for a space at Carol Jane, please complete the online application form along with the registration fee of £25. The registration fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee a space at the Nursery.  Once we know a relevant space is becoming available we will contact you to offer a place and upon accepting a place with us, a deposit of £570 is payable within 5 working days to secure the space.

Question 5

What is the settling process for my child?

Accepted Answer

When you start with us you will tell us all about your child at one of our home visits where your child’s key person will visit you and your child in the familiar surroundings of your home.  This meeting will be followed by your first settling session, which will last about an hour. At this time, you will spend some time in the room with your child as they explore their surroundings and meet their new teachers and other children.  The second settling session will follow within the next day or two, and will last 2 hours. This time you will spend some time in the room with your child and then leave them to spend some time in there without you.  The third session will be a half day where you will leave your child in the morning and collect them after they have had lunch. Each settling session is free of charge. Settling sessions should be scheduled as close to possible to your first day to support their transition. Should we feel your child requires additional settling sessions, this will be discussed with you.

Question 6

What does my child need for their first day?

Accepted Answer

You will be provided with a Carol Jane personalised bag to put two sets of spare clothes in which we will keep at the nursery. Parents are required to provide nappies and wipes if your child requires them.

Question 7

Is there a uniform?

Accepted Answer

All children wear the Nursery pale blue polo shirt and navy sweatshirt (1 of each is supplied free of charge as part of your deposit payment, on your first settling in session) with any bottoms of your choice. However, please make sure they can manage these themselves, ie: tracksuit bottoms or leggings, not tight jeans with hard, fiddly buttons. Matching navy fleeces are optional and are available to order, as are winter wooly hats. Additional uniform can be purchased at   https://yourschoolsmerchandise.co.uk/collections/carol-jane-montessori-nursery-school/ We enjoy lots of messy play at Nursery, so we ask you to always make sure we have two sets of spare clothes for your child at Nursery, which should be labelled clearly with your child’s name. During the colder, wetter months, we ask you to supply appropriate waterproofs and wellies and swimming nappies for the warmer months when we get the paddling pool out! The children enjoy time outdoors every day, whatever the weather and we therefore ask you to ensure they have appropriate clothing to enable this.

Question 8

What is the Key Person system?

Accepted Answer

Every child in the Nursery has a key person. This teacher will be responsible for ensuring your child’s learning and development is on track and will complete their learning journeys and reports. As a small Nursery however, we pride ourselves in every member of staff in your child’s room knowing your child inside out, as well as their key person.

Question 9

How can I get involved with Nursery life?

Accepted Answer

We love parents getting involved in daily life at Nursery. Whether it’s coming in to read a story for the children, accompanying the children on outings or contributing ideas to the children’s chosen topics… there are lots of ways to get involved.

Question 10

How can I access Nursery policies?

Accepted Answer

We have a comprehensive set of policies, some of which will be sent to you as part of your nursery handbook. They are also all available to view and download from our website.   Please speak to a member of staff should you wish to see or discuss more.

Question 11

Do you accept childcare vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept childcare vouchers from all providers.

Question 12

Do you offer 2 year old and 3-4 year funding?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer 2 year old funded spaces or accept the Terrific 2’s funding. We do offer the 15 hours universal funding and the extended hours or 30 hours funding.  Please speak to the Jayne or Louis for more information.

Question 13

What is your Complaints Procedure?

Accepted Answer

If any parent/carer/member of staff should have any cause for complaint, including any complaint relating to the fulfilment of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements, they should in the first instance notify the Manager and owner Jayne Lilly. The matter will be fully investigated and details of the investigation, any action taken as a result of that investigation and whether the complainant was satisfied with the outcome will be fully recorded in a written record. A copy of this record will be provided to the complainant within 28 days of receiving the complaint. Should a matter not be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant then the complainant has the right to raise the matter with Ofsted who can be contacted in the following ways: Mail: Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store St, Manchester, M1 2WD Helpline: 0300 123 1231 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk  Carol Jane Montessori Nursery is registered on the Early Years Register Reference Number 135264