Admissions & Visits
Q: What age can my child start? A: We accept children aged 2–5 years. Start dates depend on availability — please contact to check current spaces.
Q: How do I apply / book a visit? A: Complete our online enquiry form or call us. We’ll arrange a tour, send the prospectus and application pack, and explain the next steps.
Q: Is there a waiting list? A: If we’re full, we’ll add your child to our waiting list and contact you when a space becomes available. Please complete the enquiry form to join.
Q: How do I arrange a taster / settling session for my child? A: Contact us to arrange a short taster or settling plan — we tailor visits to each child, usually starting with a short parent-accompanied session and building up time as needed. We’ll agree the best approach during your visit or over the phone.
Q: Can I bring my child to the first visit? A: Yes — we encourage a short settling in visit out of hours with a parent/carer so your child can meet staff and explore the setting without the pressure of other children.
Sessions, Fees & Funding
Q: What are your session times? A: Our typical sessions are: Morning 09:00–12:00, 9:00 - 13:00 Afternoon 12:00–15:00 Full day 09:00–15:00. — contact us for details.
Q: Can funded hours be split across providers? A:Yes. We will help you complete the correct paperwork; contact us for assistance.
Q: What are your payment methods and invoices? A: We accept bank transfer / Cash. Invoices are issued termly. Contact netherfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk for payment queries.
Q: Do you accept government-funded places (15/30 hours)? A: Yes — we offer funded places where eligible. See our Fees & Forms page for guidance on eligibility and the documentation required.
Q: What deposit, notice or refund policy do you have? A: We do not charge a deposit to secure a place. Places are confirmed in writing when an offer is accepted. Notice periods, refunds and any fees are set out in our Admissions Agreement — see [Fees & Payments] for full terms
Q: How much do you charge? A: We charge £5 per hour for non-funded hours.
Registration & Paperwork
Q: What paperwork do I need to complete? A: Required documents typically include: registration form, image consent, Tapestry permission, and proof of any funding eligibility. We’ll provide a checklist at the time of application.
Q: Do you need proof of identity or address? A: Yes — for funded places and registration we may ask for proof of the child’s date of birth (e.g., birth certificate). We’ll tell you exactly what’s needed when you apply.
Attendance, Sickness & Absence
Q: What is your sickness policy? A: We follow public health guidance for exclusion periods (e.g., vomiting/diarrhoea, certain infections). Please keep unwell children at home and contact us if you’re unsure.
Q: How do I report my child absent? A: Call, WhatsApp or email the setting before the session begins (01424 838 74, 07376 259 468 and netherfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk). Please state reason and expected return date if you know it.
Q: What if my child needs medication during the day? A: We can administer prescribed medication if you complete the medication consent form and provide instructions. All medication must be in its original container and labelled. We ask that children do not attend if they need Calpol. See policies for more details.
Safeguarding & Safety
Q: What safeguarding checks do you do on staff? A: All staff are DBS checked, have safeguarding training, and follow statutory procedures. Our full Safeguarding & Child Protection policy is available on the Policies page.
Q: Are you licensed and insured? A: Yes — Netherfield Pre-school is fully registered with the local regulator and holds public liability and employer’s insurance.
Q: How secure is drop-off and pick-up? A: We operate secure entry procedures and only release children to named contacts. Please keep your contact details up to date and inform us of any temporary authorised person.
Q: What are your emergency/closure procedures? A: In emergencies (severe weather, utility failures) we follow our emergency plan and notify families by email/WhatsApp and the website. Check the homepage banner or your WhatsApp for updates.
Q: What are your staff qualifications and staff:child ratios? A: Our team hold relevant early-years qualifications, paediatric first-aid training, and regular professional development. We follow statutory staff:child ratios for each age group — contact us if you’d like details for your child’s cohort.
Q: Do you use CCTV or allow parent viewing? How is privacy managed? A: We do not operate CCTV across the site. We have a Ring-style doorbell camera at the gate for security purposes only; there are no other cameras in classrooms or toilets. Any footage is managed in accordance with our privacy policy.
Special Educational Needs & Inclusion
Q: Can you provide one-to-one support? A: We will discuss needs on a case-by-case basis and work with families and local authorities to arrange additional support or funding where appropriate.
Q: Do you support children with additional needs? A: Yes — we aim to be inclusive. Tell us about your child’s needs at enquiry so we can discuss support, adjustments, and any assessment or funding required.
Food, Allergies & Meals
Q: Do you provide meals or snacks? A: We provide healthy snacks daily. A lunch is required for those staying all day. Details are on the Fees & Forms page. Inform us of any dietary requirements at registration.
Q: How do you manage allergies? A: We require full information about allergies and a care plan from parents. We maintain strict procedures to reduce cross-contact and train staff on allergy management.
Curriculum & Daily Life
Q: What curriculum do you follow? A: We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles focusing on play-based learning, communication, physical development and social skills. We plan activities to support each child’s development.
Q: What does a typical day look like? A: A mix of free play, adult-led activities, outdoor time, story time and snacks. We balance routines with child-led exploration.
Q: Do you require children to be potty-trained? A: We welcome children at different stages of toileting and support toilet learning where appropriate.
Gallery & Photos
Q: Do you publish photos of children online? A: Only with written parental permission. Photos on our website and social channels are used to celebrate activities; if you wish to withdraw permission, contact netherfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk
Q: How do I request an image be removed? A: Email netherfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk with the image details and we will remove or anonymise it promptly.
Events & Calendar
Q: Do I need to RSVP for events? A: For most small events no — we ask parents directly. For larger events we’ll indicate if an RSVP is required.
Q: Where can I find upcoming events and term dates? A: Our full Calendar & Events page has term dates and upcoming activities. The homepage also shows a live calendar snapshot.
Q: How do you manage off-site trips and consent? A: For trips outside the setting we provide parents with full details, risk assessments and a permission form; parental consent is required before a child can attend. Transport and supervision arrangements are always explained in the trip notice.
Donations, Fundraising & Volunteering
Q: How can I support the preschool? A: You can donate, sponsor activities, volunteer at events, or support fundraising projects. Visit our Donation page for details.
Q: How are donations recognised? A: We thank supporters publicly (with permission), in our newsletter and on the Supporters page.
Parent Communication & Involvement
Q: How do you communicate with parents? A: We use termly newsletters, noticeboards, WhatsApp and tapestry for day-to-day messages. For urgent issues we phone or arrange a consultation.
Q: Is there a parents’ group or committee? A: No — Netherfield Pre-school is trustee-run and does not have a formal parent committee. Parents can still get involved by volunteering at events, supporting fundraising, or contacting us to discuss other ways to help.
Wraparound Care & Holiday Clubs
Q: Are you open during school holidays? A: No — we are term-time only. Netherfield Pre-school operates during local school term dates and is closed for school holidays, bank holidays and inset/training days. See Calendar for more information.
Transport, Parking & Access
Q: Do you have on-site parking? A: No — there is no onsite parking. Parents should allow extra time to find parking on the residential estate nearby. Please park considerately and follow local restrictions. For accessibility needs, contact us in advance and we’ll advise on drop-off options.
Q: Is the setting wheelchair accessible? A: Yes our building is. Contact us for specifics or to discuss access needs.
Staff, Qualifications & Recruitment
Q: What qualifications do staff have? A: All practitioners hold relevant early years qualifications and receive regular professional development. Senior staff hold level 3+ qualifications and safeguarding/paediatric first aid training.
Q: Are you hiring? A: Vacancies will be posted on our Facebook page or on the website.
Policies, Inspections & Complaints
Q: How do I make a complaint? A: We hope to resolve concerns informally — contact the manager first. For formal complaints, follow the procedure in our Complaints Policy. We will investigate and respond within the stated timeframe.
Q: Where can I see your policies and inspection reports? A: Our Policies & Safeguarding page contains downloadable policies and inspection summaries. They cam also be made accessible on request
Data Protection & Privacy
Q: What data do you collect and how is it used? A: We collect necessary contact, health and funding information to care for your child and meet statutory requirements. We store data securely and share only with authorised bodies. See our Privacy Notice for full details.
Q: How can I request my data be removed or corrected? A: Contact netherfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk with your request. We will respond in line with data protection law.
Transitions, Settling & Moving On
Q: How do you help children settle in? A: We offer gradual settling sessions, meet-and-greet visits, and personalised transition plans to support children and families during the first weeks.
Q: How do you prepare children for school? A: We support social, language and independence skills through play and targeted activities and work with local schools to share progress and transition information.
Practical & Miscellaneous
Q: What should my child bring each day? A: Labelled water bottle, spare clothes, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and any prescribed medication with instructions. A full checklist is provided when your child starts.
Q: Do you have a uniform? A: We encourage a simple pre-school jumper or polo top but uniform is not compulsory. See our Welcome Pack for details.
Q: Can siblings attend the same sessions? A: Sibling placements are considered subject to availability. Please mention siblings on the application form.
Final contact & help
Q: I can’t find my question — who can I contact? A: Email netherfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk or call 01424 838 714 and we’ll be happy to help.