To work with parents/carers to provide the best possible care for each child in the nursery.
We believe that open access is the best way to encourage participation.
Parents/carers are welcome to view the policies and procedures file which governs the daily operation of the nursery. A copy of this file is kept on the parent table, close to the entrance.
Parents/carers are welcome to see the records kept on their child. If a member of staff is not immediately available to assist, parents and staff will agree a mutually convenient time for parents to view the records.
If any parent/carer should have cause for complaint they should in the first instance draw it to the attention of the child's key worker.
If the issue remains unresolved, the nursery manager will be contacted.
The manager will investigate the complaint and will report back to the parent/carer within three days.
If the matter remains unresolved, or cannot be resolved the parent/carer has the right to raise the matter with the nursery owner.
If the matter remains unresolved the parent/carer has the right to refer the matter to OFSTED. The OFSTED Registration number can be found at the head of this document. OFSTED contact details and telephone number are
The admissions policy for Hobbyhorse Day Nursery forms a separate document and is available for viewing in the policies and procedures file, located on the parent table.
Once a parent has decided that Hobbyhorse is their chosen nursery and has complied with the conditions of the "offer letter" including the payment of any deposit and completion of forms, the nursery manager together with the parent will agree dates and times for "settling-in visits".
These visits take place before the child joins the nursery on a permanent basis.
Each visit will have a duration of not longer than two hours.
Whilst the visit is in progress, the parent may wish to wait in another room or may wish to leave the nursery for a short time.
The nursery manager will make the final decission on how the visit is to be conducted.
Meal times should be a happy, social occasion for staff and children.
Every effort will be made to respect individual dietary requirements.
Staff will set a good example of good table manners.
Conversation will be encouraged, but not shouting.
Cultural differences in eating habits will be respected.
Children not on a special diet will be encouraged to eat a small piece of everything.
Children who do not finish their main course will still be given a small helping of desert.
Quantities will take into account the ages of the children.
Children who are slow eaters will be given time and not rushed.
Menus will be rotated regularly.
Although every endeavour will be made to encourage children eat their meals, no child will be allowed to become distressed or to go hungry because he/she did not eat their meal.
Parents/carers will pass the care of their child to a specific member of staff who will ensure his/her safety and record their arrival in the register.
Any specific information provided by the parent/carer will be recorded, any medicines stored as required.
The key worker should anticipate the departure time of the child. A child will only be handed over to a parent/carer or an agreed specified adult. Agreed procedures for identifying the specific adult will be followed and recorded.
Any medicines will be retrieved from store and returned to the parent/carer or specified adult.
The parent/carer or specified adult will sign the child out of nursery.
The nursery is legally required to hold information about children and staff using it's facilities. The nursery is registered under the Data Protection Act as an organisation holding information about individuals.
Any recorded information will be locked away either in a filing cabinet or cupboard. Data stored on a computer will be protected by password.
Any information requested by a third party will only be released after discussion with the parents/carers.
If, however, the child is considered to be at risk our child protection policy will override other nursery policies, including the confidentiality statement.