What happens when my child joins Cherrytree Nursery School?

We invite you and your child for an appointment to have a look around the Nursery (even if you have been before).  At this appointment, you will be able to ask any questions you wish, in order to make sure you are totally happy with the service we are able to provide.  We will answer them honestly and to the best of our ability.

At this interview, you will also be asked to complete, with a member of staff, an initial child profile (ICP), which will give us a good idea of what your child is capable of at home.  Often children show different capabilities in different situations.  There are no right or wrong answers and it helps us greatly if you can be as honest as possible.  You will also be given various documents with information about the Nursery, to read at your leisure.  If you have any queries with the information received, please speak to a member of staff.

How does the teaching that my child received at Nursery relate to what they will be doing at Primary School?

When your child enters Nursery, we already have a fair idea of their capabilities at home, by the information you have supplied us at your initial interview.

Each child will have a set of ‘observation sheets’ for staff to complete each time your child attends.  These will chart their progress in various areas of development whilst they are in our care and we will record on the sheets, things that we actually see the child achieve.  However, as mentioned previously, a child does not always perform the same in different situations e.g. she/he may be able to ride a bike at Nursery, but not at home, or will count to ten by rote at home, but not at Nursery.

The observation sheets are broken down into different areas of development, roughly appropriate to age (all children develop at different rates).  Our activity planning reflects the outcome of the observation in line with the Government guidance in the Early Years Foundation Stage, to help develop each child’s knowledge and potential.

When your child moves on to Primary School, we prepare a report for his/her new teacher, which relates to the curriculum guidance guidelines.  We will ask you to confirm that you have read our report by signing it and you have the opportunity to add your own comments.  (We are not able to send the report to the school unless you authorise us to do so).  When the Primary teacher receives the report she/he will understand better your child’s capabilities and will carry on with their development at Primary School.

How do I know my child will receive good care whilst with you?

We are regularly inspected by Ofsted to ensure that we keep up high standards of care and education in relation to your child’s care and education.

What do I do if I have a complaint, query or commendation?

We would ask you to speak with the Nursery School owner or Manager first, or if you prefer, to complete a feedback form.  If it is a complaint or query, it will be taken seriously and fully investigated.  We will then report back to you and agree what further action needs to be taken, if any.  If you are still unhappy, or feel unable to speak to a member of staff, you may contact either Ofsted (08456 40 40 40), or the Childcare Information Service (08000 32 32 30).  If it is a commendation, the appropriate member of staff will be informed.