FAQ's
How far in advance should we put our child’s name down?
At Peter Pan we suggest you place your child on the waiting list soon after they are born as we have an long waiting list.
What is the difference between a nursery, a day nursery and a preschool?
Pre schools, playgroups and nurseries are all the same, each providing either morning or afternoon sessions usually for 2.5 or 3 hours five days a week. They have three terms consisting of between 33 and 38 weeks per academic year, usually in line with the local schools. The provision is for children aged 2.5 – 5yrs.
A day nursery is a full day-care provision, providing childcare for children aged 6weeks to 5 yrs. Most of these nurseries run from 7am till 6pm for 52 weeks a year. We are NOT a day nursery. Back to top
How do I/we become involved within Peter Pan?
We actively seek help from parents at Peter Pan, we encourage all parents, grandparents, childminders, and carers to attend our termly meetings, “Friends of Peter Pan” or FOPPS. These meetings are held in the daytime and the evenings at Peter Pan where we discuss future plans, activities fundraising and social activities. The meetings are very relaxed and informal; we will supply tea, coffee and usually cakes or biscuits.
All parents are encouraged to come into a session during their time with us whether it is once or on a regular basis. To help all we ask is that you read a guidance leaflet and sign up on our notice board. Back to top
What does my child need to be able to do when they start at Peter Pan?
All we ask is that you and your child are happy and enjoy your time with us. Whilst your child is settling in, we will make you welcome and will not ask you to leave until your child is happy. We adapt to you and your child providing inclusive care for all. Back to top
Does my child need to be potty trained before we start at Peter Pan?
As most children start at Peter Pan at the age of 2.5 to 3 years old, he or she will probably be going through the process of potty training. We are very happy to support you and your child through this and will offer as much encouragement as possible. If your child is still in nappies, we will of course change them as necessary and help you in the transition when appropriate. Back to top
What do you do when my child has an “accident” at nursery whilst I am potty training?
We will assist your child with the toilet or a potty, however if they have an “accident” which they all do, especially when they are busy playing, we will make your child comfortable by changing their clothing, packing all the soiled clothing into a bag and placing this into your child’s bag for you to wash at home. If you forget to send in spare clothing, we have some at Peter Pan that your child may borrow.
Sometimes children regress and may have a few “accidents” - this is normal and will pass. It may be difficult to go to the toilet when you are so engrossed in an activity with your friends.
How does starting nursery affect my child – will they be tired?
Yes, many children will be extremely tired when they first start nursery. This may be worse if they attend other activities, such as gym, ballet or swimming on the same days as they attend nursery. As your child settles in and becomes older it will pass and they will be more able to cope with activities outside nursery.
Do you have a “Naughty Step” and how do you deal with unwanted behaviour and arguments?
We do not have a “Naughty step” however we have a behaviour policy and will follow this with every incident. We encourage the children to be kind to others at all times and will discuss this with all of the children. Our staff team role-model acceptable behaviour at all times and are all trained in behaviour management. You can access our policies by clicking the Policies tab. Back to top
Does an adult need to stay for the first session?
No, you do not need to stay if your child is happy for you to leave and is not distressed. We will always contact you if there were to be a problem. You are able to call us anytime within the session if you are worried and we can reassure you that your child is happy and confidently settled.
However, if your child is distressed and unhappy, we will ask you to stay and play with your child helping him or her to gain confidence and enabling you to leave when he or she is ready. All children are different and take differing times to settle. We appreciate it is a difficult time for you and your child and will assist in every way to make this transition as smooth as possible. We have a settling-in policy which you can read at nursery and on the website. Back to top
If my child had missed breakfast and was hungry what would you do?
Within every session the children have a snack time where they will be offered a choice of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, milk and water. During the year we include different foods on the snack bar, for example Chinese, Indian, cereals, toast, bread sticks and occasionally cakes.
If your child has missed breakfast please inform us when you arrive and we will discuss the options with you. An unhappy hungry child will not learn and will not get the most out of the session.Back to top
When do you call me if my child becomes upset?
We will console your child when initially settling in, discussing with you the most effective way to deal with your child allowing them to gain self confidence and trust in us. However, if your child becomes too upset we will call you and ask you to stay with your child for the duration of the session if you and your child are comfortable to do so. We will not let your child become distressed for any length of time as this is not helpful to the child or the other children present. All children are different and we will provide the assistance each individual child needs at all times. Back to top
What if I am running late to pick up my child?
We ask that you call us if you are running late allowing us to explain to your child that you are going to be late hence alleviating any anxiety. We will continue to look after your child until you arrive.
If you are unable to collect your child we will only give your child to another person with your permission, whether it is by email, phone or a letter. We ask that this is arranged and confirmed on the day that the child is dropped off or before. We ask that everyone provides us with a special word so if someone else picks up we will ask for the special word.
Please be aware we will NOT allow your child to leave with ANYONE without your permission. Back to top