Question 1

Can I change my sessions and add extra sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. If you’d like to add more regular sessions, just send us a quick message in writing. If we have space, we can usually get this set up straight away. If we’re currently full, we’ll add you to our waiting list and keep you updated.

To reduce your child’s regular sessions, we ask for 6 weeks’ written notice.

Fancy an occasional extra session? Just give us a call or have a chat with the team. If we have availability, we’re always happy to help! If you need to cancel an additional session, we do require 1 weeks written notice.

If you find yourself booking the same extra sessions frequently and we have space, we’ll make them part of your child’s permanent booking pattern.

If you’d like to make a permanent change to your funded sessions, just come and chat with us first. Once we’ve talked it through, we’ll ask you to pop the request in writing so we can do our best to accommodate it and update your funding agreement.

Question 2

What if I'm running late or forget to pick my child up?

Accepted Answer

We completely understand that delays happen – traffic, meetings and unexpected delays. If you’re running late, please give us a quick call to let us know and share your expected arrival time. Where we can, we’ll simply extend your child’s session so they remain safe and settled.

If your child isn’t collected at the usual time, please don’t worry. We will keep them safe, calm and reassured.

After 10 minutes if we haven’t heard from you, management will begin calling you. If we still can’t reach you after a further 10 minutes, we’ll contact your emergency contacts.

If you arrive more than 10 minutes late without letting us know, a £10 late fee will apply, followed by £5 for every additional 10 minutes.

In the very rare situation that we are unable to reach anyone after 1 hour, we will follow our Safeguarding procedures and contact Children’s Social Care for advice.

As always, our priority is always your child’s wellbeing and emotional security, keeping us informed helps us supported them until you arrive.

Question 3

Why can’t I drop off whenever I like within my session time?

Accepted Answer

To keep the day running smoothly and safely, children need to arrive within the agreed drop‑off window. This helps us:maintain correct staffing ratiossettle children calmlystart planned activities without disruptionFor children attending on funded hours, the local authority also requires us to record actual attendance, including arrival and departure times. Unplanned or very late arrivals can affect these records and may impact your child’s funded place.If you ever need a slightly different drop‑off time, just let us know — we’ll always try to help where possible.

Question 4

What if my details or family dynamics change?

Accepted Answer

If your details or details relating to your child change, please update them via the EYWorks app. If the change is something we need to be aware of in person, such as health, family circumstance, permissions, or changes to routines, just come and chat with us so we can make sure everything is kept up to date and your child continues to be fully supported.

Permissions can be changed at any time and we’ll always respect your choices. There may be times when we need certain changes confirmed in writing. If that’s the case, we’ll let you know exactly what we need.

Question 5

What happens if my child is ill?

Accepted Answer

If your child is unwell and you’re unsure whether they should come to nursery, please take a look at our Illness and Exclusion Policy for guidance. If you feel they’re well enough to attend, just let a member of the team know if they’re a little under the weather or if they have had any medicine at home. This helps us make sure they get the care they need whilst keeping a close eye on them.

If your child is too unwell to attend, please call us as soon as you can to let us know the reason for their absence.

If your child becomes unwell whilst in our care, we will comfort and reassure them, check their temperature and contact you straight away. With your permission, or if we can’t reach you and we have standing consent, we may administer medication.

Your child will be closely monitored and cared for until you arrive. If their condition requires urgent attention, we will follow our emergency procedures to ensure they receive the appropriate care.

Question 6

Can I ask a member of staff to babysit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can - as long as it’s outside of nursery opening hours. Please be aware that any babysitting is a private arrangement between you and the staff member and is not connected to the nursery. It must only take place outside of the nursery’s operating hours.

For everyone’s clarity and safeguarding, both you and the staff member will need to complete a babysitting disclaimer, which we’ll provide and talk you through.

Question 7

How does the nursery deal with behaviour?

Accepted Answer

At Everyday Explorers we take a positive, nurturing approach to behaviour. All staff follow our Behaviour Policy, supported by our named Behaviour Lead – Sarah White – to ensure a consistent and caring approach.

We focus on positive reinforcement, clear boundaries and warm, responsive relationships. We see behaviour as a form of communication and take time to understand what each child might be feeling or needing. Strategies are tailored to the individual child and we work closely with you to keep support consistent between home and nursery.

Physical punishment is never used. All behaviour is guided with patience, empathy and respect, helping children feel safe, understood and confident as they learn the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.

Question 8

What happens if my child has an accident?

Accepted Answer

If your child has an accident while in our care, they will always be comforted and reassured first. A trained member of staff will assess the injury and provide appropriate first aid, in line with our training, procedures and your recorded consent.

We’ll record what happened on the eyworks app, monitor your child as needed and let you know at collection. For head bumps, we’ll also share information about what to look out for at home.

In the unlikely event of a more serious injury, we will call you immediately and follow our emergency procedures, including calling the ambulance service if required.

If your child arrives with an injury from home, we’ll simply ask you to complete a quick pre-existing injury form via the EYWorks app. You can do this before drop off or when you arrive. This helps us to keep your child safe and ensures we have a clear understanding of how the injury happened. Any concerns will be discussed sensitively and in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Question 9

Can electronic devices, including mobile phones be used whilst on nursery premises?

Accepted Answer

To keep all children safe, we kindly ask that mobile phones and any devices that can take photos, record or share images are not used anywhere inside the nursery. This includes phones, smart watches with cameras, tablets and personal cameras. If you need to take a call we’ll simply ask you to step outside.

Only nursery owned devices are used to take photos or videos of children, all images are stored securely in line with our safeguarding and data protection procedures.

We also ask that any information, photos or updates we share with you about nursery life, especially where other children may be included, are not shared on social media. This helps protect everyone’s privacy.

Question 10

How does the nursery ensure staff are safe to work with children?

Accepted Answer

We take safer recruitment very seriously to make sure every adult working with your child is suitable, fully vetted and shares our nursery values. All staff, students, apprentices and volunteers go through a thorough recruitment process, including identity checks, references, suitability declarations and an enhanced DBS check before they start.

New team members complete a full induction, receive safeguarding training and are closely supported as they settle in. We also carry out ongoing suitability checks, regular supervision and continuous monitoring to ensure staff remain safe, confident and competent in their roles.

Question 11

What should I do if I'm unhappy with the setting or care provided?

Accepted Answer

We want you to feel completely confident in the care your child receives, so if you ever have a concern, big or small, please come and talk to us. In most cases, the best first step is to speak with your child’s Named Early Years Professional or a Nursery Manager, as many worries can be resolved quickly through an open, friendly conversation.

If you still feel unhappy after speaking with us, you’re welcome to put your concern in writing so we can look into it formally. We take all complaints seriously and handle them sensitively, fairly and in line with our Complaints Policy. You will always receive a clear response and raising a concern will never affect the care your child receives.

If at any point you feel the nursery is not meeting EYFS requirements, or you would prefer to speak to someone outside the setting, you can contact Ofsted directly:

Ofsted – Early Years
📞 0300 123 1231
🌐 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted/about/complaints-procedure
📧 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

We genuinely value your feedback, positive or negative, as it helps us reflect, improve and continue providing the best possible care and experience for children and families.

Question 12

How are children monitored whilst they sleep?

Accepted Answer

Your child’s safety is our top priority during sleep times. Children are always placed to sleep safely, following guidance from the Lullaby Trust and they are visually checked regularly throughout their sleep. Staff look for the rise and fall of their chest, their breathing, their position and that their sleep space is clear and comfortable.

Sleep checks are recorded every 10 minutes and more frequently for younger babies, new starters or children who are unwell.

We also make sure the sleep room is kept at a safe, comfortable temperature. We work closely with you to follow your child’s individual sleep routine while making sure all safe sleep practices are maintained.

Question 13

What will the nursery do if they have safeguarding concerns? What do I do if I'm worried about a child in the setting?

Accepted Answer

Your child’s safety and wellbeing are always our highest priority. If we ever have a safeguarding concern, we will act quickly, sensitively and in line with our Safeguarding policy.

Where appropriate, we will speak with you first and work together to support your child. However, if we believe a child may be at risk of harm, we are required to follow statutory safeguarding guidance and may need to contact Children’s Social Care for advice. In these situations, we will always act in the best interests of the child. All concerns are handled confidentially, recorded securely and managed by our trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Natalie O’Brien or our Deputy DSL, Sarah White.

We recognise that early help can prevent concerns from becoming more serious. With your consent, the DSL can co-ordinate Early Help to offer family support, food bank referrals, parenting guidance or signposting to community services. Our approach is always respectful, non-judgemental and focused on working in partnership to keep children safe.

If you’re ever worried about another child in the setting, please let us know as soon as you can. You can speak directly to the DSL or to any member of the team, who will pass the concern on. You don’t need to have all the details, simply sharing what you’ve noticed is enough. We will listen carefully, take your concern seriously and follow the required procedures.

Question 14

What if my child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND)?

Accepted Answer

If your child has a Special Educational Need or Disability, or if you ever have concerns, we are here to support you. Every child is unique and we work closely with families to make sure each child feels included, understood and able to thrive.

We’ll always discuss any concerns with sensitivity and work together to create simple, personalised plans tailored to your child’s needs. Activities, routines and the environment are adapted so your child can join in fully, using the Assess–Plan–Do–Review approach to ensure the support is effective.

You know your child best, so we involve you in every step and always seek your consent before contacting any external professionals. Our SENDCo, Sarah White, is here to guide and support you throughout. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and we make thoughtful adjustments so each child can access the EYFS curriculum in a way that suits them.

If you ever want to talk about your child’s development or support needs, your Named Early Years Professional, our SENDCo, or the Nursery Manager are always happy to help.

Question 15

What should I do if I'm worried about my child's progress?

Accepted Answer

If you’re ever worried about your child’s progress, please come and talk to us — no concern is ever too small. We have an open-door policy and we’re always here to listen. You know your child best and your insight is incredibly important to us.

We can have a quick informally chat at drop‑off or pick‑up and if you’d prefer a longer or more private conversation, we’re very happy to arrange a meeting.

Our SENDCo, Sarah White, is available to join these meetings to offer additional support and guidance where needed. You can stay up to date with your child’s learning at any time through the EYWorks app, where we regularly share observations and updates.

Question 16

Why do I need to share information on my child's learning at home?

Accepted Answer

Sharing information about your child’s learning at home helps us build a complete picture of who they are — what they enjoy, what they’re curious about and the little “wow moments” that make them shine.

You are your child’s first and most important educator, and the experiences they have with you are just as valuable as what happens in nursery. When you share these moments with us, it helps us plan meaningful activities, support their next steps and make sure their learning feels joined‑up and consistent between home and nursery. It also means we can celebrate their achievements together, big or small and ensure your child feels understood, supported and valued in every part of their learning journey.

Question 17

How does the nursery ensure my child is valued and included?

Accepted Answer

At Everyday Explorers, we want every child to feel welcome, valued and respected. We take time to get to know each child as an individual — their interests, their background, their needs and what makes them unique.

Our environment celebrates a wide range of families, cultures and identities, helping every child develop a strong sense of belonging. Our curriculum, resources and routines are inclusive and we make any necessary adjustments so all children can participate confidently, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or additional needs.

We also work closely with families, listening to your views and respecting your cultural, religious and personal preferences. By building these strong, trusting relationships, we ensure your child feels understood, respected and supported in every part of their nursery experience.

Question 18

How can I find out more about the curriculum and how do I support my child at home?

Accepted Answer

We’re really passionate about children’s learning and we love it when families want to find out more about what we do and why. You can chat to your child’s Named Early Years Professional at any time, and you’ll also find regular updates and observations on the eyworks app, showing how the curriculum is brought to life through your child’s play and interests.

We regularly share your child’s next steps so you can see what we’re focusing on in nursery, along with ideas for how you can support these at home. If you’d like to explore things in more depth, we’re always happy to provide additional curriculum information on request.

We also regularly share simple, practical ideas and activities for home learning throughout the year, helping us work together to give your child the very best learning experiences.

Question 19

What do I need to do if I'm thinking about starting potty training?

Accepted Answer

If you’re starting to think about potty training, we’re here to support you. Firstly speak to your child’s Named Early Years Professional and decide whether the timing feels right based on their signs of readiness, confidence and routines at nursery.

We’ll talk together about what you’re planning at home, what we can do at nursery to support and keep things consistent for your child. Once you’re ready to begin, we’ll work closely with you — sharing updates, celebrating successes and helping your child feel relaxed and confident throughout the process.

You’re never on your own with potty training. Just let us know when you’re thinking about starting, and we’ll make a plan together that feels calm, positive and child led.

Question 20

What if another child hurts my child or my child hurts another child?

Accepted Answer

Our aim is always to keep every child safe and we handle all situations individually, with care and confidentiality.

If a child hurts another child, we always respond quickly and calmly. The incident will be recorded, first aid given if needed and both sets of parents/carers will be informed. We know how upsetting these moments can feel and we make sure your child is comforted, supported and closely monitored for the rest of the day.

If a child repeatedly hurts others – whether that’s biting, hitting, kicking or any other physical behaviour – we put additional support in place. Our focus is always on understanding the reason behind the behaviour and working closely with parents/carers, using tools such as ABC charts to spot patterns. Where needed we will create an individual behaviour plan so we can support the child’s emotional regulation, communication and wellbeing in a consistent, developmentally appropriate way.

More information about how we support children through these behaviours can be found in our full Biting and Behaviour policy.

Question 21

Does the nursery close during the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, to ensure our team can rest and spend time with their families, the nursery closes once a year, from 24th December to 2nd January inclusive. We reopen on 3rd January.

Outside of this short festive break, we remain open throughout the year to provide consistent, reliable care for your family.

Question 22

Why do I need to inform the nursery if my child is not going to be attending?

Accepted Answer

We ask parents to let us know if their child won’t be attending because it a requirement of the EYFS for us to keep clear, accurate registers. It’s also an important part of our safeguarding responsibilities; If a child doesn’t arrive as expected and we haven’t heard from you, we must follow it up to make sure you and your child are safe.For families using Government Free Entitlement hours, local authority guidance requires us to record and monitor attendance. This means we must know when a child is absent and the reason why, so we can keep our funding records accurate and compliant.A quick message via the app or call is all that’s needed.

Frequently Asked Questions