Parent Information
Transition and Settling In
We are delighted to welcome you and your child to St Barnabas Nursery. We understand that starting nursery is an exciting milestone and that every child settles into a new environment at their own pace. Our priority is to ensure that children feel happy, safe and secure, while building strong relationships with staff and developing confidence in their new surroundings.
To help ensure a positive start, settling-in visits will be arranged before your child begins nursery. These visits give children the opportunity to explore their new environment, meet staff and become familiar with daily routines. Our team will work closely with parents and carers to discuss each child's individual needs and experiences, ensuring the transition into nursery is as smooth and positive as possible. Where needed, we will create a personalised settling-in plan to provide the right level of support for your child and family.
We look forward to welcoming your family to our nursery and supporting your child as they begin this exciting new chapter.
Transition into School
Children who attend our nursery benefit from a smooth transition into our Reception class. As part of our school community, they become familiar with the school environment, routines and expectations, while building strong relationships with staff and other children. This helps children feel confident, secure and well-prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.
What to Bring
To help your child feel comfortable and ready for a busy day of learning and play, please ensure they bring:
- A coat suitable for the weather, as we enjoy outdoor learning throughout the year.
- A water bottle filled with fresh water each day.
- A complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks, in a clearly labelled bag.
- Nappies, wipes and cream (if required).
- Weather-appropriate items, such as a sun hat and sun cream in warmer months, or a hat,
- scarf and gloves during colder weather.
- A lunch box (if not purchasing a school meal)
Please ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your child's name to help us return any misplaced belongings.
Meals and Snacks
At St Barnabas Nursery, we offer a healthy and balanced school meal option for children staying for lunch. School meals are available at a cost of £3.20 per day, which can be paid online via ParentPay.
Please see a sample lunch menu below
If you have any questions about school meals, please speak to the school office or a member of the nursery team.
Alternatively, children may bring a healthy, nut-free packed lunch from home. Lunch boxes should be clearly labelled with your child's name.
Children are provided with a healthy snack twice a day. Our varied snack menu includes items such as dips and pitta bread, crackers and spreads, yoghurts and cereal, alongside fresh fruit, salad and milk. Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day.
We ask parents and carers for a contribution of £8 per half-term towards the cost of snacks, which can be paid via ParentPay.
Please see a sample snack menu below:
|
Nursery Snack |
|
|
Monday |
Crackers, spreads and salad |
|
Tuesday |
Cereal and fruit |
|
Wednesday |
Fruit and yoghurt |
|
Thursday |
Pitta, dips and salad |
|
Friday |
Toast and spreads |
Milk is available at snack times, and fresh drinking water is available throughout the day.
Our snack menu may vary slightly throughout the year, but we always aim to provide a range of healthy, balanced options, including fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products and wholegrains.
Water Bottles
Children are encouraged to bring a named water bottle to nursery each day and to drink regularly throughout the day. Bottles can be refilled as needed, and children have access to fresh drinking water at all times. To support healthy habits, water bottles should contain water only and no other drinks. Water bottles are also available to purchase from the school office.
Sleep and Rest
In line with our St Barnabas EYFS Policy, we recognise that some children may still require a sleep or rest period during the day, particularly while they are settling into nursery. Children who need to sleep will be provided with a safe, comfortable and supervised space to rest. Sleep times are carefully monitored and recorded by staff, and clean bedding is provided for each child.
Our nursery team will work closely with parents and carers to discuss their child's sleep routine and individual needs. Where appropriate, an individual sleep plan will be agreed to ensure consistency between home and nursery and to support your child's wellbeing as they settle into nursery.
Health and Hygiene
At St Barnabas Nursery, we work closely with families to support children's health, wellbeing and independence.
Nappy Changing and Toilet Training
If your child is still in nappies, please provide nappies, wipes and a change of clothing in a clearly labelled bag. Our staff will support children's personal care needs sensitively, respectfully and in line with our Intimate Care Policy.
When children begin to show signs that they are ready for toilet training, parents and nursery staff will work closely together to create a clear and consistent plan. By working in partnership, we can help children develop confidence and independence throughout this important stage of development.
Toothbrushing
We are proud to be part of the Supervised Toothbrushing Programme. Children take part in daily toothbrushing sessions at nursery, helping them to develop healthy habits and understand the importance of looking after their teeth. As part of the programme, children learn about good oral hygiene, healthy food choices and the importance of reducing sugary foods and drinks.
The supervised toothbrushing programme is designed to complement, not replace, good oral hygiene at home. We encourage all children to brush their teeth twice a day at home, including before bedtime.
Medical Needs
Please inform both the school office and the nursery team of any medical needs, allergies or dietary requirements, and keep us updated of any changes.
If your child requires medication whilst attending nursery, it must be brought to the school office by an adult and signed in. A medication consent form must be completed before any medication can be administered, as we are unable to give medication without parental consent. Any medication should be collected from the school office at the end of each session. Children with asthma should have a spare inhaler kept in nursery.
Several members of the nursery and school team hold Paediatric First Aid qualifications, ensuring children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
