In order to make things as easy as possible for you and your child when you arrive, it would be helpful if you would bear the following points in mind.
Please label garments clearly or you will almost certainly loose some, especially if your child is too young to recognise them. Most people shop in the same stores so there are many duplicates, and we will have to spend quite a lot of time tracking down missing items!
Each 2-5 year old child should have a bag clearly named and containing the following:
Soft indoor shoes (with non-slip soles)
At least two changes of clothes, along with soft shoes or slippers. Remember to label all items clearly. It is not advisable to bring toys, sweets or other treasures as children usually leave these around and of course they are never seen again! Many children, in their early days at nursery, feel the urge to bring a comforter to which they are particularly attached too, and this is always allowed.
When you arrive at The Bridges Nursery, there will be a member of staff ready to greet you and your child. This can be a daunting experience for you, and we want to be able to reassure and support you as much as possible. On the first day of nursery, it is important to show your child how excited you are about this experience. They will be aware that there is a change occurring and will sense from your body language and emotions how you are feeling. A member of staff will greet you at the door and take you to the room your child will be settling into. You will then be introduced to the staff who will be caring for your child. This will be an opportunity for you to have a quick handover before leaving your child to enjoy their first nursery experience. If your child has a comforter or special toy, please bring this along so they have comfort, if required, along with a familiar connection to home life. If your child does become distressed, please tell them clearly that you will be back soon before saying “see you soon” and leaving them with their new friends and practitioners. Please ensure you sign your child in/out every day. We welcome parents to phone the nursery to find out how their day is going. We fully understand a little bit of reassurance will go a long way for parents. You will be given the nursery contact number to use at any time. Please don’t be afraid to keep in close contact, we aim to make the transitional process as smooth as possible.
Parents as Partners
We feel it is vital to work alongside parents/carers, in order to enhance the development of children, and to value the contribution parents make towards their child’s learning.
In order to do this, we –
Parents will be invited to bring their child to a nursery session, during which your child can play, and parents can ask questions. Prior to your child starting Nursery, you will have been asked to complete an ‘All About Me’ induction pack, which shares information about your child with our staff. This might include any additional needs, allergies, health, medication, etc. This information will be stored in your child’s individual Personal Plan.
If your child is feeling unwell, it is not advisable to bring her or him into nursery amongst other children. We would appreciate it if you would keep children away when there is a risk of infection. Please also inform the Nursery before 10.30am if your child will not be attending, or the day before, if you are aware they will be absent. On the other hand, if your child is a little unwell, please tell us when you bring them, so that we are aware. If your child becomes unwell during the day, you will be informed immediately. Please explain clearly, complete and sign a “medicine form”, if medications are to be administered on your behalf, and be sure to collect them at the end of each day. If your child shows symptoms of an upset stomach, it is essential that they remain home for 48 hours from the last episode of sickness or diarrhoea.
Fees are payable monthly in advance.
All equipment, stationery, etc. will be provided [except for nappies and breakfast].
We work in Partnership with Aberdeen City Council, offering up to 1140 hours of Funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC). ELC Funding will be allocated to eligible children aged 3 or 4 years old, commencing in the term immediately after their 3rd birthday.
The nursery year extends to 50 weeks and include Public Holidays. The nursery will close for 2 weeks over the Christmas and New Year holiday.
Fees will be calculated by multiplying your Child’s weekly fee by 50 and dividing this figure by 12 to arrive at a standard monthly payment.
e.g. £100.00 per week X 50 = £500 ÷ 12 = £416.66 per month
There will be no rebate for absence due to sickness, or any additional holidays taken. Please refer to your Enrolment Form.
In the case of a child leaving The Bridges (or in the case of a new child, after enrolment has been accepted), a month’s notice must be given in writing, at the beginning of a month. Failing this, one month’s fees in lieu of notice will be payable.
We will ask you to complete an Enrolment Form. Although this may appear challenging, it is essential that you take time to complete it accurately, as we will rely on the information you give us when dealing with the safety of your child. It is also important that you immediately update our manager in writing, of any changes. This document also explains our Terms and Conditions and forms a binding contract between us. It is essential that you read it carefully and fully understand the details. If you are in any doubt, please ask for an explanation.