Everything you might want to ask

We are based at Feltonfleet School Cobham in a standalone building, carefully designed to meet the needs of the children in our care. Great transport links combined with plentiful outdoor space and facilities, Little Doves is well located for local families with its own designated parking and easy access within the school site.

At Little Doves, we welcome children from 6 months to rising 5 years old.

Yes, we operate throughout the year, 51 weeks per year. We close for a week at Christmas, bank holidays and two inset days a year.

Our core opening hours are 8.00am until 6.00pm Monday to Friday. We offer flexible ad-hoc session options to suit family needs, based on availability.

Days can be increased if there is availability, and decreased with potentially a two month notice period as per the Terms & Conditions.

Two months.

Two days.

We follow all UK statutory requirements to ensure every child receives attentive, high quality care. Generally 1:3 for under twos, 1:5 for 2-to-3-year olds and 1:8 for 3-to-5-year olds.

Our caring team are fully qualified and experienced in early years education, with ongoing training in safeguarding, first aid and child development.

Yes.

We have rigorous safeguarding procedures, secure access to the nursery, highly trained staff and carry out regular risk assessments — especially in our outdoor learning areas. We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead on site.

Yes, all children will have a key worker.

The staff will be employed for Little Doves only.

If a child is unwell, we will contact parents promptly. We follow clear health policies to keep all children safe and well.

An age and stage routine will be put in place for each room by nursery staff. Each day includes a balance of free play, guided learning, outdoor adventures, creative activities, and quiet/rest time.

When children first join, sleep routines from home will be followed.

Yes they do for the youngest ones, the only real set times of the day are the mealtimes, we have continuous provision and endeavour to create a neuro affirming environment, an environment and practice that suits all children.

They offer the support the child requires and work closely with the parents, who will be kept up date either via the Famly app or by phone.

There will be five gentle settling-in sessions, each a little longer than the last:

• Session one — one hour. A parent stays for the whole session and meets their child’s key person to go through the ‘All About Me’ form, capturing their routine at home, their likes and dislikes.
• Session two — one and a half hours. The first session where your child stays with us.
• Session three — two hours.
• Session four — three hours.
• Session five — four hours.

Each session builds confidence at your child’s own pace while they get to know the staff and the room. If more sessions are required, they will be accommodated.

The approach will link to the Feltonfleet curriculum with a Froebelian approach, it is a very play-based curriculum. Activities that invite the children to join in which are built from the child’s interests. There will be no topics or themes, but there are often interests that are aligned maybe with a change in season or a religious celebration that is well publicised.

Yes, we provide healthy, nutritious meals and snacks each day, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Our meals are supplied by Zebedee’s. We cater for allergies and dietary needs.

We work closely with the parents and the individual child.

Yes.

In the playroom that they are based in, a sleep area is created, the temperature of the room is monitored and sleeping children are checked every 10 minutes.

We recommend weather-appropriate clothing (especially for outdoor play), spare clothes, and any personal comfort items.

Activities are developed around children’s interests, with sensory, explorative open-ended activities such as treasure baskets and heuristic play.

Through everything we say and everything we do. This is a holistic curriculum and we want children to experience all the seven areas of learning everywhere and anywhere. If children require extra support our teams will refer for early intervention in consultation with the parents.

Yes.

Through the Famly app and feedback/catch-ups from their child’s key person.

Each child is supported as an individual. We observe their interests and how they are developing, reflect and plan activities that nurture their growth socially, emotionally and academically. Children flourish when they feel safe and connected. Every child has a key worker who builds a strong relationship and understands their needs.

We keep parents updated through regular feedback, observations and conversations. A focus on building a strong partnership with parents is at the core of the relationship. We also have a special app called Famly to assist with communications.

Yes through the Famly app.

Please see the fees schedule.

Full days.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

There is a registration fee of £120 and a deposit of £300.

Yes, eligible working families will be able to claim 30 hours per week funding for children 9 months to 4 years. Some eligible non-working families will be able to claim 15 hours for 2 year olds. ‘Universal’ 15 hours funding is available for all 3 to 4 year olds.

The government will contribute £2 for every £8 you pay towards childcare up to a maximum of £2,000 per annum. This can be used in addition to the funding outlined above.

If you or your spouse earn over £100,000 pa, you will not be eligible for the 30 hours funding for 9 months to 4 year olds, nor will you be eligible for Tax Free Childcare. You will however still be entitled to 15 hours ‘Universal’ funding for 3 and 4 year olds.

Stretched over the 51 weeks that the nursery will be open.

Yes, parents can use funded hours and buy extra hours where available.

Yes.

Yes, the nursery will be registered with the various schemes that offer the childcare vouchers.