Frequently Asked Questions

The Crown Nursery is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. We are closed on weekends and public holidays, as well as short period over the Christmas holidays.

Parents are welcome to drop off or collect their child at any time, within the nursery’s operating hours.

Children can join us from 3 months old, and we provide care up to the age of 5 years.

We offer full day care from 8am-6pm. Children can also attend for half day sessions, from 8am-1pm or from 1pm-6pm. We ask that families register for a regular, weekly schedule.

We ask that children attend a minimum of two full days or three half days per week. This is so they settle well and feel part of the nursery family.

You can enquire via our website, by phone, by email, or by visiting us in person.

We are unable to accommodate day swaps, due to the number of children who attend each week, but extra days are available to book via our online, ad hoc booking system. These are approved subject to availability.

A flexible, settling-in schedule is arranged in agreement with families and is tailored to meet the needs of each individual child. We routinely offer four complimentary sessions prior to start date. Parents may stay to help their child adjust. Each child is allocated a key person who forms a strong bond to support their well-being and development.

Fees include three nutritious meals, snacks, milk/formula, nappies, wipes, sun cream, and enrichment activities. Optional extracurricular sessions (e.g. Playball) may have additional charges.

We do not charge a registration fee.

A deposit fee, equivalent to one month’s fees, is required to secure your child's place. This is fully refundable upon leaving.

Fees are reviewed annually and any adjustments are communicated to parents in advance.

If your child cannot attend due to a holiday, a planned day out or illness, monthly fees are still payable in full.

Yes. We accept childcare vouchers and 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare (subject to eligibility).

Parents are introduced to their child’s key person during settling-in sessions. They complete an ‘on-entry’ form to share key information about their child.

Daily updates are shared via our parent app including photos, learning notes, meals and nap times. Staff also communicate in person at drop off and pick up.

We host workshops, stay and play sessions, graduation ceremonies, sing-alongs, sports days and nursery picnics throughout the year.

The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, enriched with holistic and creative learning approaches.

Our curriculum is designed by experienced early years educators in collaboration with child development specialists.

A typical day includes free play, focused learning, group activities, outdoor exploration, creative arts, meals, stories, and rest time.

Children spend significant time outdoors every day — in our garden, local parks, nature walks, and Forest School.

Outdoor learning fosters sensory play, environmental awareness, communication, motor development, and teamwork.

We introduce simple words in other languages through play. Preschoolers enjoy weekly French lessons with Madame Claudia.

We offer music, cookery, yoga, Playball, French, and Forest School sessions as part of our enrichment programme.

We track each child's progress and share updates through the app, termly reports, and parent meetings.

We plan learning based on individual needs, focusing on communication, physical and emotional development, and more. Parents are involved in next steps.

No formal tests. We use ongoing observations to assess development and tailor learning.

We use secure entry systems, daily safety checks, regular training, and follow robust safeguarding policies. All staff are paediatric first aid trained.

We conduct detailed risk assessments and maintain strict adult-to-child ratios.

Sick children should rest at home. If illness occurs during the day, we contact you immediately.

We carefully record dietary needs at registration and ensure safe preparation and monitoring for all allergies or intolerances.

Under 2 years: 1 adult to 3 children
2–3 years: 1 adult to 4 children
3–5 years: 1 adult to 8 children

A change of clothes, any comfort items (e.g., blanket or dummy), and weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., sunhat, waterproof coat).