Got questions? We’ve got answers! Explore our FAQs to find solutions to common queries about our nursery services, settling in, food and drink, and more.
When registering your child we ask you to provide the contact details of someone we could contact in an emergency if we were unable to get hold of you.
On registration, we ask for your contact details including an emergency contact. We would use these to contact you in the event of an emergency, or if your child was unwell.
We are able to administer prescribed medication, including epi-pens. In the case of an epi-pen, the staff team would receive the appropriate training from the health professional involved.
All our nurseries take part in regular fire drills; therefore, the staff and children know exactly what they must do in the event of a fire. All nurseries have a robust and effective fire evacuation procedure.
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Through our parent app, parents can log in and view their child’s activities and ‘wow’ moments when it is most convenient for them. Parents can contribute to their child’s learning journey, make notes for their key carer, and strengthen their bond with the staff and setting all from their secure app.
When you register your child at one of our nurseries, we will ask about several different permissions, including sharing photos and videos on our social media channels. These lists are monitored carefully by each nursery and are kept up to date via regular communication with families.
Through our social media, we aim to show as many insights as possible into nursery life, through photos and videos provided by our nurseries. All our nurseries aim to provide regular content for social media.
Our dedicated nursery teams work diligently to provide high-quality care, a safe and secure environment, and a fun atmosphere for all children. Our teams focus first and foremost on the children’s development and supporting them throughout the busy day. This means that sometimes our nurseries will prioritise uploading updates via our secure parent app.
Lots of fun! Every week, our nurseries share photos and videos with us of the children engaging in a variety of wonderful activities.
The parent app is used for a more personalised and detailed update of your child, including what they ate, what activities they took part in, wow moments and more. Our parent app helps to increase partnerships with families by allowing two-way communication between parents and your nursery.
On social media, rather than focusing on individual child updates, our platforms highlight special days and events that have taken place within the nurseries.
You can submit a new application any time you meet the eligibility criteria for childcare entitlements or Tax-Free Childcare. You must then present your code to your provider to confirm your place can continue.
If you miss your reconfirmation window, your eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare and/or childcare entitlements will lapse. However, if your child is already in a place at the nursery and receives funding, a grace period for your free childcare will apply. This means your child can continue in their place for a short time, but you need to submit another application before the start of the next term to keep getting the childcare entitlements and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
You need to log into your childcare account using your Government Gateway ID to reconfirm. The dates between which you should reconfirm will be displayed when you log in.
Yes, you will receive a reminder from HMRC when your reconfirmation window opens, also a week before your reconfirmation deadline and on your reconfirmation deadline. Please remember to make sure that your details are up to date with HMRC. It is not the Nursery’s responsibility to send reminders.
You need to log into your childcare account every 3 months to reconfirm that your details are up to date and that you remain eligible for the childcare entitlements for working parents and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
If you have two codes, one from your letter beginning with 11, and one from the website beginning with 50, please send the nursery the code from the website beginning with 50, as this is your permanent digital code for your child. If you only have one code (beginning with 11) then you can use this temporary code to start using your entitlements. Please remember that if you used a temporary code beginning with 11, once your reconfirmation window opens, you will still need to reconfirm your eligibility through your Childcare Account and share the digital code (beginning with 50) that you will receive at that time with your nursery.
On receiving your initial code, we will check your eligibility with the Local Authority, we will inform you if your code is not valid for your funded placement.
All codes are required to be sent to your nursery using the online funding form (https://www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/parents/fees-and-funded-childcare/submit-funding-code/) by the nursery deadlines. Failure to submit your code by this date may result in your child’s funding not being allocated for the next term.
We recommend you contact your Nursery as early as possible to secure your place. You will be able to take up your free hours from the term after you meet all the eligibility criteria for the entitlement you are applying for. These terms begin on 1st January, 1st April and 1st September.
*York local authority – funding starts 1st May.
You can apply online here at www.gov.uk.
You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:
Once codes have been applied for, you will be required to re-verify your code prior to funding, starting every three months.
There is no charge for any settling in session.
Some children take longer to settle than others, but it is rare for a child not to settle at all. We work closely with you to do what we can to help make the transition as smooth as possible. This might involve you spending some more time in the nursery and/or extending the settling-in visits.
We follow routines as much as we possibly can in a nursery environment. Whatever stage your child is at in terms of weaning will be supported in the nursery. We find out this information during the settling-in stage and ask that you keep us updated as things change.
You will stay with us during your first visit allowing you to meet the team and chat to your child’s key carer. This gives us the opportunity to find out the important things we need to know such as routine, likes, dislikes etc. We ask you to provide a named bag for your child with some changes of clothes and any comforters your child might wants. We also ask you to provide a named sunhat, waterproofs and wellies.
Most of our settings offer freshly cooked food which is made on the premises by our nursery cooks. We have a few settings where meals are catered for by outside catering companies. A copy of the menu is available from your Nursery Manager. Our menus offer a wide range of healthy, nutritionally balanced meals.
Find out more about how we encourage and promote a happy and healthy lifestyle.
We do not offer an alternative hot meal, however, if the main meal is refused, we would offer a sandwich for example. We would never let a child go hungry.
We are able to cater for different dietary requirements and follow strict policies and procedures for the management of any dietary requiremen.
Initially, this information will be collected on our registration form. We then also ask you to complete an ‘all about me’ prior to the first visit so that we can discuss things such as allergies in more detail, face to face. The information will then be added to an individual Health Care Plan which the team will follow to ensure allergies and individual needs are always met.
The rooms and kitchen display allergy sheets which has a photo of the child, their name, the days they attend, the allergy, symptoms of exposure and what to do in an emergency.
Yes, staff members receive appropriate training to effectively deliver each enhancement, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all children.
To determine the specific enhancements available at your local nursery, please visit the Find Your Nursery page on The Old Station Nursery’s website and select your preferred location.
Each enhancement is designed to support various aspects of a child’s development:
Organic Enhancement
Encourages responsibility, understanding of nature, and healthy eating habits.
Cookery Enhancement
Develops fine motor skills, basic math concepts, and sensory exploration.
Languages Enhancement
Enhances cognitive development, communication skills, and cultural awareness.
Montessori Inspired
Promotes independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
Forest School
Fosters resilience, confidence, and a connection with the natural environment.
The availability of enhancements may vary by location. Please use our online nursery finder to learn more about what is offered at your local setting.
The Old Station Nursery offers a range of enhancements to enrich children’s learning experiences. These include:
Children engage in growing and tending to their own organic produce, learning about plant life cycles, seasonal foods, and healthy eating habits.
Through hands-on cooking activities, children develop essential skills like measuring, counting, and following instructions, while exploring their senses and building confidence.
Children are introduced to additional languages through activities such as baby signing, songs, stories, and interactive multilingual books, enhancing cognitive skills and cultural awareness.
The nursery incorporates Montessori principles, focusing on five key learning areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Knowledge and Understanding of the World.
Children participate in outdoor learning experiences, fostering a connection with nature and promoting physical and emotional development.
These enhancements are designed to complement the nursery’s core curriculum and provide a well-rounded educational experience.
We have recipes to cater to different dietary requirements, which are always taken into consideration when planning an activity. Where possible, we will make an alternative.
The Cookery Enhancement is part of The Old Station Nursery’s enriched curriculum, which emphasises practical, hands-on learning experiences. This approach supports the development of key skills and prepares children for future educational success.
Yes, the Cookery Enhancement is available at all of our nursery locations. This popular programme gives children the opportunity to explore food, develop independence, and learn valuable life skills in a fun and engaging way. It supports early understanding of healthy eating habits and builds confidence through hands-on experiences. Find your nearest nursery setting here.
Children use child-safe equipment and wear appropriate attire, such as aprons and chef hats. Activities are supervised by trained staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cooking activities support early development by enhancing fine motor skills, introducing basic math concepts, and encouraging sensory exploration. These experiences also promote teamwork and communication as children work together to prepare meals.
To enrol your child in a nursery that uses the Brighter Learning Approach, simply use the search to find The Old Station Nursery ‘near me’ or explore the map for nurseries near me. Please contact us and we’ll book you in for a showaround of your chosen nursery and will be happy to explain the enrolment process further.
Our parents receive daily updates on ParentZone often with accompanying photos so you can see your child in action. Alongside your individual update on ParentZone, you can also follow your nursery on Facebook to discover photos of purposeful play and developmental experiences by searching the hashtag #BrighterLearning Approach.
A “wow moment” typically refers to a significant or memorable experience that elicits a strong reaction or sense of awe from a child. It is often used to describe instances when a child makes a new discovery, achieves a developmental milestone, or expresses enthusiasm and wonder about something they have learned or experienced. As part of the Brighter Learning Approach, we sometimes use stickers to celebrate ‘wow’ moments that link to something a particular child has done that is specific to their interests, age and stage of development, prompting communication and conversations.
Absolutely! The Old Station Nursery welcomes parents to visit their nurseries and learn more about the Brighter Learning Approach. Contact your preferred nursery to arrange a visit, where you can meet the staff, see the Brighter Learning Approach in action and ask any questions you may have.
Yes, the staff members at The Old Station Nursery Group undergo regular training and professional development to effectively implement the Brighter Learning Approach. They are knowledgeable about child development, the EYFS curriculum and techniques to support children’s learning and growth.
The Old Station Nursery believes in fostering a strong partnership with parents. They provide regular communication channels, parent workshops, and opportunities for parents to actively participate in their child’s learning journey. Parental involvement is encouraged to ensure continuity between home and nursery experiences.
Yes, the Brighter Learning Approach enhances the opportunities children already have for outdoor learning. It allows children to connect with nature, engage in physical activities, and explore the world around them. Outdoor spaces are designed to inspire curiosity and provide opportunities for learning through play.
The Brighter Learning Approach recognises the importance of social and emotional skills in a child’s holistic development. Through experiences such as sharing stories and role play, children learn to communicate, empathise, resolve conflicts, and develop self-confidence.
The Brighter Learning Approach is designed for children aged 0 to 5 years, covering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in a holistic and child-centred way.
The Brighter Learning Approach provides real opportunities for children’s natural curiosity to be enhanced, with emphasis on hands-on experiences, child-led learning, and holistic development, promoting active engagement and critical thinking. It encourages exploration, creativity and collaboration, whilst providing room for individual learning to be challenged and extended.
Career progression at The Old Station Nursery Group is dynamic and varied, offering numerous pathways for you to develop your skills, take on new challenges, and make a significant impact on the lives of young children and their families. Whether through direct care, leadership, or training, The Old Station Nursery Group offers many opportunities for personal and career growth and advancement. These include:
Leadership and Management Skills: Essential for roles involving supervision and management of staff and settings.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Crucial for working with children, families, and colleagues.
Specialised Knowledge: In areas such as SEND, child development, and curriculum planning. Business Acumen: Important for managerial roles involving financial management and strategic planning.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD):Ongoing training and professional development are crucial for career progression. This can include workshops, conferences, and additional certifications.
Higher Education: Pursuing further education, such as a degree in early childhood studies, education, or a related field, can open doors to higher-level roles and specialisations.
Area/Regional Manager: For those working within larger nursery chains or organizations, this role involves overseeing multiple settings, supporting nursery managers, ensuring consistency and quality across all sites, and contributing to strategic planning.
Early Years Director/Operations Manager: A senior leadership role focused on the strategic management of early years services within an organization, including policy development, quality assurance, and business development.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO):Specializes in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), working closely with families, staff, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized support plans.
Early Years Teacher (EYT/EYP):Focuses on delivering high-quality early education and leading the educational development within a setting. This role often requires additional qualifications, such as a degree in early childhood education or equivalent.
1. Entry-Level Positions
Nursery Assistant/Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 2): The recommended starting point for many in the early years sector. Responsibilities include assisting with daily care routines, supporting children’s play and learning, and maintaining a safe environment.
2. Intermediate Positions
Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (Level 3): With additional training and experience, you can become a qualified early years educator, taking on more responsibility for planning and leading educational experiences, observing and assessing children’s development, and working closely with parents and caregivers.
3. Advanced Positions
Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 5) – Room Leader/Senior Practitioner: For experienced educators.
Explores skills and knowledge linked to leadership skills, reflective practice, Child development stages and theories, management styles and professional development. Must be in position to oversee the work of other staff within a room or age band to ensure best practice and the highest standards of care and education.
Nursery Manager Apprenticeship (Level 5) – designed specifically for early years educators in a management position this apprenticeship explores Management and Leadership, Commercial awareness, Legal responsibilities and Project Management.
Deputy Manager: Taking on a leadership role, deputy managers will require a recognised Level 3 qualification to support the nursery manager in the day-to-day running of the setting, managing staff, handling administrative tasks, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
Nursery Manager: A nursery manager will require a minimum of a recognised Level 3 qualification and experience. The Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the nursery, including staff management, financial oversight, curriculum planning, and liaising with parents and external agencies.
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