Riverside Day Nursery
121 Cholmeley Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 3LR
Tel No.
0118 966 5040
Frequently asked Questions
Please click on the question to find the answer
What are the opening weeks and times?
We are open all year, except for the week between Christmas and New year, we are also closed on Bank Holidays. Our opening times are 08:00 - 18:00
Why should I choose Riverside Day Nursery?
We are a small, happy, freindly Nursery providing excellent care for our families. We pride ourselves on keeping our costs affordable, we do not make a profit all your money goes back into the care and education of your children.
Do I have to commit to attending for 52 weeks per year as I work term time only?
We do offer a limited number of term time only spaces.
Do you run a breakfast club?
Yes, this is a service run all year from 8.00am - 9.00am.
What age groups do you provide for?
0-2 years with a 1:3 staff ratio
2-3 years with a 1:4 staff ratio
3-5 years with a 1:8 staff ratio
Do you charge an admission fee?
No, we do however require a deposit of £50 to secure your place within the nursery which is refundable off your last invoice, provided you have been with us for more than 6months. This deposit is not taken for those attending Nursery Grant funded places.
Do you charge for public bank holidays?
Yes and also two training days per year
Please see our prices page for the current rates.
Do you need to contract to sessions?
Yes the nursery operates based on agreed contracts. To cancel a contract or to change the sessions in which you contracted to you are required to give one months notice in writing. Fees remain payable during this notice period. Please refer to the information webpage for details.
Do you offer a discount for siblings?
Yes 10% this is applied to the eldest child.
Am I guaranteed a place at the nursery if I go on to the waiting list?
No, places are offered based on availability therefore we may not always be able to accommodate every applicant. However we endeavour to do our best to provide a suitable place.
How are spaces allocated?
We operate a waiting list system which is free to register. Places are offered on a first come basis to match our availability.
What are the accepted payment methods?
Childcare vouchers, bank transfer, cheque or cash.
Are nappies provided?
No, each parent is encouraged to use their preferred type of nappy.
Do you offer free education sessions?
Yes, 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year to children in the term after their 3rd birthday. Fees are payable for attendance outside the funded period.
At the beginning of the first term that your child will start being funded your child’s key person will ask you to fill out and sign the relevant paperwork.
When was your last OFSTED inspection?
January 2011. You download the report from the home page.
Are you a member of an accreditations scheme?
We have been awarded Investors in People.
What qualifications do staff hold?
Employees are either qualified or training early years professionals. Qualified nursery nurses and the senior team hold a minimum qualification level of NVQ3 or equivalent, qualified nursery assistants hold a minimum qualification level of NVQ2 or equivalent and our trainee nursery assistants are working towards their NVQ2 or equivalent.
Our Nursery Manager has a foundation degree in Business and Management and is working towards degree level.
The Room Senior in Dragonflies is in her final year of a BA in Early Years and is also training towards Early Years Professional Status.
At least half of all nursery staff are paediatric first aid trained. Staff are, where appropriate, trained in food hygiene. All staff are trained in good safeguarding practices. Specific employees are trained in specialist areas such as Special Educational Needs and Behaviour Management.
What is your approach to children's learning?
Our first and foremost approach is that the child is at the centre of everything that we do and we believe that a strong partnership with parents supports this. Learning through play in a well planned, flexible inviting setting is the best way to help children develop.
As a nursery we follow the Every Child Matters framework which focuses on 5 outcomes that are most important to children and young people. They are: be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being.
We work according to the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and aim to exceed this in all areas.
Observations and assessments of a Child's learning is recorded and reviewed by their key person, the learning environment is designed to provide sufficient and appropriate challenges to the children within the group.
What activities will my child take part in on a daily basis?
The daily routine empowers a child to independently select their own choice of activity to include Arts and Craft, ICT, Role Play, Outdoor Play to mention just a few.
Activities are planned to support children's individual learning needs. Activities cover all areas of the EYFS over a period of 1 week.
Children will also be involved in a group song and story times and meal times.
Children will on occasion leave the nursery setting to explore the local environment - such as feeding the ducks and swans or visting the library.
What happens after I have accepted a place at the nursery?
Places are offered and require a signed contract to be completed within 1 week of the offer. Offers without a signed contract could be withdrawn at the discretion of the nursery.
Once a contract has been signed and received by the nursery, pre-visits will be arranged. These are to be agreed with the relevant age group leader in conjunction with the transitions officer.
Pre-visits are important and you will be required to attend a minimum of 2, 2 hour visits before childcare can begin. Pre visits are free of charge.
How do you ascertain the suitability of your employees?
Recruitment and Selection policies and procedures are used within Riverside Day Nursery. At least one panel member has attended Safer recruitment training. All staff are required to apply for and obtain an Enhanced criminal records check (CRB) which is received by use before employment can commence.
Do you provide cooked meals?
Yes we provide:
- A mid morning snack which is usually fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and salad sticks, biscuits, raisins, water and milk
- A main meal at midday which is freshly prepared by our onsite cook, we also are able to cater for individual dietary requirements.
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Tea is provided as a light meal.
Please note that meals are not provided for children using the free education sessions unless the lunch session is booked as part of your contract, only a mid morning snack is then offered, nor do we provide food to babies until they have tried the same foods at home, a consultation with the key person is essential with regard to this.
How will you ensure the safety of my child while under your care?
The nursery has a secure entry system which we ask parents to acknowledge. During the registration process security details are discussed such as collections policies. The nursery is risk assessed periodically; these assessments are reviewed regularly and are available to be viewed upon request. We appreciate also any concerned be raised immediately so that any issues can be dealt with promptly.
The nursery is checked daily for potential hazards. Regular fire drills and evacuation practices are carried out. Equipment purchased is from reputable dealers and suitable for its intended purpose.
All our staff are CRB checked and attend safeguarding children training every 3 years.
Do you have policies in place for medicines, food and drink, lost child etc?
Yes we have a very comprehensive selection of policies and procedures. Copies of these are available on request and can be found in the lobby of the nursery. Please also refer to the information page.
Will you accept my child if they are unwell?
This all depends on the illness in question. We do not accept children with contagious conditions, and reserve the right to refuse entry to a child who we feel is not well enough to attend nursery.
How frequently am I updated with my child's progress?
Parents will be invited by their child's key person to attend a one to one meeting at least every 12 weeks. This is time to focus purely on how your child is developing. We also encourage daily communication between the parent and the nursery. Parents are encouraged to look at their child's learning journey whenever they wish to.
Does my child need to bring wellingtons etc?
Yes, you are asked to provide some items for your child.
What resources are available or in place if my child has special needs, how will these be met and by who?
We have an appointed special needs co-ordinator who will work with families on a one to one basis to ensure that we are able to meet the individual needs of the child as each child will have specific requirements. The nursery then works as a team with the parent to ensure that the highest standards of care can be delivered. A support assistant can be allocated if the necessary funding is acquired.We are also members of the Reading Toy Library and can borrow equipment for children with special needs
