Nursery FAQs
“Inclusive, welcoming and incredibly fun!
Footprints on the Moon has provided a safe and nurturing space for my son
to gain confidence and develop numerous skills, both practical and social.”
What’s your settling in procedure?
We anticipate a minimum of three 2 hour sessions over a two week period to settle in your child. This isn’t set in stone and we will work closely with you and your child to achieve the best outcome. We would ask that a parent spend their child’s first 2 hour session with us to allow you both to get a feel for our outdoor nursery, our ethos and what your child can expect to be doing during a typical day outdoors.
We would then encourage a further 2 hour session where the parent is still in attendance but takes a step back and watches and encourages their child and then a third 2 hour session without the parent in attendance. This may not suit all children - some children may settle immediately whilst others may take longer. Each child is unique and we will work hard to ensure their transition into outdoor nursery is smooth.
To ensure your child meets the staff and children they’ll be in nursery with, your transition days will be the same day as your regular attendance.
What might a typical day in Forest School nursery look like?
Your child will be dropped off between 7.30 - 9am each day where you will sign the register - this will also be the case at pick up at 3pm (wraparound care is available until 5.30pm). A typical day will involve us and the children all meeting together to prepare for the day ahead, this will include involving the children in conducting a (secondary) risk assessment of our grounds, checking and reminding ourselves of our boundaries.
Next, we will discuss our agreements and rituals such as respecting each other, our forest and agreeing how we will ensure we make the most out of our day and keep each other safe and happy. The children will then be involved in choosing what kind of adventure they would like to embark upon.
This adventure might involve making shelters where we can eat our lunch, navigating through the forest in search of streams or finding and researching plants and mini-beasts, but be assured that, without realising it, these adventures will be developing every one of their skills as we negotiate, plan, implement, reflect, research, work together and get physically active.
“My little one started at Footprints on the Moon nursery this week. I am
blown away with how brilliant his experience has been.”
What about food?
We provide nutritional food throughout the day based on our seasonal menu. This is made up of breakfast, snack, lunch and afternoon tea. The £5 cost of this is included in our daily fee. For funded spaces, this will be an additional daily charge. Packed lunches are also an option if you’d prefer to provide one.
What about toileting and nappy changing?
We have a toilet cabin in camp and access to the public toilets on site too. When we go out and about we use a toilet tent with eco-friendly portable toilets and pop up nappy changing tents with the appropriate mat, aprons, gloves etc along with handwashing facilities which will consist of warm water, eco soap and hand towels. Please note, we don’t allow Pull-Ups to avoid the children having to remove their full outdoor kit during the winter months.
What if my child still needs to nap?
We secure hammocks to our camp trees for when the children feel they need a nap or a rest. This type of sleeping arrangement is recommended because the children are up off the floor, avoiding any obstacles and cold/damp floors. However, should you feel this is not appropriate then we have a pop-up bed and sleeping tent.
What about keeping my child safe?
The educators always work together and never take children out alone. We communicate with walkie talkies and whistles will be used in times of concern or emergency. The children themselves will have an understanding through routines and rituals about keeping safe and we will all adopt the same form of location checks throughout the sessions, for example the “1,2,3 where are you?” song which will always ensure we stay close to each other.
Plessey Woods Country Park is a lovely place for dog walkers and quite often dogs are off the lead. All children will be taught to stand still with arms crossed over their chest until the dog has been placed back onto its lead. Children may sustain an injury through trips, falls and bumps whilst in the woods and each team member will be appropriately first aid trained, will carry a first aid kit and complete the appropriate recording paperwork for you to sign as standard.
“My 3 year old goes to Footprints on the Moon nursery and honestly I think it’s the best place on earth! The staff are so passionate and full of fun, I can’t fault a single one of them!”
What is your ratio and staffing?
Our staff are qualified educators. We also have Level 3 Forest School Leaders on board too. Our ratios is one adult to every three 2 year olds (1:3) and one adult to every five 3 year olds (1:5). By providing higher ratios than standard we ensure that your child receives the very best from our nursery and the team can build strong, nurturing relationships. This level of care and commitment supports in the holistic development of your child as they go through their journey with us learning through their play in the great outdoors.
What do you do when it rains or cold?
“There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing” - Alfred Wainwright. In all elements, we PLAY! We use shelters, we like to have fires and enjoy warm drinks. As long as the children are dry and warm, they will happily continue to play regardless of the weather.
Do you offer government funded hours?
We offer 15 and 30 government funded hours. Please check the eligibility criteria on the government website. For more information on what you’ll receive, please visit the relevant section on the government website. We’re a full-time setting so 30 hours is stretched across 51 weeks of the year, meaning 20 hours (2 full days) per week is funded.
All nursery fees are payable at the end of each month. Your itemised invoice can be paid by direct bank transfer, cash or childcare voucher. There are no refunds for sickness or holidays. Fee increases are calculated annually and are based on the previous year’s running costs.
Do you have a minimum attendance requirement?
For the best learning and settling in experience, we require a minimum of two days a week. Research has shown that the positive impact of Forest School is embedded through multiple experiences that are delivered consistently over a sustained period of time.
The minimum requirement of 2 days (15 hours) allows our children (and their adults!) to settle confidently into nursery life and develop strong and meaningful relationships with their peers and our wonderful educators.
What’s included in the fee?
Our fees include all your child’s meals, snacks, equipment, tools, resources, and day trips to ensure your child has the best time in our care. Our non-refundable deposit covers the purchase of your child’s outdoor kit, waterproofs, durable wellies and other items your child will need day-to-day.
All nursery fees are payable at the end of each month. Your itemised invoice can be paid by direct bank transfer, cash or childcare voucher. There are no refunds for sickness or holidays. Fee increases are calculated annually and are based on the previous year’s running costs.
