Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cotton Tails Day Nurseries - along with a few you might not have thought of. We’ve put this together to give you all the information you need in one place.
Every child and family is unique, so if your question isn’t covered here, please contact our team - we’re always happy to help.
We provide all nappies and meals. We ask parents to provide a change of clothes, nappy cream, sun cream and formula milk if applicable.
We open 51 weeks per year only closing for the 8 statutory bank holidays, and one week at Christmas for which you are not charged. However, nursery proprietor reserves the right to charge for any additional bank holidays that are declared.
Our usual bank holidays are 1 in January, 2 at Easter, 2 in May and 1 in August. Dates and opening times at Christmas may vary, however parents are informed in advance.
We utilise the local areas for outings e.g. walks, trips to the shops, park or library. We also explore the wider environment and have made visits to the Botanical Gardens, Dudley Zoo, Farm and Dentist.
Local trips apply to all age groups, and youn will give your consent to these when registering with our nursery, however outings further a field are limited to our older age groups. In all instances additional parental consent is required and all aspects of the outing/trip are risk assessed.
We use the Early Years Foundation Stage (0-5 curriculum) as the foundation for our play and learning. We incorporate this with our children’s interests to form the basis of our activities. We provide a range of activities to support every area of development and the children have access to the outdoor area daily. We have a messy/exploratory activity every day and opportunities for large and small group work to enhance social skills. We ensure age and stage related ICT opportunities are available in each room; this includes push button toys through to a large interactive iPad screen which also works as a desktop in all settings.
We have an illness and infection policy with periods of exclusion for some contagious infections. This is reviewed in accordance with annual health protection agency guidelines. For any medicine to be administered, prior consent must be given.
No. We are able to administer inhalers with your consent. We require an inhaler to be left at nursery at all times. A care plan will be put in place.
Fees are paid monthly in advance on a standing order basis. Other methods of payment are accepted e.g. Tax Free Childcare, our terms (e.g. in payment in advance) must be adhered to. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full information regarding payments or please speak to our Area manager, Lynda Noon (office@cottontailsdaynursery.co.uk).
We are registered to claim Early Education Entitlement (EEE/NEF). Please refer to the Funding page of this website to get the most up to date information.
When children become eligible for funding a new fee scale becomes effective. You can obtain our current fee schedule by contacting the Manager at each site.
We are registered with Ofsted, details of our nurseries can be found on the main Ofsted site (e.g. copies of our report). Reports can also be found on our individual nursery pages.
All employees are subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate references are sought. The qualifications amongst our team meet the current welfare requirements. We have staff with degree level qualifications at all of our sites and most of all other staff have a NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent). Any employee with a lower level of qualification is assigned to a training course. Amongst all nursery sites we have work place students (from local college/university); students never have unsupervised access to the children.
Monday to Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm
On application for a place, we ask you to provide information of dietary requirements and/or known allergies to ensure individual needs are catered for. We have a balanced menu ensuring that we meet all food groups throughout the day. Copies of our menus can be obtained at each individual nursery sites.
At our nurseries, we are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every child and their family. We celebrate diversity and ensure that all children, regardless of background, ability, or need, feel valued and included. In each of our sites, our onsite SENCO works closely with our policys and staff to ensure that no child is left behind. Our staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities, adapting activities and resources to suit individual needs, and working closely with families to respect and embrace different cultures, languages, and experiences. We believe that every child deserves to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive setting.
Yes. All four nurseries have a garden, all of which have been designed to suit the space and area available. All gardens offer a variety of play surfaces and various equipment to enhance all areas of leaning outdoors.
Yes. Charges apply all year around. Fees are spread out across the year on a standing order basis. If you elect to take holiday, or your child is ill, charges will still apply.