Choosing a childcare setting for your child is a difficult decision, something that we at Oak House Montessori Nursery fully understand.
We understand that it is important to a parent to place their child in a warm loving environment that is suitable for your child’s needs therefore we encourage you to visit us to view the nursery, during which time you will be shown around the building, explained to how our daily routines are carried out, meet the staff that will be caring for your child and talking through any questions you may have.
You will then be invited back to spend a couple of sessions to ensure we are the right fit for you, your child and their needs.
Viewings of the setting are by appointment only as this enables us to ensure that we are available to answer all the questions you may have and is less disruptive to the routines of the children that are already in our care.
To book an appointment please contact us by phone or email, or by submitting the form on this page.
When you arrive at Oak House Montessori, please make your way to the reception and you will be greeted by a senior member and asked to sign in and she will take you to the room leader of the group your child will be attending. She can chat about routines, timetables and the key-worker system and any personal information you require.
You will have the opportunity walk through the nursery and you will be shown all areas for care, learning, play, mealtimes and personal hygiene. Including the gardens.
The daily routines, planning and Early Years Foundation stage as well as the layout of the room will be explained. You will have the opportunity to see the children playing and ask any questions. We encourage you to bring your child along for the visit as you will be able to see how your child reacts to the nursery.
You may stay awhile with your child so as to get a real feel of the nursery environment.
If you decide Oak House is the place for you, the next stage is to book a place and fill out the appropriate registration form.
Once you have paid your registration fee of £40.00 and your place has been confirmed you are encouraged to attend 2 free settling in sessions.
It is important to settle a child into new surroundings with new people and we aim to make this procedure as easy as possible. Each child is individual in the way they settle, and some may need more than others to build a bond with their key person.
We recommend to our new parents/carers that they should initially use two settling in sessions which are free of charge. We recommend they do this a couple of weeks before their start date and the parent/carers can assess for themselves if they feel their child may need longer. These sessions need to be booked in advance.
On your first settle session; the staff in the room will be introduced to you and you will be informed of who your child’s key person is. The staff will show you where to put your child’s belongings and discuss with you what to bring with you and about labelling all items with their name. Please see the list of rules and regulations provided.
You will be encouraged to partake in the activities with your child and staff members will interact with you and your child.
If you feel confident to leave your child you may go to the office and fill out or update your child’s registration forms and fill out further forms which will provide us with information that will ensure that we can plan for your child’s individual needs and preferences and make the transition between home and nursery easier.
Staff will discuss with you your child’s likes, interests and fears as well as discussing allergies, dietary requirements and nappies/toileting. With younger children; their normal daily routine of feeds and sleep will be discussed. Staff will also help you complete an ‘all about me’ and a ‘what to expect when’, so we know more about your child. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
We encourage parents to leave their child for a period of time on this session you will be shown to our meeting room where you can have refreshments and staff will keep you updated on how your child is settling. If your child becomes upset the staff will get you to return to the room to reassure them.
You will be shown where the appropriate notice board is for your child’s age group, here you will find displayed the activities available on this day, the menu and photos of staff displayed with their names and positions.
The staff will ensure you know what you need to bring with you on your first day e.g. spare clothes, nappies, wipes, nappy cream and any comforters all clearly labelled with child’s name.
You will be required to go to the office to pay your invoice for the following month.
