Our Frequently Asked Questions
At Tiddlywinks Nursery, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. Our child-centred, holistic approach to learning ensures that every child develops emotionally, socially, and academically, preparing them for their next stage in education. Below, we have answered some common questions to help parents and carers learn more about what we offer.
Choosing Tiddlywinks
We welcome children from 0 to 5 years old, supporting them through each stage of their early development until they start school.
We open for 50 weeks of the year, 8am-6pm Monday to Friday. We offer a variety of sessions throughout the day. Parents can register their child as term-time only for 38 weeks of the year or Full-time for 50 weeks of the year. We require children to be booked in for a minimum of two sessions over two days to support settling-in and building relationships. We offer a term-time only option for 38 weeks of the year.
Yes. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which supports children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. We also have our own in-house curriculum that focuses on supporting well-being, communication and independence.
Yes. We accept all types of government funding.
Government funding is for 15 or 30 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, however, we also offer the opportunity for you to “stretch” the funding over 50 weeks, all year round. 15 hours would become 11.5 hours and 30 hours would become 22.5 hours.
Admissions & Settling In
Please contact the nursery directly to discuss availability and arrange a visit. We will then give a registration form to complete.
Yes, we offer two free settling-in sessions so your child can become familiar with the staff, environment, and daily routine before starting.
If places are currently full, we can add your child to our waiting list and contact you when a space becomes available. The waiting list will all depend on your child’s date of birth and the sessions you require.
Spare clothing (including underwear and socks), a water bottle, sun hat, wellies, woolly hat, scarf, coat (weather dependent).
Children should wear clothes that enable them to explore our environments and activities without restriction. Whilst we take every precaution to protect children's clothes during messy activities, inevitably there will be times when clothes will get dirty from children accessing our wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Please make sure all items are named.
Daily Routines
Yes, we love outdoor play and it is an important part of our day!
We are very lucky to have a large outdoor play area for the children to enjoy. Children will have opportunity to play outside throughout the year, whatever the weather, as long as it is safe to do so. Children have access to a large covered mud kitchen, large sandpit and boat, hammocks, climbing equipment, rope swings and scooters. Children are supported to take part in adventurous play, learning how to manage risks safely. We encourage parents to dress their children in appropriate clothing for all weathers and in clothes they don’t mind getting muddy! Wellies, warm coats and hats will allow children to enjoy outdoor learning while staying comfortable.
As part of Option 1 and our All Inclusive fees we provide a healthy snack morning and afternoon. Children will be offered a variety of fruit alongside a biscuit, cracker or toast. Children will also be given a glass or milk or encouraged to have a drink of water. Alternatives to cater for allergies are provided.
This is not a problem although please inform us as soon as possible. We operate a password system so we will ask you to ensure the person collecting knows your child's specific password that is set during the registration process.
Learning and Development
At the end of each session, a member of our team will give you feedback regarding your child's day. We also use an online parent communication app which we use to send photos, daily updates, observations, messages and to report on your child's progress. Parents are also able to use this app as a way of sharing news and achievements from home. You will be given the opportunity to attend a parents evening twice per year.
We have a designated SENCO who is here to support our children with special educational needs and their families. If you have any concerns over your child's development please speak with your child's key person who will pass any concerns to the SENCO or you can request to meet with our SENCO directly.
Our skilled practitioners engage with children at their developmental level, responding to their interests and providing tailored support. We observe and seize ‘teachable moments’ to extend and embed learning in meaningful ways.
