Jack and Jill Day Nursery is open year-round:

• Monday to Thursday: 8.00am–6.00pm
• Friday: 8.00am–5.00pm

The nursery closes for approximately five to ten working days over the Christmas and New Year period. The exact dates may vary each year. We are also closed on bank holidays and public holidays.

We offer both full-time and part-time places and try to be as flexible as possible.

Our minimum session duration is four hours. The minimum booking for new children is normally four sessions per week. These may be taken as a combination of half-day and full-day sessions.

If your child receives only 11 funded hours per week, please contact us to discuss the minimum booking requirement and the session options available.

Regular attendance helps children to settle, form relationships and benefit fully from the nursery routine and curriculum.

Please note

• we do not offer mornings-only bookings;
• we do not offer term-time-only places;
• funded places are offered on a stretched, year-round basis only;
• funded bookings must currently include at least two afternoon sessions each week;
• all sessions are subject to availability; and
• there may be a waiting list for popular days, sessions or age groups.

Our main intake periods for new children are January, April and September. Children may be able to start at other times of the year, subject to availability. Please contact us to discuss your preferred start date.

Please see our Fees page for current fees, funding arrangements, minimum bookings and administration charges.

Our standard session options are:

Session	Time	Length
Morning session	8.00am–12.00pm	4 hours
Morning session with lunch hour	8.00am–1.00pm	5 hours
Afternoon session	1.00pm–5.00pm	4 hours
Afternoon session with tea-time	1.00pm–6.00pm	5 hours
Standard full day	8.00am–5.00pm	9 hours
Extended full day	8.00am–6.00pm	10 hours

The 6.00pm collection option is available Monday to Thursday only.

The lunch hour runs from 12.00pm to 1.00pm and may be added to a morning session. The tea-time session runs from 5.00pm to 6.00pm and is available Monday to Thursday.

Our minimum session duration is four hours. Alternative combinations may be available, subject to availability and our minimum booking requirements.

To help children settle into nursery activities and minimise disruption to other children, we ask families to use their agreed drop-off and collection times wherever possible.

Drop-off times

Children may normally be dropped off:

• between 8.00am and 9.00am for a morning or full-day session;
• at 1.00pm for an afternoon session.

Collection times

Children may normally be collected:

• at 12.00pm at the end of a morning session;
• at 1.00pm following the lunch hour;
• by 5.00pm at the end of an afternoon or full-day session; or
• between 5.00pm and 6.00pm where the tea-time session has been booked.

Please contact the nursery in advance if exceptional circumstances mean that your child will arrive or be collected outside their usual time.

Children must be collected promptly by the end of their booked session. Late collection charges may apply in accordance with our Fees page and Terms and Conditions.

Funded places are offered on a stretched, year-round basis only (not term-time only).

Depending on your child’s age and your family’s eligibility, children will normally receive up to approximately 11 or 22 funded hours per week when their annual entitlement is stretched across the nursery year.

Funded hours

• are offered for 51 weeks of the year;
• are not available on a term-time-only basis;
• must currently include at least two afternoon sessions each week;
• must be taken within our standard session arrangements; and
• remain subject to availability.

Our minimum session is four hours. For example, where a child receives 11 funded hours per week and attends three four-hour sessions, the child will attend for 12 hours. Funding will cover 11 hours and the remaining hour will be charged at the nursery’s normal rate.

Parents and carers are responsible for

• checking whether they are eligible for funding;
• applying for the relevant funding entitlement;
• providing the nursery with a valid funding code;
• completing the required declarations; and
• renewing or reconfirming their eligibility when required.

Funding does not normally start on a child’s birthday. It begins from the relevant funding period after the child reaches the qualifying age and all eligibility requirements have been met.

The nursery cannot apply for funding on behalf of a family.

Please see our Fees page for full information about funded hours, consumables charges and eligibility requirements.

If your child is unable to attend a booked session, please tell the nursery as soon as possible. You can contact us:

• Telephone: 01202 695328
• Email: info@jackjillnursery.co.uk
• Famly: Send us a message through the Famly app

Where possible, please notify us in advance. If advance notice is not possible, please contact us before 9.00am on the day of absence.

We are required to maintain accurate attendance records and follow up unexplained or unexpected absences as part of our safeguarding responsibilities.

Nursery fees reserve your child’s agreed place and sessions and are therefore payable whether or not your child attends, except where a specific reduction applies under a Premium all-inclusive package or our Terms and Conditions.

No refund or credit is normally given for absence caused by illness, holidays or other personal circumstances. If a child has a long-term health condition requiring an extended absence, please contact us to discuss the circumstances.

Paid or funded hours cannot normally be transferred to another day when a child’s usual booked session falls on a bank holiday. This includes Monday bank holidays and Good Friday.

Planned nursery closures

The nursery is normally closed for approximately five to ten working days over Christmas and New Year. The exact dates vary each year depending on when Christmas and New Year fall.

Parents will not be charged for their normal paid sessions, consumables or lunches during the planned Christmas and New Year closure period.

The nursery is also closed on bank holidays and public holidays. Parents will not normally be charged for paid hours, consumables or lunches falling on these days.

The nursery reserves the right to charge as normal for an additional or exceptional one-off public holiday associated with a national event.

Unexpected closures

We make every reasonable effort to remain open and provide a full service to children and families. Occasionally, the directors or nursery management may decide that the nursery must close, open late or close early because of circumstances beyond our reasonable control. These may include:

• snow, ice, flooding or extreme weather;
• an official red heat alert;
• failure of electricity, water, heating or another essential service;
• industrial action;
• a significant outbreak of contagious illness;
• serious or unexpected staffing disruption;
• a major health and safety concern; or
• another emergency affecting the safe operation of the nursery.

Where a closure results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, fees will be dealt with in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and will not normally be refunded or credited.

We will make every reasonable effort to minimise the closure period and provide parents and carers with as much notice as possible.

Premium all-inclusive packages

Children attending under one of our Premium all-inclusive packages receive two weeks’ holiday per year during which their normal paid hours, consumables and hot lunches are not charged.

The holiday may be taken as:

• two separate complete weeks; or
• two consecutive complete weeks.

The holiday allowance cannot be taken as individual days. Premium-package holiday must be booked at least eight weeks in advance.

Other bookings

The two-week holiday allowance applies only to children attending under a Premium all-inclusive package. For all other children, booked sessions remain payable during family holidays because the nursery place and agreed sessions continue to be reserved.

Please tell us about holiday plans at least four weeks in advance.

Please see our Fees page and Terms and Conditions for the full holiday arrangements.

Once a place has been accepted and booked, we normally offer at least two settling-in sessions shortly before the child’s official start date.

The first session will usually be a short stay-and-play session during which a parent or carer remains with the child. This allows us to learn more about the child’s:

• usual routines;
• interests;
• likes and dislikes;
• health and dietary needs;
• family circumstances; and
• individual care and support requirements.

It also gives parents and carers an opportunity to complete any outstanding forms and speak to nursery staff.

During the second session, we will normally encourage the parent or carer to leave the child for a short period where this is appropriate.

Settling-in arrangements may be adapted according to the child’s age, confidence and individual needs. Additional settling-in sessions may be arranged where reasonably necessary and may be charged separately.

Settling-in sessions are provided for children who have already accepted and booked a place. They are not free trial or taster sessions.

Children experiencing difficulty settling

We will communicate openly with parents and carers throughout the settling-in period.

In the unusual event that a child continues to experience significant difficulty settling despite an appropriate period of support, we will meet with the family to discuss the child’s needs and the most appropriate next steps. This may include:

• adapting the settling-in arrangements;
• temporarily changing the child’s sessions;
• introducing additional consistency or transition support;
• seeking advice from relevant professionals, with parental involvement or consent where appropriate; or
• considering whether a different form of childcare may be more suitable.

Where it becomes apparent that we cannot meet a child’s needs safely and appropriately, we may be unable to continue the placement. Any decision will be considered individually, discussed carefully with the family and handled in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and relevant policies.

Where we recommend alternative childcare during the initial settling-in period, we may waive the normal notice period. Parents will remain responsible for sessions already used, and administration or registration charges will normally be retained.

Transitions within the nursery

When children move from one room or age group to another, we arrange a gradual transition. Each child will normally have introductory visits or settling sessions in their new room. These usually take place during the child’s normal booked nursery hours.

Transition arrangements will be adapted according to the child’s age, confidence, development, friendships and individual needs. Parents and carers will be kept informed about the proposed move and transition arrangements.

Transition to primary school

We work with local primary schools to support children as they prepare to leave nursery and begin school. Before a child leaves, their key person will normally provide an appropriate handover to the receiving school.

This may include information about the child’s learning and development, interests and strengths, communication skills, independence, friendships and social development, and additional needs or helpful support strategies.

Information will be shared in accordance with our privacy, safeguarding and information-sharing responsibilities.

Developing children’s confidence, independence and school readiness is an important part of our pre-school curriculum.

Please provide a clearly labelled bag or rucksack containing a complete spare set of clothes. Children will also need:

• wellington boots throughout the year;
• suitable weather-appropriate clothing;
• a sun hat from approximately April to September;
• a warm coat during colder weather;
• waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket; and
• a warm hat and gloves during the winter months.

Children use our outdoor areas and take part in messy activities throughout the year, including during wet weather, so suitable clothing and spare clothes are essential.

All clothing, footwear, lunch boxes, drinking bottles and other personal belongings must be clearly named.

Children who require a comforter for sleeping should bring their own clearly named comforter. The nursery provides sheets and bedding for children who regularly sleep at nursery. Parents who wish to provide their own blanket or sleep bag must discuss this with us beforehand so that we can ensure it complies with current safer-sleep guidance.

Art aprons are provided by the nursery.

Sun protection

From April to September inclusive, parents and carers must apply sun cream before bringing their child to the nursery, including on cloudy days. Staff will reapply a sensitive-skin, high-factor sun cream as required throughout the day. This is included within nursery fees or the consumables charge.

Please tell us in writing if your child:

• has an allergy or sensitivity to sun cream;
• requires a particular product; or
• must not use the nursery’s standard sun cream.

Alternative arrangements must be discussed and agreed with the nursery.

Nappies and personal care items

Parents of children who wear nappies must provide a sufficient supply of clearly labelled nappies.

Wet wipes or cotton wool, standard nappy cream, tissues, face cloths, nappy bags and nursery bedding are included within nursery fees or the consumables charge.

Parents must provide any specialist personal care products required because of an allergy, sensitivity or medical need.

Where nappies are not provided, the nursery may charge £3 for each session in which nursery nappies have to be supplied.

Children are offered water or milk and healthy snacks throughout the day. These are included within nursery fees or the consumables charge.

Lunch is a structured social occasion during which children eat together and develop independence, social skills and appropriate table manners. Parents may choose either:

• to provide a suitable packed lunch; or
• to purchase a freshly prepared hot lunch.

Hot lunches

A freshly cooked, nutritionally balanced, two-course hot lunch is available at an additional cost of £4.95 per day. Hot lunches include a main course and dessert.

We can normally cater for common food allergies and offer a vegetarian option. Parents and carers must discuss all allergies and dietary requirements with the nursery before ordering lunches. Where a child has complex dietary requirements or preferences, an additional charge may apply or alternative arrangements may be required.

Hot lunches:

• should be requested at least four weeks in advance;
• must normally be booked for a minimum of four weeks; and
• require four weeks’ written notice if parents wish to cancel them.

Hot lunches are included within the Premium all-inclusive packages. Sample menus are available from the nursery.

Packed lunches

Children who do not have a nursery hot lunch should bring a healthy and nutritious packed lunch. Packed lunches must not contain:

• nuts or products containing nuts;
• chocolate;
• biscuits;
• crisps;
• sweets; or
• sugary or fizzy drinks.

Jack and Jill is a nut-free nursery. Please check food labels carefully and do not send any food containing nuts or nut products.

Packed lunches must comply with the nursery’s Healthy Eating and Packed Lunch Policy and current early-years nutritional guidance.

Babies’ milk and food

Parents must provide formula milk, expressed milk or another suitable milk alternative where required. Milk must be supplied in a clearly named container with clear preparation, storage and heating instructions.

Food provided from home for babies must comply with the nursery’s Healthy Eating and Packed Lunch Policy and current nutritional guidance.

For food-safety reasons, the nursery can only heat suitable pre-packaged food and cannot reheat homemade food brought from home.

Parents and carers must inform the nursery in writing about:

• allergies and intolerances;
• health or medical conditions;
• prescribed medication;
• additional care requirements;
• dietary requirements arising from a medical condition; and
• any change to the child’s health, medication or treatment.

Where necessary, an appropriate healthcare plan, medication form or risk assessment must be completed before the child attends or before medication can be administered.

Please also tell us about any significant emotional or family circumstances that may affect your child’s wellbeing or nursery experience. Information will be handled sensitively and shared only where necessary to safeguard and support the child.

Communication with parents

Invoices, forms, newsletters and other nursery communications will normally be sent by email or through the Famly app.

Parents and carers receive regular information about their child’s learning, development and wellbeing through Famly and discussions with their child’s key person. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s key person or a member of the management team if they have any questions or concerns.

Please ensure that the nursery always has your current home address, email address, telephone number and emergency contact information. Parents and carers must inform us promptly of any changes.

Children’s records

The nursery keeps records of each child’s learning, development, care and progress. Parents and carers can view and discuss these records with their child’s key person.

Records and information are stored and shared in accordance with our Privacy Notice, safeguarding responsibilities and data-protection requirements.

Invoices and payments

Monthly nursery invoices are normally sent by email or through the Famly app. Fees are payable in advance by the first day of each month, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Parents and carers are responsible for checking their invoices and contacting the nursery promptly if they believe an invoice is incorrect.

Students, trainees and apprentices

We occasionally welcome students, trainees and apprentices completing work experience or recognised childcare and early-years courses through Bournemouth and Poole College or other suitable education and training providers.

Students, trainees and apprentices work under appropriate supervision. They are not treated as qualified members of staff or included in the nursery’s required staffing ratios unless this is permitted under the applicable qualification, employment and ratio requirements.

Their involvement provides valuable practical experience and can also bring additional activities and learning opportunities into the nursery.

Photographs and videos

The nursery may take photographs or videos of children to record their learning, development and nursery experiences.

Photographs or videos will only be used for external purposes, including the nursery website, social-media pages or printed promotional materials, where the nursery has obtained the appropriate parental or carer consent.

Parents and carers can indicate their photography and publicity preferences on the nursery registration and consent forms. These preferences may be reviewed or changed by contacting the nursery. Please see our relevant policies and Privacy Notice for further information.

Parking

Off-road parking is available for drop-off and collection. Please:

• park carefully and considerately;
• avoid obstructing neighbouring properties or other vehicles;
• supervise children closely within the parking area; and
• limit your stay to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Jack and Jill is an inclusive mainstream nursery. We welcome children with a range of abilities, backgrounds and individual needs, including children with special educational needs and disabilities, where we are reasonably able to meet their needs safely and appropriately.

We are not a specialist SEND setting and do not have specialist medical facilities or unlimited access to one-to-one support. We may therefore be unable to offer a place where a child requires a level of specialist care, supervision, staffing, equipment, clinical support or environmental adaptation that we cannot reasonably provide.

Before offering a place, we may ask parents or carers to meet with us and provide relevant reports or information about their child’s development, health, behaviour, communication, mobility, medical needs and support requirements.

This allows us to consider:

• the child’s individual needs and wellbeing;
• the safety and wellbeing of the child and other children;
• staffing levels, qualifications and experience;
• the nursery environment and available facilities;
• whether reasonable adjustments can be made;
• whether additional funding or external professional support is available; and
• whether the child’s needs can be met consistently throughout their booked sessions.

Where appropriate, we will work with parents, carers and external professionals to consider reasonable adjustments and suitable support arrangements. However, the availability of external funding or professional recommendations does not necessarily mean that we will be able to provide the required support. Every application will be considered individually.

A place cannot be confirmed until we are satisfied that the nursery can reasonably and safely meet the child’s needs. Continued attendance may also need to be reviewed if a child’s needs change significantly or if it becomes apparent that the nursery can no longer provide the level of support required.

All places are also subject to ordinary session availability.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss your child’s needs with our Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

Please contact us to have an initial conversation and arrange a visit if you are interested in a place for your child.

If you decide to apply, we will ask you to:

• complete the nursery registration form;
• provide the required information and consents;
• agree the attendance pattern and proposed start date; and
• pay the applicable administration fee or deposit.

A non-refundable administration fee normally applies where parents pay for some or all of their child’s sessions. A refundable deposit normally applies where a child’s sessions are entirely funded and no paid sessions are booked. Reduced administration fees or deposits may apply to second and subsequent siblings attending at the same time.

The applicable administration fee covers:

• setting up the child’s account;
• setting up their learning journal;
• setting up invoicing arrangements; and
• their standard settling-in sessions.

Places and requested sessions remain subject to availability until the nursery has confirmed the booking and received the required administration fee or deposit.

Please see our Fees page for current charges, sibling reductions, refund conditions and full Terms and Conditions.