Here are some frequently asked questions and if you can’t find the answers to what you are looking for, please Contact us.
How early do I need to put my name down to attend Fixby House Nursery?
We recommend as soon as possible to secure your place as we can fill up very fast.
How do I book a place for my child?
You can contact Charlie or a member of the team by telephone, email or the Contact us page, we will then arrange a tour of the nursery.
Do I need to pay a booking fee to secure my child’s place?
To Secure your child’s place there is a booking fee of £70, this covers your child’s settling in sessions when they start nursery.
Do you offer funded places for 2,3 and 4 year olds?
All children aged three and four years old are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education each week, during term time only.
If you are a working parent you may be entitled to a further 15 funded hours. To check your eligibility and apply for your unique code go to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
From April 2024, eligible working families of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week.
From September 2024, all eligible working families of children aged 9 months up to 3-year olds can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week.
From September 2025, all eligible working families of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 30 hours of funded childcare per week.
We are awaiting further information from the government to confirm how the funding will work, however, when they do so, we will share all information about how the funding will work going forward.
If you require your child to attend nursery for a full day, we use the funding to reduce your fees so that your child can attend year-round for a discounted rate.
Can my child visit the nursery prior to starting?
To ensure a smooth transition in to nursery we offer stay and plays, and two settling in sessions. These enable children to adapt to their new surroundings and to meet staff and other children in their room. We suggest that these are are done in the two weeks prior to starting.
What should I/my child bring to nursery?
What are your opening times and when are you closed?
We open at 7am and close at 6pm.
We are open 51 weeks of the year and we close for Bank Holidays and 1 week at Christmas.
Are all staff DBS (CRB/police) checked?
Yes, all staff have to have a DBS check completed before they start with us at Fixby House. These are regularly renewed or checked if they are on the update service.
Do all staff hold relevant childcare qualifications?
Our staff are qualified to Level 3 in childcare or higher. Staff who do not currently hold a Level 3 are studying towards their Level 3 qualification.
Are the same staff based in each room so there is continuity?
Here at Fixby House we have set staff in each room on a daily basis and when staff are on annual leave we have a familiar staff to cover.
Are all the staff First Aid trained?
We hold regular First Aid training courses throughout the year for all our staff and our aim is to ensure that everyone is First Aid trained within a short time of starting with us at Fixby House.
How will my child sleep at nursery and where? 
All children who have a sleep will sleep in our Under two’s room which becomes the sleep room after lunch time.
For our younger children we have sleep pods and as children get older we have sleep mats. Every day all our bedding gets washed so that it is ready for the next day.
How do staff get children to sleep?
Staff sit with children and rub their tummy, back or stroke their heads. If your child goes to sleep a different way please let a member of staff know.
My child has a set routine, how will this fit into nursery life?
When children start at nursery we follow their routines to ensure there is a smooth transition from home life to nursery. We work closely with our families to ensure there is a continuity of care.
What are the meal times at Fixby House?
Breakfast: 8.00-8.30am
Lunch: 11.00/11.30am
High Tea: 3.00/3.30pm
What happens if my baby is not yet weaned when they start at Fixby House?
We will work closely with you as a parent to discuss weaning stages and we would follow your routine from home as you introduce new foods to your child. We can make all our main meals blended and work with you leading onto more solid foods.
Where do the children eat their meals?
Our Under two’s and Tweenies join together around tables in the Tweenie room.
Pre-school eat in the pre-school room, sometimes they have a picnic in the woods or park.
Mealtimes are very sociable times and the staff sit with the children talking about the different food that is available and modelling good table manners.
How will my child’s progress be tracked throughout nursery?
Every child is given a primary and a secondary key person, the key person will be a member of staff that your child will have developed a bond with. The Key person will be based in the room with the child and they will upload observations on each child to their learning journey on Famly.
Do you hold parents evenings?
Here at Fixby House we hold 2 parents evenings per year but you can always have a chat or book an appointment with your child’s key person at any time. You will also be able to view photos daily and your child’s learning journey on Famly.
How often will my child go outside to play?
We go outside in all weathers. All the children have frequent access to the outdoors daily. We love going to explore the near by woods to do forest school and also playing at the local park!
Through regularly spending time in a natural, outdoor environment, your child will build upon their self-esteem and confidence, improve their ability to engage and work together with others and show improved creative skills and emotional resilience. Play based, child-led learning in a natural environment has been proven to have a highly positive impact on children’s cognitive skills and lead to higher academic achievement.
What sets Fixby House Nursery apart from other nursery?
Our nursery takes advantage of its woodland surroundings to provide a natural and enriching learning environment. Children have the opportunity to explore and discover nature first hand, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. We prioritize outdoor play and learning experiences. From nature walks to outdoor storytelling, our children engage in hands-on experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and physical development.
We offer a Forest School program that allows children to learn and play in the woodland environment regularly. We aim to encourage independence, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
We actively engage with the local community and the natural environment. We instil in children a sense of belonging and responsibility to their community and environment.
We incorporate sustainability practices into our daily operations and curriculum, teaching children the importance of environmental conservation and responsible living. From recycling initiatives to gardening projects, we empower children to become environmentally conscious citizens from a young age.
Overall, our nursery’s unique blend of nature-inspired learning, outdoor adventures, holistic development approach, and community engagement sets us apart as a nurturing and enriching environment for children to thrive in.
