The Nursery opens 52 weeks per year and only closes on the following days:

25th and 26th December

1st January, 2nd January

 (or the elected public holidays should the above dates fall on a weekend)

A security key pad entry system is in place on the front door to ensure access by authorised persons only. We require notification of who is authorised to collect your child from nursery.  Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to leave the premises unless it is with a previously identified, authorised person.

Before your child begins full days or sessions at Cradle-Hall Nursery we would recommend that you and your child visit for short introductory sessions.  You are encouraged to stay with your child until he or she settles after which time we would suggest that you leave for short periods until both you and your child are relaxed and comfortable in the nursery setting.  No charge is made for the introductory sessions.

Children learn quickly that nursery is a fun, friendly place to be therefore the settling-in period is rarely as difficult as you might imagine it to be.

A sleep room is available for your child to use for their nap times.  Each child has their own fresh bed linen and there is a baby monitor in the sleep room.  Children can also sleep on small beds or a rocking baby chair if you prefer.

The nursery staff plan activities in advance in the Junior Room to cover all 5 areas of the Curriculum Framework which ensures each child receives a broad, balanced range of activities.  These plans are flexible and respond to your child’s individual interests and developmental stage.

Planning for children under 3 years old is less structured and responsive to each child’s needs and abilities.

All children at Cradle-Hall Nursery brush their teeth on a daily basis after snack and/or lunch.  Your child will be provided with their own toothbrush and toothpaste.

For the health and well being of all children attending Cradle-Hall Nursery, your child should not come to nursery if they are suffering from an infectious illness. 

Parental permission is required for all medication to be administered at Cradle-Hall Nursery.

Positive behaviour is promoted at Cradle-Hall Nursery through praise and encouragement from the nursery staff.  Children receive little attention for negative behaviour, therefore they quickly realise that the positive behaviour will be rewarded.

Our staff will keep you fully informed if your child requires support in this area at any time.  If a pattern of behaviour causing more concern develops, we will discuss this with you and agree steps to move forward in the best interests of your child and the nursery.

If your child requires extra support for any reason, either on a temporary or permanent basis, we will make every effort to provide this support.  The nursery staff are experienced at working closely with parents and other professionals such as Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists and Paediatricians to help your child reach their full potential.

Depending on your child's age and stage of development you will need to bring::  formula or breast milk, nappies, soft indoor shoes, suitable outdoor clothing, a change of clothes and a packed lunch.  If your child has a comfort toy, blanket or a dummy you should also bring these to nursery. 

Your child will be involved in messy activities at nursery and although the staff will encourage them to wear aprons whenever possible, we would advise that your child does not wear ‘good’ clothes to nursery as accidents can happen. It is helpful if you mark all your child’s belongings with their name as it can be difficult for our nursery staff to locate unnamed items.  You will receive a complimentary nursery bag for all your child’s property and clothing.

We would also recommend that your child does not bring toys from home as they do become upset if items become mislaid or broken.  Favourite books and comfort toys are of course always welcome.