Children can attend from their second birthday to the start of primary school

We have a permanent staff of 4 teachers

Our numbers fluctuate from 16 to a maximum of 20 in the nursery so there is never a ratio of more than 5:1

Yes!

The minimum attendance is two sessions per week, but more than that is totally up to you.

Yes we are happy to continue your child's routine so they maintain the same timetable as at home.

We have mini mattresses in the quiet corner and are well practiced at helping little ones go down for their nap.

We want children to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents/carers, whilst at nursery. We have been settling children for many years, but each child is different and we are happy to work with parents/carers to achieve the best outcome.

Initially, we ask parents to fill in an ‘All About Me’ form telling us all about the child. Children will be encouraged to bring a favourite comforting toy or blanket to help them feel comfortable and on their first day parents may want to stay a while to see that their child is settled and happy.

We encourage parents, where appropriate, to separate from their children for brief periods of time at first, gradually building up to longer absences and parents are welcome to telephone the nursery at any point during the day to check that all is well.

Please be reassured that for those children that seem to be taking a longer time to settle, we will find a solution that works for everyone, no matter how long it takes.

See the full 'Settling Policy' below:

Please see our policy below, but know that we are happy to work with you during this transition in your child's life.

A couple of points to help things go as smoothly as possible and manage expectations:

- please don't start at a weekend, much better over the holidays to give the best chance of success at nursery

- we're happy to work with you once your child is ready to be potty trained, but please be aware that the nursery is a different setting and whilst they may be doing brilliantly at home, accidents do happen!

We totally understand that sometimes life takes over, but we would appreciate children arriving and leaving on time.

In the morning it helps for everyone to start their day together.

Please be on time for afternoon pick up - if you're late on more than 2 occasions in a term, we will charge a late pick up fee.

Please see below for our lateness policy:

Your child's safety is our priority.

Please see attached our

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy along with our Security Policy and Fire Safety policy:

Yes, children are required to wear Sunshine t-shirts and sweatshirts. Details are provided in the Welcome Pack

We believe a simple uniform:

• promotes a sense of pride in the nursery

• engenders a feeling of community and belonging

• is practical and smart

• identifies the children with the nursery

• is not distracting in the room (as fashion clothes might be)

• makes children feel equal to their peers in terms of appearanc

• prepares children for wearing uniforms at school

We’re excited to announce that Fridays are our special “Wear Anything to Nursery” day!

Your child is welcome to wear their favourite outfit instead of or the uniform.

A full copy of the Uniform Policy is here:

Nursery provides snacks daily which are healthy and nutritious. The children chose their own as we like to promote independence.

If your child is having packed lunch at Sunshine Nursery please include:

• Portion of fruit

• A starchy food (e.g bread, pasta, rice, noodles)

• Dairy food (e.g. cheese, yoghurt)

• Packed lunches may include one small dessert (e.g. cereal bar, plain rice cake)

• Carrot sticks/ cucumber slices (with or without a dip)

• If crisps are included, no more than twice a week

The full Healthy Eating policy is below.

Friday lunches are provided by nursery - please see the board for the next half term's menu

Please see below for the allergy/anaphylactic shock policy.

Autumn Term 2025

Children start: Monday 8th September

Inset Day: Friday 24th October

Half term: Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October inclusive

End of Term: Friday 5th December

Spring Term 2026

Inset Day: Wednesday 7th January

Children start: Thursday 8th January

Half term: Monday 16th February-Friday 20th February

End of Term: Friday 27th March

Summer Term 2026

Children start: Monday 20th April

Half term: Monday 25th May-Friday 29th May

End of Term: Wednesday 8th July

Autumn Term 2026

Children start: Monday 7th September

Half term; Monday 26th October-Friday 30th October

End of term: Friday 4th December

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that dates remain unchanged, we reserve the right to make adjustments if circumstances require.

WE DO OFFER CLUBS AT THE END OF EACH TERM PLEASE ASK FOR INFORMATION ON THESE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

For events this term please see the term schedule at https://www.sunshinenurserybarnes.co.uk/day-to-day

We love parents and carers to be involved and if there is anything you would like to ask us, our door is always open.

We hold parent/teacher meetings- normally held during 2nd half of autumn term and then ad hoc for spring term

We put on an Autumn term parent coffee morning/mixer

There is a Christmas concert & Summer Concert

We hold a wonderful Mothers day breakfast/tea as well as Father's Day breakfast/tea

We enjoy a Spring Term trip to Kew Gardens (parents welcome) and our Family picnic at Wetlands end of Summer term

We encourage parents to come in for 'parents reading sessions' where you read one of your child's favourite books to the group.

We are always available to chat to you about your child at any point - please just ask.

Please take a moment to read the 'Sickness Policy' below, but brief guidance is as follows to minimise the spread of infection.

Coughs & Colds:

If your child is unwell and would not cope with a nursery day it would be

appreciated if you could keep them at home, to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to the other children.

If your child has any of the following please keep them at home for the following:

Diarrhoea/ been sick = 48 hours from the last incidence

Temperature (over 38 degrees) = 24 hours (with no Calpol etc)

Eye infection = once treatment has started

Chicken pox = please see policy

We share a policy a month with parents/guardians via email.

You are able to request a paper copy of any of these policies:

Admissions

Anaphylactic shock and food

Anti-bullying

Behaviour policy

Complaints procedure

Curriculum planning

Equal opportunities statement

Equality and diversity statement

Equality and diversity

Extreme weather policy

Fire safety

First aid

Inclusion statement

Healthy Eating

Intimate care / Nappy changing

Key person

Late policy

Learning and development

Lost child

Medicine

Outings

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Security

Settling in

Sickness

Special educational needs

Sustainability & Climate policy

Toileting

Toy

Uniform

Visitors