For parents
Dates, the week’s menu, what to pack, and every policy — in one place.
Dates for the diary
-
Half term
Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026
Nursery open; term-time funded hours pause -
Christmas closure
Thursday 24 December to Friday 1 January 2027
Nursery closed -
Spring term begins
Monday 4 January 2027
Funded hours start for children who turned three last term -
Half term
Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027
Nursery open -
Spring family picnic
Friday 26 March 2027
15:30 in the garden, siblings welcome -
Summer term begins
Monday 12 April 2027
New starters in Nest and Burrow -
Leavers' afternoon
Friday 16 July 2027
For Orchard families moving on to school
In the bag
- A full change of clothes, labelled
- Wellies and a warm hat (we have puddle suits)
- A comforter or sleeping bag if they nap with one
- Any medicine, with the form signed at the door
- Nothing else — nappies, wipes, cream and food are ours
Policies
Questions
How long does settling in take?
We plan for two weeks: short visits with you in the room first, then longer stays without you. Some children need less, some need more, and we go at their pace, not the calendar's.
Do you take funded hours?
Yes. We offer both 15 and 30 funded hours, stretched across 51 weeks. The fees calculator shows exactly what that means for your monthly bill.
What do we need to bring?
A spare set of clothes, wellies, and anything that helps your child sleep. We provide nappies, wipes, sun cream and all food.
Can we visit before we apply?
Please do. Visits happen during a normal morning, so you see the rooms as they really are. Book a slot below, or just call.
What happens if my child is ill?
Children with a temperature or sickness stay home until they have been well for 48 hours. We call you straight away if your child becomes unwell at nursery.
How do you keep in touch with parents?
A written note every day through our parent app, a longer learning update every half term, and time at the door morning and evening.