Nursery FAQs

What is your settling in procedure?

We anticipate a minimum of three 2 hour sessions over a two week period to settle in your child, however, this is not set in stone and we will work closely with you and your child to achieve the best outcome. We would ask that a parent spend their child’s first 2 hour session with us to allow you both to get a feel for our outdoor nursery, our ethos and what your child can expect to be doing during a typical day outdoors.

We would then encourage a further 2 hour session where the parent is still in attendance but takes a step back and watches and encourages their child and then a third 2 hour session without the parent in attendance. This may not suit all children, indeed some children may settle immediately whilst others may take longer, each child is unique and we will work hard to ensure their transition into outdoor nursery is smooth.

What might a typical day in Forest School nursery look like?

Your child will be dropped off between 8-9am each day where you will sign the register, this will also be the case at pick up times from 3pm-6pm. A typical day will involve us and the children all meeting together to prepare for the day ahead, this will include involving the children in conducting a (secondary) risk assessment of our grounds, checking and reminding ourselves of our boundaries.

Next, we will discuss our agreements and rituals such as respecting each other, our forest and agreeing how we will ensure we make the most out of our day and keep each other safe and happy. The children will then be involved in choosing what kind of adventure they would like to embark upon.

This adventure might involve making shelters where we can eat our lunch, navigating through the forest in search of streams or finding and researching plants and mini-beasts, but be assured that, without realising it, these adventures will be developing every one of their skills as we negotiate, plan, implement, reflect, research, work together and get physically active.

What about food?

Footprints on the Moon will provide all meals, drinks and snacks ; we will provide a nutritious seasonal menu to keep us moving throughout the day. All dietary requirements are catered for.

What about toileting and nappy changing?

Footprints have a toilet cabin in camp and access to the public toilets on site too. When we go out and about we use a toilet tent with eco-friendly portable toilets and pop up nappy changing tents with the appropriate mat, aprons, gloves etc along with handwashing facilities which will consist of warm water, eco soap and hand towels.

What if my child still needs to nap?

We secure hammocks to our camp trees for when the children feel they need a nap or a rest, this type of sleeping arrangement is recommended because the children are up off the floor avoiding any obstacles and cold/damp floors. However, should you feel this is not appropriate then we have a pop up bed and sleeping tent.

What about keeping my child safe?

The educators always work together and never take children out alone, we communicate with walkie talkies and whistles will be used in times of concern or emergency. The children themselves will have an understanding through routines and rituals about keeping safe and we will all adopt the same form of location checks throughout the sessions, for example the “1,2,3 where are you?” song which will always ensure we stay close to each other. Plessey Woods Country Park is a lovely place for dog walkers and quite often dogs are off the lead, the children will be taught to stand still with arms crossed over their chest until the dog has been placed back onto its leash. Children may sustain an injury through trips, falls and bumps whilst in the woods and each team member will be appropriately first aid trained, will carry a first aid kit and complete the appropriate recording paperwork for you to sign as standard.

What is your ratio and staffing?

Like all nursery settings, our staff will be qualified educators and we will also have fully qualified Level 3 Forest School Leaders on board too. Our ratios will be one adult to every three 2 year olds (1:3) and one staff member to every five 3 year olds (1:5). By providing higher ratios than standard we ensure that your child receives the very best from our nursery and the team can build strong, nurturing relationships. This level of care and commitment supports in the holistic development of your child as they go through their journey with us learning through their play in the great outdoors.

What do you do when it rains or cold?

“There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing” - Alfred Wainwright. In all elements, we PLAY!!! We use shelters, we like to have fires and enjoy warm drinks. As long as the children are dry and warm, they will happily continue to play regardless of the weather.

Do you offer government funded hours?

We offer 15 and 30 government funded hours. Your child can access this through the school terms or stretched to cover a longer period. Please check the eligibility criteria on the government website.

Do you have a minimum attendance requirement?

For the best learning and settling in experience, we require a minimum of three days a week.