Will my child be okay if they're upset at drop-off?

Most children settle within the first few sessions. Our team uses a key worker system, so your child has one familiar face building a relationship with them from day one. We're always happy to talk through a settling-in plan if you're worried — just ask.

Can I stay for the first session?

Yes — we encourage parents to stay for part of the first visit if it helps your child feel secure, and we'll work with you on a pace that suits your child.

A small, named bag is all you need. We'd suggest including:

• A healthy snack for our designated snack time (see our snack guidance above for safe cutting)

• A named water bottle

• A spare set of clothes, including underwear and socks, in case of accidents or messy play

• Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing — a coat (even in summer, British weather being what it is!), and wellies or old shoes if the ground's likely to be wet

• Nappies and wipes, if your child isn't yet toilet trained

• Any medication your child needs, clearly labelled with their name and dosage instructions, handed directly to a member of staff

Please make sure everything is clearly named — with so many similar bags, coats, and water bottles around, it makes a big difference at pickup time!

What is your sun cream policy? 

We recommend applying sun cream to your child before drop-off, so they're protected from the start of the session. If your child will need reapplication during longer sessions, please speak to a member of staff to arrange this.

Can my child bring a toy from home?

We generally discourage toys from home, as they can sometimes get lost, broken, or lead to disagreements over sharing. However, if your child relies on a comforter to feel settled and secure, that's absolutely fine — just let us know so we can keep an eye on it.

What if my child has allergies or dietary requirements?

Please let us know any allergies or dietary needs when you register, and update us straight away if anything changes. We take allergies seriously and will agree a plan with you before your child starts.

Does the setting provide snacks? 

We don't provide snacks, instead all children are entitled to free milk, provided daily through the government's Nursery Milk Scheme, delivered directly to the setting.  

What snacks should I pack? 

Please pack a healthy snack for your child to enjoy during our designated snack time each morning.

For food safety, please make sure any snack is cut appropriately for young children to reduce the risk of choking. In particular:

• Grapes and cherry tomatoes should always be cut into quarters lengthways (not just halved) — a half-grape can still block a small child's airway

• Hard raw vegetables and fruit (like carrot or apple) are safest as thin batons, or grated, rather than chunks or coins

• Sausages or similar shaped foods should be cut lengthways, not into round coins

What happens if my child arrives with an injury from home?

As standard practice in all early years settings, we record any visible injury your child arrives with, and ask you to confirm what happened. This isn't about questioning you — it's a routine safeguarding step required of every registered setting, and it protects both your child and our staff.

What happens if my child is injured while in your care?

All our staff are paediatric first-aid trained. Any accident or injury is recorded, and you'll be informed at pickup (or sooner, if needed) with full details of what happened and how it was handled.

What if my child is unwell?

If your child becomes unwell while in our care, we'll contact you immediately to arrange collection. In the meantime, we'll make sure your child is comfortable and kept away from other children where appropriate, until you're able to collect them.

Please make sure your emergency contact details are always kept up to date with us, so we can reach you (or another authorised contact) as quickly as possible if needed.

Does my child need to be toilet trained to start?

Not necessarily — every child develops at their own pace, and our team is experienced in supporting toilet training as part of your child's day. Just let us know where your child is in the process so we can work with you consistently between home and pre-school.

How will I know what my child has been doing?

We use Tapestry, an online learning journal, to share photos, observations and updates about your child's day and development. You'll be given secure login access so you can see updates in real time, and add your own photos or comments from home too.

Do I need to download anything?

Tapestry has a free app (iOS and Android) as well as a web version — we'll talk you through setting it up when your child starts.

Do you keep attendance records?

Yes — like all Ofsted-registered settings, we're required to maintain accurate daily attendance registers. This helps us know exactly who is on-site at all times in the event of an emergency, and forms part of our regular Ofsted compliance. 

What if my child will be absent or late?

Please let us know by phone or email as early as possible — our number and email are on the Contact page.

Is my child eligible for funded hours?

Please see our page: Government-Funded Childcare and Parent Fees 

What support is available if my child has additional needs?

Our Deputy Manager, Amy Newell, is our SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) and works closely with families to make sure every child gets the right support, alongside outside agencies where needed.

Who do I speak to if I have a concern?

For general questions, speak to your child's key worker or Karen, our Manager. For safeguarding concerns specifically, you can also email safeguarding@lovelanepreschool.co.uk  directly and confidentially.