FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Parent Questions

Jungle Tots Children.’s Day Nursery aims to make life as easy as possible for you as a parent or carer. As part of this we have tried to list the main questions we get asked so it is easy for you to understand. However, PLEASE just ask your key worker if you are not sure about something or contact us directly here.

  • When are nursery fees due?
    All fees are taken by direct debit in advance and should be paid by the 1st of the month to which the fees relate.
  • What methods of payment do you accept?

    All monthly fees must be paid by direct debit. The first payment may be made by credit card or bank transfer (before the direct debit has been set up) and must be made 3 weeks before your child takes up their place.

    Please note that for the safety of staff in our nursery we do not accept cash or cheques.

    We do accept childcare vouchers and tax free childcare payments.

  • Do I have to pay if my child doesn’t attend?

    Yes, full fees apply for non-attendance e.g. illness, holidays. Please inform us if you know your child will be absent and the reason.

  • Do I have to pay when Jungle Tots Day Nursery is closed?

    No charges are due when the nursery is closed for one week over the Christmas Holidays.  The fees are based on being open for 51 weeks of the year and averaged so each month is the same charge.  Normal charges apply for all other Bank Holidays.  Should the nursery have to close due to adverse weather conditions, fees would remain chargeable.

  • Are you open over the Christmas period and do I have to pay for this?

    No charges are due when the nursery is closed for one week over the Christmas Holidays.

  • What will happen if I cannot pay my child’s fees?

    Please see the Nursery Manager/ Deputy as soon as possible before/soon after the fees are due. As a general rule we will seek payment on the day that payment is due. We will discuss with parents and seek a re-payment arrangement. It is really important that you speak to us if you are experiencing difficulties in paying your child’s fees. Non-payment of fees may result in your child’s place at the nursery being forfeited.

  • What are the staff to child ratios?
    • Children aged 0-2 years: 1 adult to 3 children
    • Children aged 2-3 years: 1 adult to 4 children
    • Children aged older than 3 years: 1 adult to 8 children
  • What age are the children in each of the rooms?

    We move the children into different rooms, in accordance to their individual development stage rather than strictly by age, but below is an approximate age of the children in each room:

    • Cubs Room – ages 3 months to 2 years
    • Tigers Room – ages 2 to 3 years
    • Macaw Room – ages 3 years to 4 years
  • What items do I need to bring into nursery?

    We recommend that all children have their own small rucksack or bag, with their names clearly labelled on it.

    Recommended items for all children:

    • Appropriate milk feeds (please make sure that your bottles are clearly labelled)
    • Nappies / trainer pants/ creams / wipes (a stock can be kept at the nursery)
    • Spare change of clothes
    • Sun hat and sun cream in summer (these can be kept at the nursery)
    • Gloves, hat, warm coat, suitable footwear for cold weather
    • We have all in one waterproof suits for children to wear. As we have a water play area, we would recommend that children bring in a named pair of wellies that can be left at nursery or taken home each day

    Please also make sure that all coats, hats, clothes and bottles are all labelled clearly with your child’s name. This really helps ensure items get returned to the correct child.

  • Who cooks the nursery food?

    Our food is prepared in the kitchen on site at our sister business, Safari Adventure Play.

    There is a chef dedicated to cooking all of the nursery food but is overseen but our Safari Play Head Chef.  Our menus are in accordance with the School Food Trust Early Years guidelines.  We cater for vegetarians, vegans and all dietary and cultural requirements. We also promote low salt, low sugar and very often do dairy free food.  There are sample menus on the food section of the website.

  • Are you allowed to give medicine to the children?

    Should your child become ill and require prescribed antibiotics please allow at least 24 hours before they return to the nursery.

    We are permitted to administer medicines and Calpol (or an equivalent paracetamol based liquid medication); teething gels & nappy creams, all of which will need written parental consent. All children’s medicines are kept securely in the office. We do have fridge space if the medicine is required to be kept chilled.

  • What do I do if my child is ill and do I still have to pay full fees for this day?

    It would be appreciated if you could ring 01733 303775 between 7.30am and 9am to inform us that your child will not be in nursery that day and the reason for their absence. We are sorry but as sessions are pre-booked the full fees are still payable.

  • What are the nursery’s exclusion periods for childhood illnesses?

    To ensure that illnesses do not spread throughout the nursery it is very important that you adhere to the nursery exclusion periods as recommended by Public Health England.  Click here for further details.

    We know it is difficult for working parents but it is important for the health of all the children and staff that everyone adheres to these rules.

  • Where do we park to drop off and collect our child?

    There is ample parking outside the front door of Jungle Tots. If this is full for any reason, there is a large free car park in the middle of Coningsby Park, 25m from Jungle Tots front door.

    There is also a wonderful take away café for those in a rush or who need a coffee on the way to work.

    If you have time to stay, we offer sessions for parents and carers to meet at Safari Play following drop off in the morning and afternoon to meet and chat.

  • Do you do potty training?

    Yes we do. We work closely with the parents and are happy to give advice and support on potty training.

  • Do the children have a Keyworker?

    A keyworker is a special member of our staff who is your child’s personal carer. This person will be the one who greets your child in the morning and who welcomes you both to the nursery.

    A keyworker will never seek to replace a parent but will be a special adult in your child’s life at nursery and we actively encourage this essential attachment. As your child grows and develops in skills and confidence, the keyworker will become less significant in your child’s life.  However, the keyworker will still be there for both you and your child, whenever needed.

  • How do I get feedback on my child’s progress?

    You will receive a daily account of what your child has been doing at nursery. This will be in the form of an online diary stating a brief summary of what your child has eaten, how long they have slept and their daily learning activities that we think you’d like to hear about. This ensures you do not miss out on any details or developmental progress.

    An ‘open door’ policy, at Jungle Tots Day Nursery, means you can pop in at any time or telephone to see how your child is getting on. Our staff are always available for an informal chat and each term, we will hold a more formal parents evening to discuss your child’s progress at nursery and listen to their progress at home.  Your child’s keyworker is always available to you.

  • What happens if I am late for collecting my child?

    Please inform the Nursery as soon as possible if you are to be late in collecting.

    There will be a charge of £15.00 for every 10 minutes that you are late picking up your child.  This applies if you are late collecting your child after the morning session which finishes at 1pm, as we always have strict staff-to-child ratios to maintain.  If, after 30 minutes, no one has collected your child and the staff cannot contact anyone from the list of people who are authorised to collect, we will contact Multi agency Safeguarding Peterborough to speak to a social worker.

  • Why can’t I use my mobile phone in the Nursery?

    Safeguarding all children is our priority.  Mobile phones are not to be used so that we can ensure that no unauthorised photographs can be taken of any child and that they are not used/shared inappropriately on the internet.

  • Can I claim funding for my child?

    Yes.  We accept 2,3 and 4 year old funded children. If your child is 2 years old you may be able to claim 15 hours a week funded childcare, you will need to apply for this at Peterborough Local Authority website at www.peterborough.gov.uk/freefortwos

    If you are successful you will be given a code that you will need to pass on to us before your child starts Nursery. All children are entitled to 15 hours a week funded childcare from the term after their 3rd birthday. Terms are 1st September, 1st January, 1st April. When your child starts Nursery, we claim the funding and will ask you to fill in a form and provide your child’s birth certificate and proof of address.  You may be eligible to claim 30 hours of funding a week for your 3 / 4 year old. You will have to apply for this at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.  If you are successful you will be given a code, which you will need to pass onto us along with your national insurance number.

    If you have any questions about funding, please do not hesitate to speak to the Nursery Manager or Deputy.

  • Can you help if we are experiencing difficulties in our family?

    Yes – we are able to suggest ideas, inform you of services and support you through any difficult times. We are also able to initiate an EHA (Early Help Assessment). We can work with you and other agencies in order for you and your family to receive help for your situation.

  • What do I do if I have a suggestion or comment about the Nursery?

    We have a comments box where you can write any suggestions and post them in the box (anonymously if you wish).

    If you have a complaint, please speak to the Nursery Manager or Nursery Deputy Manager.

  • How do I contact the nursery manager if I have a concern?

    You can contact our nursery manager, Rachel, by phone on 01733 303775 or email rachel@jungletotsdaynursery.co.uk

    We take every concern seriously no matter how small it may initially seem and we will follow it through carefully with you.  If you do not feel your concern was dealt with correctly by your key worker or the manager you can contact our owner, Gordon Forster, on gordon@jungletotsdaynursery.co.uk

  • Where are my child’s paintings/drawings?

    Children may not paint every day and we also display artwork around the rooms in the day nursery. If your child has painted a picture it will be available upon collection.

  • What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?

    This is a document that all childcare providers working with children from 0-5 years have to adhere to. This includes Pre-School, Playgroups, Day nurseries, childminders and teachers in Reception class in schools.