Got questions? We’ve got answers! Explore our FAQs to find solutions to common queries about our nursery services, settling in, food and drink, and more.
Ofsted is the government body that inspects and regulates nurseries, schools, and childcare across England to ensure children are safe, learning well, and receiving high-quality care.
Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) inspects every registered nursery regularly, and all reports are published publicly on the Ofsted website.
Most nurseries will now be inspected roughly every 4 years under the new framework.
Under the new Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, settings are inspected at least once every inspection cycle – typically every 4 years, rather than every 6 years under the old Inspection Framework.
If Ofsted identifies a small area to strengthen, they may revisit within 12 months to recognise progress sooner. This creates greater transparency and gives families clearer, more up-to-date information.
The biggest change is that there will no longer be a single overall grade like ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’.
Instead, Ofsted will introduce a new system that includes:
Ofsted is updating its framework to make inspections clearer, fairer, and more consistent.
The old system often felt confusing for settings and families. The new approach gives more detailed, useful feedback and introduces slightly more frequent inspections so progress can be recognised sooner. These quicker follow-ups are normal and usually relate to small areas needing improvement.
No – these ratings are being removed from November 2025.
Instead, nurseries will receive detailed judgements against the new five-point scale and separate ratings in each area. Parents will get clearer information about strengths and where improvements are being made.
‘Expected Standard’ means the nursery fully meets all Ofsted requirements and provides consistently high-quality care and education.
It is equivalent to, or better than, a ‘Good’ outcome under the old system. Children are safe, well cared for, and making strong progress in their learning and development.
You can find your latest report on our nursery webpage or by searching the Ofsted reports site here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/
Once the new framework begins, reports will include a breakdown for each judgement area (e.g., Safeguarding, Inclusion, Curriculum) instead of one overall grade.
Inspectors review how effectively staff keep children safe, respond to concerns, and maintain a nurturing environment.
From November 2025, safeguarding will be judged simply as ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’, showing whether the setting meets statutory safeguarding standards.
The updated Ofsted framework places more focus on children’s inclusion, well-being, and engagement. It encourages nurseries to reflect more deeply on every child’s experience, including those with additional needs, ensuring all children are supported and happy in their learning environment.
Parents don’t need to do anything before an inspection.
Ofsted may ask for your views through a short questionnaire called ‘Parent View’. Your feedback helps inspectors understand how well the nursery communicates and supports families.
Some of our nursery teams have already taken part in Ofsted pilot and mock inspections to understand how the new process works. The insights and learning from these experiences have been shared across all our nurseries, ensuring every team benefits from the feedback and best practice. Please note, we will not be receiving a report for the Ofsted pilot and mock inspections. Further guidance around the new inspection framework has also been provided to all of our nurseries, to ensure we continue to meet (and exceed) the new Expected Standard.
You can read the full Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (effective from November 2025) on the official government website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025
When registering your child we ask you to provide the contact details of someone we could contact in an emergency if we were unable to get hold of you.
On registration, we ask for your contact details including an emergency contact. We would use these to contact you in the event of an emergency, or if your child was unwell.
We are able to administer prescribed medication, including epi-pens. In the case of an epi-pen, the staff team would receive the appropriate training from the health professional involved.
All our nurseries take part in regular fire drills; therefore, the staff and children know exactly what they must do in the event of a fire. All nurseries have a robust and effective fire evacuation procedure.
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Through our parent app, parents can log in and view their child’s activities and ‘wow’ moments when it is most convenient for them. Parents can contribute to their child’s learning journey, make notes for their key carer, and strengthen their bond with the staff and setting all from their secure app.
When you register your child at one of our nurseries, we will ask about several different permissions, including sharing photos and videos on our social media channels. These lists are monitored carefully by each nursery and are kept up to date via regular communication with families.
Through our social media, we aim to show as many insights as possible into nursery life, through photos and videos provided by our nurseries. All our nurseries aim to provide regular content for social media.
Our dedicated nursery teams work diligently to provide high-quality care, a safe and secure environment, and a fun atmosphere for all children. Our teams focus first and foremost on the children’s development and supporting them throughout the busy day. This means that sometimes our nurseries will prioritise uploading updates via our secure parent app.
Lots of fun! Every week, our nurseries share photos and videos with us of the children engaging in a variety of wonderful activities.
The parent app is used for a more personalised and detailed update of your child, including what they ate, what activities they took part in, wow moments and more. Our parent app helps to increase partnerships with families by allowing two-way communication between parents and your nursery.
On social media, rather than focusing on individual child updates, our platforms highlight special days and events that have taken place within the nurseries.
Each review is carefully monitored and responded to by our experienced team, who ensure each piece of feedback is responded to, and any issues are dealt with accordingly. All reviews are public and are a great way to help families make a decision on which nursery to choose for their child.
Positive reviews are forwarded to the mentioned team members and nursery setting and are a great way for our team members to feel motivated, inspired and rewarded, as they work extremely hard to create the best learning environment for your child, whilst taking pride in providing high-quality care.
Daynurseries is relied on by parents, families and carers when deciding on the important next stage for their children. It is recognised as an excellent source of providing information surrounding the nursery sector, providing many families with opportunities to explore local nursery settings, leave reviews and apply for jobs in the Early Years sector.
To find out more and to explore our nurseries on Daynurseries.co.uk, click here.
All our reviews are created independently by parents just like you. Leaving feedback about your experience at our nurseries can help prospective families choose the right setting for their child.
Positive reviews are a great way for our team members to feel motivated, inspired and rewarded, as they work extremely hard to create the best learning environment for your child, and take pride in providing high-quality care.
You can find an online profile for each of our nurseries on the following websites:
www.daynurseries.co.uk
www.netmums.com
www.google.co.uk
www.childcare.co.uk
Here you will be able to explore each of our nurseries, with details on facilities, team members, contact information and what other parents have to say. You will be able to read and write reviews on these sites, as well as contact the nursery should you need to.
If you feel you have had a negative experience at one of our nurseries or have some urgent feedback for us, please follow the procedure below so that we can ensure we rectify the problem as quickly as possible.
We believe that parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their individual needs. We welcome any suggestions from families on how we can improve our services and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns that you may have.
In the first instance, please discuss your question or concern with the child’s key carer, particularly if you have a concern regarding your child. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, please put your complaint in writing to the Nursery Manager. Your complaint will be acknowledged within 5 working days. The complaint will be investigated fully, and you will receive an outcome within 28 days. We will strive to resolve this sooner where possible.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can escalate to our senior team to ask for your complaint, and the response you have received if relevant, to be reviewed. This will be done by senior management within 28 days of receiving your request. Please email letusknow@tosn.co.uk
If you wish to proceed with a formal complaint, you can view our policies here.
These special items are gifted to children as they approach their final term at nursery, usually during the summer term before they start school. Your nursery team will let you know when your child’s pack is ready and ensure that everything, including the backpack, tracker, certificate, and Clarks voucher, is handed over in plenty of time.
Yes, as a special parting gift, each family receives a £30 Clarks voucher to use towards their child’s first pair of school shoes. It’s our way of helping you prepare for the next big step and making the transition feel extra exciting for your little one.
The backpack is a fun and practical gift that children receive as they prepare to leave nursery. It’s ideal for carrying school essentials and helps them feel excited and proud about starting school. Many children love using it for days out and family adventures too!
Each child enrolled at our nursery receives a special school-readiness pack. This includes a colourful backpack, a printed journey tracker magnet to display at home, and a certificate to celebrate their transition to primary school.
Yes, we recognise that each child is unique. Our practitioners assess and adapt activities to suit individual learning styles and developmental stages, ensuring personalised support.
‘Next Stop School’ complements the EYFS by building upon its principles, focusing on holistic development and preparing children for the structured environment of primary school.
We offer a ‘Next Stop School’ journey tracker and magnet, allowing families to visually follow and celebrate their child’s milestones as they prepare for school.
Absolutely. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with families to support each child’s unique needs. Parents are provided with resources and guidance to reinforce learning and development at home.
Next Stop School integrates structured activities that promote self-care, communication, and problem-solving. By engaging in these activities, children build the resilience and adaptability needed for a successful transition to school.
‘Next Stop School’ is our approach to supporting children as they prepare for the transition to primary school. It focuses on building confidence, independence, and social-emotional readiness, helping each child feel secure and excited about their next step in education.
Fees are payable during absences.
We provide breakfast, lunch and tea, together with morning and afternoon snacks, including drinks. All our nursery settings provide nappies and wipes which are included within the additional service charge, although you are welcome to provide your own if you wish to use a specific brand.
Some nurseries provide formula milk, alternatively, you would provide your own. Speak to your nursery manager to find out more.
We follow routines as much as we possibly can in a nursery environment. Whatever stage your child is at in terms of weaning will be supported in the nursery. We find out this information during the settling-in stage and ask that you keep us updated as things change.
Our personalised tours provide an in-depth look at our facilities, an introduction to our wonderful nursery teams, and a way for you to see and hear more about our Brighter Learning Approach to learning. Most importantly, you will be able to experience the atmosphere of our nursery first-hand. Your local team will be available during the tour to address any concerns and to discuss your child’s specific needs. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition for your child and to create a welcoming and comforting environment from the beginning.
Yes. To ensure that we can set some time aside and give you the best possible tour, please book an appointment in advance. To explore one of our nurseries, please book a tour here.
When to apply for nursery will depend on your own and your child’s circumstances, however it is never too early. We sometimes receive applications from parents before their child is born. We recommend reserving your child’s place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Reserve your child’s place by completing an online form.
Nurseries are inspected by Ofsted at least every 6 years and newly opened nurseries are inspected within 2.5 years of opening. You can access Ofsted inspection reports by clicking here.
Each country in the UK has its own independent regulatory body for childcare.
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Oftsed) regulate a range of early years and children’s social care services by checking that people, premises and the services provided are suitable to care for children and young people.
They issue licences to childcare and children’s social care providers that meet the required standards. If they find that providers are not meeting the required standards, they use our enforcement powers to ensure that the nursery will make the necessary improvements.
At The Old Station Nursery Group, we also have a Quality and Training team who review and monitor content, organise training and provide all the tools that we need to ensure for a safe, secure, and fun environment for all children and staff.
At The Old Station Nursery Group we are passionate about Creating Brighter Futures Together and we believe that our teams have a transformational impact on the children, families and each other. TOSN is committed to delivering high-quality childcare through recruiting, training, and retaining the best staff. We work hard to ensure our staff are given every opportunity to develop their careers.
We are committed to providing training and development opportunities that have a tangible impact of the lives of our teams, by engaging and empowering staff to identify opportunities that are practical and meaningful to them. Each of our staff members complete core training when they join TOSN including Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Safety and Hygiene, Fire Safety and Child Development.
Our teams have access to extensive high-quality training and development opportunities focusing directly on the needs of the children that they are working with, as well as leadership, management skills and mental health. We offer Level 2, 3 and 5 apprenticeships in Early Years and Childcare to our staff from our preferred provider partners, with practitioners also having the opportunity to complete an Early Years Foundation Degree top up and to progress to Early Years Initial Teacher Training. If you are interested in a role within the Early Years, please contact us.
All our nursery settings provide nappies and wipes which are included within the additional service charge, although you are welcome to provide your own if you wish to use a specific brand. Feel free to discuss this with the nursery team during the settling in visits. We also provide formula milk up to the age of 1.
We ask that parents provide a change of clothes (including socks and underwear) and appropriate clothing for the season (coat, wellies, hats and gloves). We do provide sun cream for the summer months, but you are welcome to provide your own.
Please remember to bring your child’s comforter if they have one and any medication they may need. You will be asked to complete a medication form for this before starting.
You’ll be pleased to hear that we are open during the holidays, although this may vary depending on which nursery you are enquiring at, so we would suggest that you contact the Nursery Manager directly. All nurseries across the group are closed on Bank Holidays.
If for any reason you know you are not going to be able to collect your child on time, we would ask you to arrange for someone else to come and collect them. However, we understand that sometimes circumstances out of your control can make you late. We do ask that you contact the nursery to let us know. A late collection charge may be payable as per our terms and conditions.
Yes, we do just ask that you let us know if you are coming to collect your child much earlier than the time they are booked in until, just so that we can ensure they are prepared. Please note that you will still be required to pay for the full session booked.
Initially, this information will be collected on our registration form. We then also ask you to complete an ‘all about me’ prior to the first visit so that we can discuss things such as allergies in more detail, face to face. The information will then be added to an individual Health Care Plan which the team will follow to ensure allergies and individual needs are always met.
The rooms and kitchen display allergy sheets which has a photo of the child, their name, the days they attend, the allergy, symptoms of exposure and what to do in an emergency.
If your child is prescribed medication, long-term or short-term, you will be asked to complete a medication permission form. Medication will only be administered in line with our medication policy. At the end of the day, you will be asked to sign to say that the child has had the medication and that you have been informed. This may also be completed on the ParentZone App.
In the case of an epi-pen, the staff team would receive the appropriate training from the health professional involved.
Teaching and learning at The Old Station Nursery Group centres around the individual child; what they love and what motivates them to learn. All nurseries in England must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.
At The Old Station Nursery, we use the EYFS guidance and our own Brighter Learning Approach to deliver a rich and meaningful curriculum, tailored to meet the individual needs of all children.
During the settling in sessions, we will endeavour to find out as much as possible about your child, the support they might need and how we can best meet their individual needs. Each of our settings has a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator), who has received additional specialist training. Our teams will also work closely with external professionals and agencies, and in partnership with families, to ensure your child has all the support they need. We also have staff in our teams who are undertaking Level 3 qualifications in SEND.
The minimum number of sessions per week that must be taken is two. Please see your nursery’s fee schedule for available sessions.
Your key carer is primarily responsible for following your child’s routine, tracking their development and providing rich learning opportunities, tailored to meet their individual needs and supporting them to meet their next steps. There is also a key carer ‘buddy’ system in place to ensure there is always someone who knows your child and their individual needs, when the key carer is not available.
Yes, if arranged in advance by you with the nursery team, and either a photograph has been provided or a password has been set up. We will not release a child without these important safety steps.
On registration we ask for your contact details including an emergency contact. We would use these to contact you in the event of an emergency, or if your child was unwell.
You are welcome to call the nursery at any time.
Our children love being out and about and children with parents’ permissions can enjoy walks out in the local community. We use set ratios for walks and outings, and these are risk assessed beforehand.
For nursery children with additional needs, we work with both you and other professionals to ensure the appropriate support is provided.
Most settings have extra-curricular activities like music and movement and some nurseries have full enhancements like a Forest School or Montessori Inspired. This will differ from setting to setting. Activities, clubs and enhancements are part of private fees and are chargeable as Enhancements for funded places. Speak to your Nursery Manager for more information.
The staff ratios for under 2s is 1:3, 2-year-olds is 1:5 and 3 & 4-year-olds is 1:8
Since the government’s announcement back in 2023, the expanded funded childcare offer has now been fully rolled out across England. This means that from September 2025, working parents can now access up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged 9 months up to school age.
Here’s how the rollout unfolded:
To qualify, parents must meet the government’s criteria. For example, each parent (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) must be in work (including self-employment) and earning under the specified income threshold.
Families can check eligibility and apply through Best Start in Life, where they’ll also find guidance on when to renew or confirm their details to keep receiving funding.
You can submit a new application any time you meet the eligibility criteria for childcare entitlements or Tax-Free Childcare. You must then present your code to your provider to confirm your place can continue.
If you miss your reconfirmation window, your eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare and/or childcare entitlements will lapse. However, if your child is already in a place at the nursery and receives funding, a grace period for your free childcare will apply. This means your child can continue in their place for a short time, but you need to submit another application before the start of the next term to keep getting the childcare entitlements and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
You need to log into your childcare account using your Government Gateway ID to reconfirm. The dates between which you should reconfirm will be displayed when you log in.
Yes, you will receive a reminder from HMRC when your reconfirmation window opens, also a week before your reconfirmation deadline and on your reconfirmation deadline. Please remember to make sure that your details are up to date with HMRC. It is not the Nursery’s responsibility to send reminders.
You need to log into your childcare account every 3 months to reconfirm that your details are up to date and that you remain eligible for the childcare entitlements for working parents and/or Tax-Free Childcare.
If you have two codes, one from your letter beginning with 11, and one from the website beginning with 50, please send the nursery the code from the website beginning with 50, as this is your permanent digital code for your child. If you only have one code (beginning with 11) then you can use this temporary code to start using your entitlements. Please remember that if you used a temporary code beginning with 11, once your reconfirmation window opens, you will still need to reconfirm your eligibility through your Childcare Account and share the digital code (beginning with 50) that you will receive at that time with your nursery.
On receiving your initial code, we will check your eligibility with the Local Authority, we will inform you if your code is not valid for your funded placement.
All codes are required to be sent to your nursery using the online funding form (https://www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/parents/fees-and-funded-childcare/submit-funding-code/) by the nursery deadlines. Failure to submit your code by this date may result in your child’s funding not being allocated for the next term.
We recommend you contact your Nursery as early as possible to secure your place. You will be able to take up your free hours from the term after you meet all the eligibility criteria for the entitlement you are applying for. These terms begin on 1st January, 1st April and 1st September.
*York local authority – funding starts 1st May.
You can apply online here at www.gov.uk.
You’ll need to make sure you have the following information to hand before starting the application:
Once codes have been applied for, you will be required to re-verify your code prior to funding, starting every three months.
You can access your funded entitlement from the 1st January, 1st April or 1st September after your child’s 3rd birthday.
All those aged 3 to starting school in England can receive 570 free hours per year through this entitlement.
All 3 and 4 year olds who live in England are entitled to this offer irrespective of your income levels, benefit status, or family circumstances.
Government funding only covers a limited number of hours and does not include meals, essentials and all the wonderful, enhanced activities that The Old Station Nursery children love. These include:
Government funding delivers your 15 or 30 hours of free, high quality, flexible childcare. It does not cover additional hours, activities or extra costs, such as meals. You will receive an invoice monthly, which will provide clear, transparent and itemised costs to show allocation of funded hours so you can see your child’s free entitlement and any charges for additional services and hours.
If you are applying for childcare for an older child, who is not the subject of the parental leave, you can apply as normal.
You can also apply for the child that is the subject of the parental leave, though when you return to work will affect when you can take up the childcare. If you plan to return to work from parental leave or start a new job by the end of September 2024, you can apply for a free childcare code from 12th May at the same time as everyone else.
Parents in this situation will need to apply online as normal but will then receive a letter in the post within 1 to 2 weeks, enabling them to access their entitlement.
From 1st October, the below dates will apply:
At most of our nurseries, we offer our sessions in 5-hour blocks between 8am-1pm or 1pm-6pm, or a full day. This is to ensure that we are able to offer funded sessions to the maximum number of families in a sustainable way.
Tax-Free Childcare is a scheme where the government pays 20% of your childcare costs up to a limit. You can usually receive Tax-Free Childcare if you (and your partner if applicable) are: in work, on sick leave or annual leave, on shared parental, maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.
There is no charge for any settling in session.
Fees are payable during absences, including holidays.
You will receive an invoice for the following month, by email, towards the end of each month.
If your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still get free childcare. You must live in England and your household income must be no more than
You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.
Contact your childcare provider or check with your local council if you’re unsure if you can get free childcare.
The Old Station Nursery Fees and Funding Guide explains the types of funding, eligibility and how to apply.
Yes, you can use the free code from your previous nursery as long as it is still valid. These codes typically migrate with the child.
We do! We understand that paying for childcare can be challenging, so we offer multiple funding options at our nurseries, including 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare. If you’re unsure if you are eligible, reach out to your nearby nursery to determine the best funding option for you. Alternatively, read our Funding Guide.
Yes, to do this you will need to provide your eligibility code and information to each provider and you will not be able to access more than two sites in one day. Each provider may calculate your funding on either term-time only or all year-round basis, combined the providers cannot exceed the funded offer of 15-hours, 570 hours per year, and 30-hours – 1140 hours per year.
From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours per week of funding for 38 weeks of the year, which is 570 hours per year.
From September 2024, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year, which is 570 hours per year.
From September 2025, all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3-years-old can access 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year, which is a further 570 hours totalling 1140 hours per year.
Some children take longer to settle than others, but it is rare for a child not to settle at all. We work closely with you to do what we can to help make the transition as smooth as possible. This might involve you spending some more time in the nursery and/or extending the settling-in visits.
You will stay with us during your first visit allowing you to meet the team and chat to your child’s key carer. This gives us the opportunity to find out the important things we need to know such as routine, likes, dislikes etc. We ask you to provide a named bag for your child with some changes of clothes and any comforters your child might wants. We also ask you to provide a named sunhat, waterproofs and wellies.
Most of our settings offer freshly cooked food which is made on the premises by our nursery cooks. We have a few settings where meals are catered for by outside catering companies. A copy of the menu is available from your Nursery Manager. Our menus offer a wide range of healthy, nutritionally balanced meals.
Find out more about how we encourage and promote a happy and healthy lifestyle.
We do not offer an alternative hot meal, however, if the main meal is refused, we would offer a sandwich for example. We would never let a child go hungry.
We are able to cater for different dietary requirements and follow strict policies and procedures for the management of any dietary requiremen.
Yes, staff members receive appropriate training to effectively deliver each enhancement, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all children.
To determine the specific enhancements available at your local nursery, please visit the Find Your Nursery page on The Old Station Nursery’s website and select your preferred location.
Each enhancement is designed to support various aspects of a child’s development:
Organic Enhancement
Encourages responsibility, understanding of nature, and healthy eating habits.
Cookery Enhancement
Develops fine motor skills, basic math concepts, and sensory exploration.
Languages Enhancement
Enhances cognitive development, communication skills, and cultural awareness.
Montessori Inspired
Promotes independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
Forest School
Fosters resilience, confidence, and a connection with the natural environment.
The availability of enhancements may vary by location. Please use our online nursery finder to learn more about what is offered at your local setting.
The Old Station Nursery offers a range of enhancements to enrich children’s learning experiences. These include:
Children engage in growing and tending to their own organic produce, learning about plant life cycles, seasonal foods, and healthy eating habits.
Through hands-on cooking activities, children develop essential skills like measuring, counting, and following instructions, while exploring their senses and building confidence.
Children are introduced to additional languages through activities such as baby signing, songs, stories, and interactive multilingual books, enhancing cognitive skills and cultural awareness.
The nursery incorporates Montessori principles, focusing on five key learning areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Knowledge and Understanding of the World.
Children participate in outdoor learning experiences, fostering a connection with nature and promoting physical and emotional development.
These enhancements are designed to complement the nursery’s core curriculum and provide a well-rounded educational experience.
We have recipes to cater to different dietary requirements, which are always taken into consideration when planning an activity. Where possible, we will make an alternative.
The Cookery Enhancement is part of The Old Station Nursery’s enriched curriculum, which emphasises practical, hands-on learning experiences. This approach supports the development of key skills and prepares children for future educational success.
Yes, the Cookery Enhancement is available at all of our nursery locations. This popular programme gives children the opportunity to explore food, develop independence, and learn valuable life skills in a fun and engaging way. It supports early understanding of healthy eating habits and builds confidence through hands-on experiences. Find your nearest nursery setting here.
Children use child-safe equipment and wear appropriate attire, such as aprons and chef hats. Activities are supervised by trained staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cooking activities support early development by enhancing fine motor skills, introducing basic math concepts, and encouraging sensory exploration. These experiences also promote teamwork and communication as children work together to prepare meals.
The Cookery Enhancement introduces children to the joys of cooking through hands-on activities. Children engage in preparing various dishes, which helps them develop essential skills like measuring, counting, and following instructions, all while exploring their senses and building confidence.
By introducing children to new languages and communication methods early on, the enhancement builds a strong foundation for language skills, making the transition to primary school smoother and more confident.
The availability of the Languages Enhancement program varies by location. For example, the Tressillian Road nursery in Lewisham offers language lessons, including baby signing and Spanish. Find your nearest Languages enhanced nursery today by visiting here.
Language lessons are age-appropriate and integrated into the daily routine through songs, stories, and interactive activities. This immersive approach helps children naturally acquire new languages in a fun and engaging manner.
The Languages Enhancement introduces children to additional languages through activities like baby signing, songs, stories, and interactive multilingual books. This approach aims to develop cognitive skills, broaden world awareness, and boost self-esteem from an early age.
Kidslingo classes introduce little ones to the sounds and intonations of the Spanish language through songs, stories, rhymes, repetition of key words and multi-sensory play. Scarves, parachutes, flashcards and bubbles are used to create visual engagement and stimulation.
Sing and Sign combines the benefits of both music and baby signing. Every sign used in song relates to those important first words of a baby’s world, such as nappies, bath time, and bedtime. There are not too many signs within the songs, just enough to highlight the key words, and many of the tunes are traditional, familiar melodies.
The benefits of baby signing:
Yes, signing does not delay speech. Signs are not used in place of spoken words, and so the babies will still be encouraged to communicate verbally. Baby signing does not replace talking to babies, but the use of gesture is a natural form of early communication which assists with the acquisition of language.
There are a range of products to complement the Sing and Sign programme, making learning at home fun for the whole family, including Sing and Sign books, toys, CDs and DVDs.
Babies use all kinds of signs and gestures as a natural part of learning to talk. Encouraging babies with extra signs such as “milk”, “more”, “change nappy” or “tired” will help them to communicate. Babies will recognise important words sooner and can use the signs to ‘talk’ before speech is developed.
We will always take this into account when planning gardening activities and, where possible, find an alternative.
The Old Station Nursery is working towards achieving the Gold standard accreditation from the Soil Association and Food for Life. Currently, they hold a Bronze level, reflecting their commitment to high food standards.
The nursery encourages families to extend learning by engaging in home gardening activities. This fosters quality time and reinforces the concepts of food origins and healthy eating habits introduced at the nursery.
Yes, staff members receive training in the organic food education curriculum, enabling them to effectively guide children through gardening and healthy eating practices.
Parents are encouraged to engage with their child’s gardening experiences. Nurseries often provide updates via the parent app and may display the children’s gardening projects at the nursery, allowing parents to observe and discuss their child’s progress.
Children use child-friendly gardening tools and wear aprons during gardening sessions. Nurseries are equipped with appropriate soil and growing pods to facilitate organic cultivation.
The nursery caters to various dietary needs, including allergies. Staff work closely with parents to ensure meals are safe and suitable for each child, maintaining good organic and nutritious standards.
Children are provided with at least one organic meal per day. These meals are prepared on-site using organic ingredients, some of which are grown by the children themselves.
No need to bring anything from home – we’ve got it covered! Your budding gardener will be provided with a nursery apron and gloves, so they can fully get stuck in and look the part while staying clean and safe.
We believe there’s no such thing as bad weather—just the wrong clothing! Outdoor play is an important part of our day, rain or shine. If it’s raining, children will still have the chance to explore outside, as long as it’s safe to do so. Rainy days provide fantastic opportunities for splashing in puddles, observing nature, and enjoying sensory-rich experiences. We may ask you to send in wellies and a waterproof coat on certain days (staff will notify you in advance), but we also keep some spare items at nursery just in case.
Organic farming does more to protect natural resources, such as fresh water and wildlife, and is also better for animal welfare, free from genetically modified (GM) ingredients, hydrogenated fats, and most artificial additives and preservatives. As a group, we have always cared about the food we serve every day and its positive impact on our children’s mental and physical health.
Our chefs care about the origin of their ingredients and are passionate about creating varied menus that minimise processed foods and unhealthy additives. It is a natural step for our nurseries to also consider the impact our served food has on nature and the environment, providing even more learning opportunities for the children whilst championing sustainability, healthy eating, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
The Organic Enhancement is a hands-on learning initiative that allows children to participate in growing, tending, and harvesting their own organic produce through the ‘Grow Our Own Club’. This experience teaches them about plant life cycles, seasonal foods, and healthy eating habits.
Your child will be able to access and enjoy Montessori activities throughout their day at nursery. Our teams maintain interest and learning by rotating our Practical Life activities throughout the year; however, some of our Sensorial, Maths, and Literacy materials remain constant in our rooms. This is because they offer a rich, multi-layered learning experience and support your child’s development throughout their time at nursery.
We are fortunate enough to have several qualified Montessori teachers across our family of nurseries, all of whom continue to attend courses and learn, just like our children do. Staff members in each of our Montessori Inspired nurseries have been trained to confidently deliver our bespoke Montessori curriculum.
Montessori-inspired nurseries are equipped with specific materials like the Pink Tower, which helps children develop hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and early math skills such as order and pattern recognition. These resources are designed to support and extend children’s learning in various areas.
In the Practical Life area, children will use familiar, everyday objects to develop life skills. Examples include glass jugs for pouring, tweezers, tongs, scoops for transferring materials, and child-sized equipment to practice using zips, buckles, and bows.
Do ask your Nursery Manager if you would like guidance on how your child can continue their ‘Practical Life’ learning at home, we’d be delighted to give you some ideas.
Languages: Yes, signing does not delay speech. Signs are not used in place of spoken words and so the babies will still be encouraged to communicate verbally. Baby signing does not replace talking to babies, but the use of gesture is a natural form of early communication which assists with the acquisition of language.
Languages: Your baby will use signs and immature speech together for a while. As speech improves, the signs fade away until they will probably be dropped altogether. The focus is entirely on the development of speech and not on the ongoing use of signs.
Languages: Songs and games are used to bring the language to life, inspire little learners and make sure everyone has fun. Children are encouraged to join in with key words and simple phrases – for example colours, numbers 1-10, feelings and names. Pre-schoolers grow in confidence and ability rapidly and start to develop their language skills independently and spontaneously.
Languages: No, generally babies and young children have an increased capability to learn languages.
Languages: Generally, children who already speak two or more languages pick up the Spanish easily, as their bilingual brains are adept at recognising different sounds in different languages. Children progress at their own pace in the classes and a ‘no pressure’ approach is adopted.
Languages: Yes. The Old Station Nursery parents have free home access to Kidslingo’s games website where you can play games with sound and picture match activities. For younger learners – the Kidslingo ‘Singalong’ albums can be purchased in MP3 format, and the lyrics are available to download free of charge.
Languages: Whilst the children will be encouraged to take part, no-one will be forced to if they do not want to.
Languages: Yes, all teachers are DBS checked. Also, all teachers complete a number of training courses including Safeguarding Level 2, Keeping Children Safe in Education, Health and Safety and basic paediatric first aid. They also complete the Kidslingo training programme. Our Nursery staff will also be alongside the children in the class.
To enrol your child in a nursery that uses the Brighter Learning Approach, simply use the search to find The Old Station Nursery ‘near me’ or explore the map for nurseries near me. Please contact us and we’ll book you in for a showaround of your chosen nursery and will be happy to explain the enrolment process further.
Our parents receive daily updates on ParentZone often with accompanying photos so you can see your child in action. Alongside your individual update on ParentZone, you can also follow your nursery on Facebook to discover photos of purposeful play and developmental experiences by searching the hashtag #BrighterLearning Approach.
A “wow moment” typically refers to a significant or memorable experience that elicits a strong reaction or sense of awe from a child. It is often used to describe instances when a child makes a new discovery, achieves a developmental milestone, or expresses enthusiasm and wonder about something they have learned or experienced. As part of the Brighter Learning Approach, we sometimes use stickers to celebrate ‘wow’ moments that link to something a particular child has done that is specific to their interests, age and stage of development, prompting communication and conversations.
Absolutely! The Old Station Nursery welcomes parents to visit their nurseries and learn more about the Brighter Learning Approach. Contact your preferred nursery to arrange a visit, where you can meet the staff, see the Brighter Learning Approach in action and ask any questions you may have.
Yes, the staff members at The Old Station Nursery Group undergo regular training and professional development to effectively implement the Brighter Learning Approach. They are knowledgeable about child development, the EYFS curriculum and techniques to support children’s learning and growth.
The Old Station Nursery believes in fostering a strong partnership with parents. They provide regular communication channels, parent workshops, and opportunities for parents to actively participate in their child’s learning journey. Parental involvement is encouraged to ensure continuity between home and nursery experiences.
Yes, the Brighter Learning Approach enhances the opportunities children already have for outdoor learning. It allows children to connect with nature, engage in physical activities, and explore the world around them. Outdoor spaces are designed to inspire curiosity and provide opportunities for learning through play.
The Brighter Learning Approach recognises the importance of social and emotional skills in a child’s holistic development. Through experiences such as sharing stories and role play, children learn to communicate, empathise, resolve conflicts, and develop self-confidence.
The Brighter Learning Approach is designed for children aged 0 to 5 years, covering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in a holistic and child-centred way.
The Brighter Learning Approach provides real opportunities for children’s natural curiosity to be enhanced, with emphasis on hands-on experiences, child-led learning, and holistic development, promoting active engagement and critical thinking. It encourages exploration, creativity and collaboration, whilst providing room for individual learning to be challenged and extended.
The Brighter Learning Approach focuses on the key skills, knowledge and attitudes which we believe each child needs for an enriched, happy, healthy and successful life. It offers the opportunity to secure foundations for lifelong learning.
The Brighter Learning Approach is our own unique pathway to Creating Brighter Futures Together. Complementing the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Brighter Learning Approach enhances and enriches our core pedagogy and curriculum.
Career progression at The Old Station Nursery Group is dynamic and varied, offering numerous pathways for you to develop your skills, take on new challenges, and make a significant impact on the lives of young children and their families. Whether through direct care, leadership, or training, The Old Station Nursery Group offers many opportunities for personal and career growth and advancement. These include:
Leadership and Management Skills: Essential for roles involving supervision and management of staff and settings.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Crucial for working with children, families, and colleagues.
Specialised Knowledge: In areas such as SEND, child development, and curriculum planning. Business Acumen: Important for managerial roles involving financial management and strategic planning.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD):Ongoing training and professional development are crucial for career progression. This can include workshops, conferences, and additional certifications.
Higher Education: Pursuing further education, such as a degree in early childhood studies, education, or a related field, can open doors to higher-level roles and specialisations.
Area/Regional Manager: For those working within larger nursery chains or organizations, this role involves overseeing multiple settings, supporting nursery managers, ensuring consistency and quality across all sites, and contributing to strategic planning.
Early Years Director/Operations Manager: A senior leadership role focused on the strategic management of early years services within an organization, including policy development, quality assurance, and business development.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO):Specializes in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), working closely with families, staff, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized support plans.
Early Years Teacher (EYT/EYP):Focuses on delivering high-quality early education and leading the educational development within a setting. This role often requires additional qualifications, such as a degree in early childhood education or equivalent.
1. Entry-Level Positions
Nursery Assistant/Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 2): The recommended starting point for many in the early years sector. Responsibilities include assisting with daily care routines, supporting children’s play and learning, and maintaining a safe environment.
2. Intermediate Positions
Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (Level 3): With additional training and experience, you can become a qualified early years educator, taking on more responsibility for planning and leading educational experiences, observing and assessing children’s development, and working closely with parents and caregivers.
3. Advanced Positions
Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 5) – Room Leader/Senior Practitioner: For experienced educators.
Explores skills and knowledge linked to leadership skills, reflective practice, Child development stages and theories, management styles and professional development. Must be in position to oversee the work of other staff within a room or age band to ensure best practice and the highest standards of care and education.
Nursery Manager Apprenticeship (Level 5) – designed specifically for early years educators in a management position this apprenticeship explores Management and Leadership, Commercial awareness, Legal responsibilities and Project Management.
Deputy Manager: Taking on a leadership role, deputy managers will require a recognised Level 3 qualification to support the nursery manager in the day-to-day running of the setting, managing staff, handling administrative tasks, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
Nursery Manager: A nursery manager will require a minimum of a recognised Level 3 qualification and experience. The Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the nursery, including staff management, financial oversight, curriculum planning, and liaising with parents and external agencies.
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