Little Acorns Nursery Handbook

Our main priority is to help your child feel happy, safe, and settled in Nursery as quickly as possible. We understand that this can be a big step for both children and parents, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Your child will be supported by a familiar and caring key worker, who will get to know your child really well and help them feel confident and secure in their new routine. Your child’s key worker will also be your first point of contact and will be happy to chat with you about any questions or concerns.

Caring for each child’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. From the very beginning, children are gently encouraged to be kind to one another, to take turns, and to begin learning how to play and work alongside their friends in a positive and supportive way. We help children develop confidence and a sense of belonging, while also learning to respect themselves and others.

We greatly value our strong partnership with parents and believe that working closely together helps every child thrive. Please feel free to talk to us at any time. No question or worry is ever too small. The Head of Pre‑Prep, Mrs Janey McDowell, or the Head of Early Years, Miss Hannah Saunders, is always available for an informal chat or a planned meeting should you wish. If you have any general questions for your child’s key worker, you’re very welcome to email the Nursery at nursery@crosfields.com We’re always happy to help.

Children should be taken directly to the Nursery entrance in the morning, where they will be welcomed by a member of staff. The Nursery gates are opened at 08:15 and the children can be dropped off at any time between then and 08:30. 

Short Stay (15:15 – 16:15)

Children who are not collected by 15:15 remain in the Nursery and can be collected at any time up until 16:15. 

Long Stay (15:15 – 17:50)

Long Stay is based in Little Acorns Nursery, where the children can choose from a range of play activities. They are given a light tea consisting of sandwiches, fruit, and an additional item, such as a breadstick or a rice cake, but will still need an evening meal once they get home. The children should be collected by 17:50. Any child not collected by this time will be taken across to the school office to await collection. Bookings for Late Stay should be made by the end of Friday the week before, if possible, via SOCS. The cost per day is £11. 

Collection

If your child is being collected by someone other than you, we must be notified via phone or email. We kindly ask that you share a simple collection password with the adult collecting. This helps us keep everyone safe and ensures a smooth, reassuring handover for your child. 

If your child will be absent, please let us know by 8:00am. You can notify us easily through the Crosfields App, by phoning the School Office, or by emailing the Nursery team at  nursery@crosfields.com

Our Nursery staff support children with toileting and nappy changing in a calm, gentle and respectful way, following our intimate care procedures and working closely with parents to meet each child’s individual needs. We create a simple toileting plan for each child who is beginning their toileting journey, ensuring consistency between home and nursery. During settling‑in sessions, staff and parents chat together about nappy sizes, routines, and any comfort items or preferences, so we can make your child feel safe, secure and supported.

Our Nursery provides nappies, wipes and nappy cream for all children throughout the day. We use Mama Bear nappies, Water Wipes, and Sudocrem nappy cream, chosen for their suitability for young children’s sensitive skin. However, if you would prefer your child to use their own products, you are very welcome to send these in. If your child has any allergies, sensitivities or specific requirements, please let us know and provide alternative products where appropriate. We are always happy to work with families to ensure each child’s comfort and wellbeing.

All food is freshly made on site at the school. Food includes a hot nutritional lunch, with vegetarian and Halal options.

Breakfast Club runs between 07:30 and 08:15 and is based in Little Acorns Pre-School (next door to the Nursery). Children are looked after by the Nursery staff. Bookings can be made for the term, or ad-hoc, as required. If you would like your child to attend Breakfast Club, please book on SOCS or email the Nursery to book a place at least 24 hours in advance. Breakfast is charged at £5.15 per day and will be added to fee invoices at the end of the term. Breakfast Club will commence on the first day of term. 

Snack

During the morning and afternoon, children are given a drink of milk or water and a portion of fresh fruit. An additional item, such as a rice cake or breadstick, is also offered in the morning. Water is available throughout the day, but children should also bring their own, named, filled, water bottle to school.  At lunchtime, children will be provided with a Tommee Tippee free flow trainer cup with handles to support their developing drinking skills. As children grow and become more confident, we will gently encourage and support them to learn how to drink independently from an open cup, helping to build their confidence and independence in a calm and nurturing way.

Lunch

Children eat in the Pre-Prep and Junior Dining Hall and are encouraged to eat the hot lunch provided which consists of a main meal, pudding or fruit. They are sensitively encouraged to try new foods. All children are encouraged to use a spoon or fork, although help is given with cutting food. Children have water to drink. Lunch is included in the school fees, and we can accommodate most dietary requirements including a daily halal option. 

Example Early Years menu >

Tapestry is an online learning platform that allows us to share photographs and videos of some of what your child has been doing at school. Tapestry will also be used to record meals, intimate care and sleep entries. It also allows you to make comments and add your own photos to show what your child has been doing at home to support their learning. The children all have their own Tapestry profile, and your child will be given their secure login at their first settling in session.  

Once you have your child’s log in details, you will be able to access their account. You will need to:  

• Download the Tapestry app (Available for iOS and Android) or visit the Tapestry website.  Enter your username and password provided by the Nursery  

• Once logged in, you’ll be able to view photos, videos, observations of your child’s learning, as well as add your own comments and upload pictures from home to share with the Nursery team. If you have any questions, or cannot access your child’s account, please contact your child’s key worker or Hannah Saunders, Head of Early Years for assistance. 

In our 2–3-year-old nursery, learning happens through play every day. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, but everything is designed to be age-appropriate and fun. Children explore, play, and join in simple teacher-led activities that help them grow and learn at their own pace. 

We focus on building confidence, independence, and social skills, such as, sharing, taking turns, and using kind words. Good manners are encouraged in a gentle way, and children start to feel part of our happy school community. 

Forest School

Forest School activities complement and extend the academic curriculum, helping to further develop independence and enrich language, mathematical and communication skills. They provide wonderful opportunities for children to learn practical skills and to use their own initiative to solve problems, to co-operate with others and to manage risks under close supervision. Forest School sessions, with our specialist teachers, take place all year, regardless of the weather.  

Music

The Nursery children receive one music lesson each week, taught by a specialist music teacher.  

PE

Children enjoy a weekly session with our specialist PE staff. These fun sessions help little ones develop their movement skills, build coordination, and learn lots of important early physical skills through play. 

Black Crosfields book bag

Please bring this bag to school every day so we can pop in any letters or the wonderful masterpieces your child creates, ready for you to enjoy at home! 

Water bottles

Children should bring a named, filled water bottle to school each day. The bottles are sent home at the end of each day. 

Backpack – change of clothes

A bag with a change of clothes should remain in school. Please ensure you have put some spare black joggers and spare  T-shirt (this can be a generic plain, pale blue or while t-shirt), socks and pants in the front pocket of your child’s bag.  

Forest School clothes

These should remain in school along with your child’s welly boots. If they get particularly wet or dirty, following an outdoor session, we will send them home. Please return them to school as soon as possible. 

Toys and special possessions

We understand that starting Nursery is a big step for little ones, and having something familiar can make the transition easier. Children are welcome to bring a small comforter, such as a soft toy or blanket, to help them feel secure during the day. These items can be kept in their bag or used when needed, especially at rest times or if they need a little extra reassurance. We do ask that comforters are clearly named and small enough to fit in your child’s bag, so they don’t get lost. 

We recognise that rest and sleep play an important role in supporting the wellbeing, development and emotional regulation of children aged 2–3. After lunch, children who need a sleep are offered the opportunity to rest in a calm, quiet and comfortable environment. Each child has their own individual sleep basket, clearly labelled with their photo, containing a fitted sheet, blanket and their personal comforter from home. We work closely with families to understand and follow each child’s usual sleep routines and needs. Children who do not sleep are supported with quiet, restful activities instead.

Personal Items and Washing:
Sheets and blankets provided by the nursery are washed regularly on site. Personal comforters are sent home periodically for washing, or sooner if required. Parents will be informed when items need to be taken home to ensure they remain clean and familiar for their child.

Safe Sleeping
All sleep is carefully supervised by our trained staff at all times. Children sleep on appropriate mattresses and are positioned in line with current safe sleeping guidance. The sleep area is regularly checked throughout rest times to ensure children are comfortable, safe and well. We do not use pillows, loose bedding or sleep aids unless specifically agreed with parents and supported by appropriate guidance.

We are often asked by parents how they can help their child prepare for starting Nursery. Here are some things you can work on at home to help them develop the skills they need.

Independence

• I am happy to be away from my mummy, daddy or main carer

Social Skills

• I can play alongside other children

• I am learning to take turns with help

• I know when to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

Self-care

• I am learning to tell an adult when I need the toilet or a nappy change  

• I can try feed myself using a spoon or fork 

• I am beginning to drink from an open cup without spilling too much  

Speaking and Listening

• I can use words or gestures to let adults know what I need 

• I enjoy listening to short stories and songs 

Early Learning

• I like exploring books and looking at pictures  

• I am interested in counting small groups of objects  

Interest in the world

• I am interested in new activities 

• I enjoy playing and exploring outdoors
  
• I am interested in the world around me

Routines

• I am starting to help with dressing, like putting my arms into sleeves 

• I have a good bedtime routine that includes a bedtime story 

• I am learning to eat at the time I will at school 

Our school uniform is supplied by Stevensons. You can find the specific uniform you need using their new search feature. You can also set up an account by creating a profile and adding your child’s information.

We also have a school shop on site, which is open each week during term time. The shop coordinator can be contacted by telephoning the main school office. The on site school shop stocks the Nursery polo shirt and jumper, as well as second-hand items, and is open each Wednesday during term time between 15:30 and 16:30. However, if you are looking for a specific item and cannot attend during this time, please email shop@crosfields.com and one of the dedicated team will have a look for you.

For all items purchased through the school shop, the proceeds go directly to the bursary fund and we ask for donations for any selected items.

Families will be given a polo shirt and jumper during one of their settling in sessions.

For full uniform information, please contact admissions@crosfields.com

Forest School

Needed in the winter

* available from Stevensons

If you are experiencing difficulty finding uniform items small enough for your child, such as the Forest School kit or school coat, your child may wear a plain black coat or a black puddle suit. Please speak to a member of the nursery team if you need any support finding suitable uniform.