We take sun safety seriously to protect your child’s skin and wellbeing. During warmer months, we encourage families to apply long-lasting sunscreen before arrival, and we reapply nursery-provided sunscreen as needed throughout the day. Children are supported to wear sun hats and light, protective clothing, and we make use of shaded outdoor areas during peak sun hours. Our team monitors UV levels and adjusts outdoor play accordingly to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Yes, we believe outdoor play is vital for children’s wellbeing, learning, and development, whatever the season. We go outside daily, adapting activities to suit the weather. On rainy days, we splash in puddles and explore nature in waterproofs; in colder months, we wrap up warm and enjoy crisp fresh air. We ask families to provide appropriate clothing so children can stay comfortable and safe. We are very lucky to have access to multiple outdoor shelters where we can continue our outdoor learning with protection from the elements! Of course, in extreme weather conditions, we adjust plans to ensure everyone’s safety.
We take great care to ensure children stay warm, comfortable, and safe during colder months. Families are encouraged to dress children in warm, breathable layers, including hats, gloves, and waterproof outerwear. Indoors, our rooms are well-heated and regularly monitored to maintain a cosy temperature. After outdoor play, we help children change out of wet or muddy clothes into dry, warm layers if needed and we keep children moving with fun, active play to help them stay warm and engaged. If your child has specific needs, we’re always happy to work with you to make sure they’re well cared for.
Absolutely children are always closely supervised when interacting with animals. We ensure that every animal experience is safe, gentle, and enriching, with staff present to guide the interaction and support the children. Our team helps children learn how to approach animals respectfully, understand their needs, and enjoy positive, hands-on experiences in a calm and controlled environment. Safety and wellbeing for both children and animals is our top priority.
At Durley House we know how important it is for our children to eat a healthy and get the right amount of nutrients and energy they need while they are growing rapidly. We follow the 2025 Guidelines “Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance”. In the baby room, we will follow your baby’s individual feeding patterns (this is information can be shared at settling in visits) We support parents who wish to continue breast feeding by providing a comfortable place to feed, and supporting parents who wish to provide expressed breastmilk. We are happy to use infant formula and have guidelines in place for sterilisation and preparation. At Durley House we will support you and your child with weaning once your child is ready. We will have conversations about common allergens that have been introduced at home. We offer babies milk or water to drink.
For the older children, a nutritious cooked lunch and a picnic tea is supplied to us by Rustic Kitchen for a small cost. Please make the setting aware of any food allergies or intolerances BEFORE your child starts nursery. You may supply your child with a lunch box from home and we encourage these to be healthy where possible. Please make sure the lunch box is clearly labelled with your child’s name. Please be aware that we try to be a nut free preschool and nut products will be removed and given back to parents at collection time. Please ensure that grapes are cut long ways and across ways as these are a choking hazard.
We take allergies and dietary requirements very seriously and work closely with families to ensure every child’s needs are safely met. When your child joins the nursery, we gather detailed information about any allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences. This information is clearly shared with all relevant staff and displayed in food preparation and dining areas. Our team is trained in allergy awareness and safe food handling, and we have strict procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination. Meals and snacks are carefully planned to accommodate individual needs, and we’re always happy to work with families to provide suitable alternatives. If your child has a medical action plan, we’ll follow it closely and ensure staff are confident in responding appropriately. Your child’s safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
Yes, children are always supervised while eating. Our staff are attentive and responsive during mealtimes, ensuring that children are safe, supported, and enjoying a calm, positive experience. We help younger children with feeding as needed, encourage good hygiene and table manners, and remain alert to any signs of discomfort or allergic reactions. As per government legislation all staff are paediatric first aid trained. Mealtimes are also a social opportunity, and our team fosters a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where children can enjoy food together and build independence at their own pace.
It’s completely normal for young children to go through phases of picky eating, and we’re here to support them with patience and care. Our approach is gentle and encouraging never forceful. We offer a variety of healthy, balanced meals and snacks, and we create a relaxed, social mealtime environment where children are encouraged to try new foods at their own pace. Staff model positive eating habits and celebrate small steps, like tasting something new. We also work closely with families to understand each child’s preferences and routines, and we’re happy to adapt where possible to help make mealtimes a positive experience for everyone. At our nursery, we believe that involving children in growing and preparing food nurtures curiosity, confidence, and connection. From planting seeds to chopping fruit, these hands-on experiences help children understand where food comes from, build healthy habits, and develop a sense of pride in contributing to shared meals. It’s a joyful way to learn, explore, and grow together.
We believe strong communication with families is key to supporting each child’s wellbeing and development. As often as we can, we share updates about your child’s experiences, including what they’ve enjoyed, meals they’ve eaten, naps taken, and any special moments or achievements. This is through a secure digital platform called Tapestry, written daily sheets, or informal chats at pick-up time. We’re always happy to answer questions and keep you informed, so you feel connected to your child’s nursery journey.
It’s completely normal for some children to take time to settle into a new environment. We approach this with patience, empathy, and flexibility. Our team will work closely with you to understand your child’s needs and preferences, and we’ll adapt our approach to help them feel safe and secure. Whether it’s shorter sessions, a comfort item from home, we’ll find what works best for your child. Building trust takes time and we’re here every step of the way. If your child really was not settling at all we would of course give you a call.
Please see our class pages on the homepage for more detailed information of the fun we get up to!
We follow the EYFS alongside our own agricultural curriculum planning. If You have any further questions about our planning and curriculum, please speak to Katie who is our curriculum lead.
To help your child feel comfortable and prepared for their day, we recommend packing a nursery bag with a few essentials. These include at least one full change of clothes (including socks and underwear), weather-appropriate outerwear such as a coat, hat, or sunhat, grippy socks for indoor use and any comfort items your child may need. Here at Durley House, we encourage our children to explore the environment and resources with a very hands on (messy) approach, this being said please dress your child in clothes that you do not mind getting mucky!! If your child is in nappies, please include nappies, wipes, and any creams you use. For children who are toilet training, spare underwear and clothes are especially helpful. If your child has specific dietary or medical needs, please pack any required items and speak with staff so we can support them appropriately. Please make sure everything is clearly labelled to help us keep track of belongings.
Yes we are, search on the OFSTED website for full details.
If you ever have a concern big or small we warmly encourage you to speak with us. Your voice matters, and we’re here to listen. As your first point of call you can talk to a member of staff at drop-off or pick-up, arrange a private conversation with your child’s key person or a senior team member, or contact us by phone or email. We approach all concerns with openness, care, and a genuine commitment to working together. Whether it’s a question, worry, or suggestion, we’ll take the time to understand and respond thoughtfully. Building trust with families is central to our inclusive ethos, and we’re always here to support you. For more information please see our complaints procedure on our website.
Yes, we are proudly inclusive and deeply committed to creating a nursery environment where every child and family feels welcome, valued, and supported. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, from the way we plan our curriculum to how we communicate with families and nurture relationships. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and work closely with parents to understand each child’s unique strengths, needs, and background. Our team is trained in inclusive practice, including SENDD and neurodiversity, and we continuously reflect on how to make our setting more accessible, equitable, and emotionally safe for everyone. Belonging isn’t just a goal it’s a daily practice. Ellie is our SENDDCo who also oversees that equality and diversity is celebrated through each and every element of what we do.
We follow the EYFS guidelines which state For children under 2 years: 1 staff member for every 3 children. For children aged 2 years: 1 staff member for every 4 children. For children aged 3 and over: 1 staff member for every 8 children or 13 children if a qualified teacher is present. However, we always endeavour to have a higher ratio of staff to children above the statutory numbers. A higher staff-to-child ratio in an inclusive nursery creates the foundation for truly responsive, child-centred care. It allows staff to build trusting relationships, notice and support individual needs, and adapt activities to ensure every child feels seen, safe, and valued. With more adults available, children experience richer interactions, greater emotional security, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Yes, you’re welcome to pick your child up early if needed. We understand that family routines can vary and that flexibility is sometimes essential. Just let us know in advance where possible, so we can prepare your child and ensure they’re ready to leave calmly and happily.
To help your child ease into nursery life, we offer two free 1 hour settling in sessions before their official start date. These sessions give your child the chance to explore their new environment at their own pace, meet their key person and begin forming secure attachments all with you nearby for reassurance.
Yes, please contact us via email or giving us a call!
We have a two-day-per-week minimum attendance policy for our nursery children. If you then need additional half days, we may be able to accommodate this depending on availability.
If you would like to find out more about Durley House Nursery and Learning or to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.