Frequently Asked Questions
Attendance
My child has had sickness and/or diarrhoea. Can they come to nursery?
If your child has been sick or had diarrhoea, it is our policy that you keep them at home for 48 hours from the last time they vomited or had a motion. This prevents any bug passing through the school. Staff need to stay home for this time period too. Please makes sure your child is well enough to be here.
What do I do if my child is going to be absent from nursery?
We would be grateful if you could ring the nursery to let us know if your child will be off. The office staff will ring you if we have not heard from you - this is called our 'First Day Response'. We need to check where your child is and that they are safe. Your child's attendance at nursery is very important, and we advise that you only keep children off if necessary - otherwise you upset their routine, and they miss out on lots of fun activities with their friends!
It has been snowing - how will I know if the nursery is open?
If we experience severe weather conditions we will aim to text and email parents as soon as possible if a decision must be taken to close the school. If in doubt, please listen to the local radio stations, such as Sun FM (103.4). Radio stations advertise closures on their web pages: http://www.sun-fm.com/schools/school-closures/
Please also check our school website and our APP for updates. Any local school closures are also posted on the following local authority website and we will aim to put a notice on the school gate.
http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=728
For the latest information on unavoidable school closures, please telephone the Local Authority on 0191 520 5553.
Pick Up and Drop Off
Where can I park the car to drop off my child?
Walking to nursery is the best way to get some exercise each day! You can chat with your child about what you see on the way. The road outside the school gets very busy, and we are always trying to teach our children about road safety. Please keep tight hold of your child's hand.
Unfortunately, we cannot allow parking within the school grounds - even for short periods whilst you drop off or collect. If you drive, we advise that you park safely within the estate and walk to the nursery.
What will happen if I am unexpectedly delayed in collecting my child?
Please contact the nursery as soon as possible to let us know you will be delayed. If possible, you could send another adult to collect your child if this is quicker. This adult would need to be someone on your approved collections list. Staff will supervise your child until someone arrives for them. If you expect a significant delay, childcare charges will be applied.
Special Requirements
What happens if my child requires medication?
If your child is on medication we are happy to administer any prescription medication at nursery on the condition that your child appears well enough to attend. All medicines brought into the nursery will need to be recorded on the nursery medication form and we will require your signature to authorise its administration. Any medication brought into the nursery must be in its original container and labelled with your child's full name, the dosage required and the date it was prescribed. Any medication that does not meet these criteria and is not prescribed by a General Practitioner will not be administered. Nursery staff are not able to administer the first dose of medication, therefore any child requiring medication must have had the first dose a minimum of 24 hours prior to coming into nursery. We are able to administer long term medication such as an inhaler. External medications such as eczema creams can be applied with your written consent. In all cases if a child is deemed unwell you will be asked to keep them at home until they are in general good health.
Please NEVER leave medicines in your child's bag - always pass on to a member of staff to ensure they aware it is on the premises.
Childcare, including Breakfast Club and Lunches
What are my options for childcare?
Please be aware our childcare options are changing.
We are open term time only.
The 15 hour free entitlement can be made up of using 5 x 3 hour sessions on a morning or afternoon. We also offer 30 hours places for eligible 3 and 4 year olds, which are 5 x 6 hour sessions. Additional sessions can be purchased on a termly basis subject to availability and the completion of a Childcare contract.
Our nursery sessions are as follows:
Morning Session 8.40am -11.40am
Afternoon Session 12.40pm -3.40pm
Additional childcare costs:
Hylton Red House Nursery School has childcare provision, and can offer chargeable morning and / or afternoon sessions during term time. We are open from 8am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
Our Chargeable day care sessions are as follows:
Breakfast club 8.00am - 8.40am
Morning session 8.40am – 11.40am
Lunch 11.40am – 12.40pm
Afternoon session 12.40pm – 3.40pm
*NEW* After school club 3.30pm - 4.00pm
Children have the option to stay for lunch at nursery which is chargeable at £2.00 + charge for childcare.
We also offer a breakfast club from 8.00am – 8.40am. This is available for primary school aged children as well as under 5's. Staff can accompany children to Northern Saints Primary School as part of their Breakfast Club fees, and will collect children from the Primary for After School Club.
What will my child have to eat for their school lunch?
Please see our 'School Meals' page for more information. We have a delicious range of foods served on a three-week menu. Please let staff know if your child has any allergies or dietary requirements.
Does the school accept credit or debit cards?
Unfortunately we do not have the facility to do this. We are able to accept cash or cheques only and we would be grateful if when paying cash, you have the correct money as we don’t have change readily available.
School Uniform
How do I order uniform and when do I pay?
We sell a range of uniform items (please see 'School Uniform' page), but you are also free to buy uniform from local supermarkets. If you wish to place an order with us, call in to the school office to order. We usually have a range of sizes in stock so that you can try before you buy. We order in bulk, and therefore you may need to wait until we have further orders before receiving your items. Usually delivery is no more than 2 weeks. Obviously, the best time to order is at the end of a term ready for a new term, as this is when we put the majority of our orders in.
Admissions
When and how do I apply for a Primary School place?
Please see our 'Admissions' page for information. The applications are usually between September and January for the following September start.
