Frequently asked questions


Here is a list of common questions you may have regarding our Pre-School or Mighty Oaks. If your question is not here, please contact us.

  • What can I expect from Acorn Pre-School?
  • When does the Pre-School open?
  • What do I need to bring for my child?
  • Do I need to label all of my child's clothing?
  • Am I able to book additional sessions?
  • What do I do if my child does not settle?
  • What do I do if my child is sick?
  • If I'm concerned about my child can I ring the setting?
  • Who can collect my child from Pre-School?
  • When and how are fees to be paid?
  • Do I pay fees when my child is not at Acorn Pre-School?
  • Can I bring food or sweets in to Acorn Pre-School?
  • Are snacks provided?
  • Do I need to provide lunch if my child is staying all day?
  • Do I need to provide a drink for my child?
  • What happens if I will be late collecting my child?
  • If my child has an injury will I be told?
  • Do you have policies and procedures?

You can expect us to offer a high quality service and to carry out our duties in a highly professional manner at all times. Your child will be cared for by our staff who have a love of children and a passion for early education our stimulating, nurturing and safe environment. You can also expect your child's emotional and physical needs will be catered for in a sensitive and caring manner. Staff are forward thinking and strive to keep up to date through training and gaining qualifications to understand child development at a high level.

We are open term time only, our Pre-School hours are 9am – 3pm Monday to Friday. We also offer Breakfast Club  from 7.45am and After School Club until 6pm for Acorn, Shefford Lower School and Robert Bloomfield Academy.  

Summer: Always pack sun cream as children will be outside playing. We would also suggest packing a change of clothes.


Winter: A change of clothes, warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves /mittens.


All year round:
If your child is in nappies then you need to bring spare nappies and wipes.

Please ensure all items of clothing are clearly named.

Yes please! You need to label everything. All outer wear such as coats, hats, scarves, gloves / mittens, jumpers, cardigans etc. Please also clearly name the outside of bags, lunchboxes / lunch bags.

Yes you are able to book additional sessions if there is availability. We work on a strict staff to child ratio as set by the EYFS Framework and are limited to the number of children who can be in attendance at any one time. We will always try to meet your needs and you should check with the manager or office staff to see if we have any availability. 

If you want to decrease sessions or leave then you will need to give at least 6 weeks notice.

Every child is different and some children settle very quickly and others don't. The excitement of new surroundings and playing with other children can mean at first children settle and a few weeks after starting may then become unsettled. Your child will be allocated Key Workers who will help your child settle and they will work with you and your child to help with settling in. If we have any concerns about your child we will always ring and discuss these concerns with you. 

If your child is sick and unable to attend we ask that you telephone us and let us know. If your child is sick during the day you will be contacted straight away for you to come and collect them. We have a strict no return policy for 48 hours after sickness or diarrhoea.

**COVID-19** if you or your child are displaying any of the symptoms you  MUST NOT attend. Please follow the Government guideline regarding isolating and getting a test.

Yes! We welcome telephone calls from parents at any time. Our number is 01462 861281.

 

We will accept any nomination from you as long as you let us know in advance, this will be recorded in your child's enrolment forms that you will be required to complete before they start at Pre-School or Mighty Oaks. These details can be amended once your child has started, if needed.

We also ask that you set a password with us, especially if the person collecting is unknown to the setting. 

We will not release any child into the care of any person that has not been authorised by you. 

We will invoice you at the start of every month. We ask for fees to be paid in advance.

They can be paid by cash, cheque, bank transfer, childcare voucher or via the tax free childcare scheme.

Yes, fees are payable during term time for the sessions your child is booked in for. If your child is sick or on holiday, then fees still need to be paid.

We promote healthy eating, and have a leaflet about what is acceptable in lunch boxes. Sweets are not allowed unless it is a special occasion such as a birthday. As we have children with allergies can you please inform us if you are going to bring sweets/birthday cake in and hand them to a member of staff.

We provide a healthy snack each morning and afternoon together with a drink of water or milk at the Pre-School sessions.

We provide a selection of healthy breakfast cereals and toast along with water, milk or juice to drink at The Mighty Oaks breakfast sessions. At After School Club the children are provided with a nutritious snack and are able to help themselves to fruit from the snack station at any time during the session. Milk and water is also available at all times.

Yes, we operate a Physical Activity and Nutrition Policy. We ask that you do not include any drinks, sweets, crisps or chocolate in your child’s lunch box. If you have questions with regard to healthy lunch boxes please speak to Lyndsey, our PANCo {Physical Activity and Nutrition Co=Coordinator}.

Lunch boxes / bags should be given to staff on arrival in the morning. They are stored in cooled bags until lunchtime. We provide milk or water for the children to have with their lunch.

No, we provide drinks with snacks and lunches. Drinks are available all day and the children are encouraged to be independent and help themselves. During warm weather breaks are given during the sessions for all children to have extra drinks.

Sometimes these things happen, please contact us and let us know. It is vital that you contact us as soon as possible to ensure we can make arrangements to care for your child. However, as per our contract, we do reserve the right to charge for this.

If you do need to contact us please call us on 01462 816281.

Yes, if your child has an accident, no matter how minor, you will always be told. All accidents and injuries are recorded in our Accident Record Book. The nature of the injury will be outlined, what treatment, if any, was given and the staff member who dealt with it will sign the Accident Record Book. When you pick your child up you will be asked to sign the book and given a copy of the accident slip.

Yes we do. There is a file available with all of our policies in for you to view at any time we also have some of our policies on our website. If you require assistance, please ask a member of staff.