Nursery FAQs
How is the Devonshire House provision different from daycare?
At Devonshire House, we provide a nurturing environment to support the ever-changing needs of the developing two-year old children. Our aim is to support each child as they gain independence. Initially our focus is on personal care and forming strong relationships. Gradually, we enable your child to grow and develop a love of learning that will last throughout their time at Devonshire House.
What hours do you do?
In Acorns Nursery (age 2), our School day starts at 08:45 and finishes at 15:00, or 11:45 if you have opted for a Morning Session. You also have the possibility to ask for Extended Days from 08:30 to 17:30.
In Oaks Nursery (age 3), our School day starts at 09:00 and finishes at 15:00, with doors opening at 08:00. Our after-school care is provided by our partner ‘Let’s Leap’ and gives you options to opt in or out on a daily basis, as well as to pick-up your child at any time until 18:00.
What is your staff member to child ratio?
For children aged 2 years old, we endeavour to maintain a ratio of 1 qualified adult for 4 children.
Please note that the official ratio, as outlined by the Early Years Foundation Stage, is 1 qualified adult for 5 children at 2 years old.
For children aged 3 to 4 years old, we ensure a ratio of 1 qualified adult for 8 children.
What meals and snacks are provided?
At School, we provide a morning snack with a selection of fruits and breadsticks.
At lunch time, Nursery children join their friends in the Hall and eat homemade meals prepared onsite by our Chef Matt, varied throughout the week with healthy portions of meet, vegetables and fresh fruits for dessert, served by our Nursery staff members, who also supervise them throughout the lunch time.
All allergies are catered for.
Can my child sleep at Nursery?
In Acorns (age 2), we cater for a 2-hour long nap in the afternoon. Children can sleep as little or as long as they want after their lunch until 2pm.
In Oaks (age 3), children won’t have the opportunity to nap but instead, we initiate a ‘calm’ time in our wellbeing corner every day after lunch.
Do children need to be toilet-trained when joining the Nursery?
For entry to Acorns (age 2), we do not expect children to be toilet-trained as we have changing rooms onsite and experienced staff members.
For entry to Oaks (age 3), we ask all children to be toilet-trained before joining. Please note that age-appropriate toilets are easily accessible for each Oaks class.
Do you have Key Workers?
In Acorns (age 2), each child is allocated a Key Worker to take care of them (changing their nappies, helping them settling in the morning, taking care of their belongings…) The Key Worker forms strong bonds with the child – especially during the settling period. As the child becomes more familiar and comfortable at school, they end to form equally strong bonds with all staff.
In Oaks (age 3), each class has a class teacher and a dedicated teaching assistant.
Is there an automatic transition to the School after the Nursery?
After completing their second year of Nursery (Oaks class), children benefit from a priority place to join our School in Reception, until the end of Year 6 or the end of Year 8.
No assessment is needed, however, due to high interest from prospective parents in Reception places each year, we kindly ask Nursery parents in the Spring Term to reserve a place for their child in Devonshire House Reception.
