RENAISSANCE NURSERIES Telephone 0333 335 6573
Your Questions Answered
Welcoming Young Minds: Birth to 13 Years Old!
Choosing the right nursery is an important decision, and we want to make joining Renaissance Nurseries as simple and straightforward as possible. This section answers frequently asked questions about our registration process, from making your initial enquiry and applying for a place to completing registration and preparing for your child’s first day.
We’re here to guide you through each step and help ensure a smooth and welcoming start to your child’s journey with us.
Everything You Need to Know About Our Food
To help maintain a safe and inclusive environment, outside food is not permitted at our nurseries. Our in-house menus are carefully planned to accommodate a range of dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, cultural and religious dietary needs.
Exceptions may be considered where a child has a specific medical or developmental need, following discussion and agreement with the nursery.
This approach helps us provide children with safe, appropriate and nutritious meals while carefully managing individual dietary requirements.
Understanding our Government Funded Hours
Renaissance Nurseries offers government-funded childcare for eligible families, including 15 and 30 funded hours, helping to support your child’s early learning and development while reducing childcare costs. Our funded places are generally offered on a stretched, year-round basis. Term-time-only funded places may be available at our discretion for non-working parents with a valid six-digit funding code. Consumables fees apply to funded places.
Help with Childcare Costs
Eligible families may also be able to receive help with childcare costs through Universal Credit. If you require support with upfront childcare costs, speak to your Work Coach about the FSF2 Childcare Costs Agreement and Provider Claim Form.
Our team can also provide guidance on childcare funding and payment options. If you need additional support, you can book a meeting with us to discuss the options available to your family.
Can I Change Days/Sessions?
All childcare sessions are fixed to the days and times agreed at registration, unless your child is registered for Flexi Sessions, which are subject to an additional administration fee.
Requests to change your regular days or session times must be submitted through the online Variation Form and are subject to availability. We permit one session change per academic year, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
We do not offer session swaps, replacements or credits for sessions missed due to a child’s absence or nursery closure.
If you require childcare in addition to your child’s regular sessions, extra sessions may be booked and paid for separately through our online Booking Form, subject to availability.
Any permanent reduction or variation to your regular sessions remains subject to the applicable notice period and effective dates set out in our Terms of Agreement.
Illnesses
The health and wellbeing of our children, families and staff is important to us. If your child is unwell, we ask that they remain at home until they are well enough to comfortably participate in their usual nursery day.
We follow our Illness Exclusion Guidance to determine when children should remain away from nursery and when they may safely return. Exclusion periods vary depending on the illness or symptoms.
In some circumstances, we may request appropriate medical evidence or professional advice to help determine whether a child can safely return to nursery.
By following our illness procedures, families help us maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone in our nursery community.
Safe Sleep
Children are provided with an appropriate, clean and safe sleeping environment and are regularly monitored while sleeping.
Babies are placed on their backs to sleep, with their face and head uncovered, unless there is documented medical advice requiring an alternative arrangement. Sleep spaces are kept clear of pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, soft toys and other items that could obstruct a baby’s breathing.
We take care to prevent babies and young children from becoming too warm while sleeping and ensure that appropriate bedding and clothing are used.
Our team works closely with families to understand each child’s individual sleep needs; however, safe sleep requirements will always take priority where a home routine is not consistent with recognised safe sleep practice.
We believe that restful, uninterrupted sleep is an important part of a child’s wellbeing. For this reason, we allow children to sleep peacefully and wake naturally when they are ready, rather than routinely waking them from their sleep.
Fees, Payments and Discounts
All nursery fees are payable monthly in advance by the 28th, unless otherwise agreed. Invoices cover the full calendar month, from the 1st to the last day of each month.
All payments, including initial fees and deposits, are non-refundable. By making your initial payment, you confirm your acceptance of our Terms of Agreement, even if your Registration Forms have not yet been completed.
Fees remain payable throughout the year, including Bank Holidays, staff training days, early closures, cumulative record days and periods of child absence. Fees also remain payable where the nursery is required to close due to circumstances beyond our control, including statutory or public health requirements.
If you decide not to proceed after making your initial payment, you may notify us in writing; however, payments already made remain non-refundable. Once your Registration Form has been submitted, termination of your childcare place will be subject to the applicable notice period set out in our Terms of Agreement.
We accept a range of payment methods, including Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit, college or university grants, CGPS, bank transfer and cash.
Your first invoice will be issued once your initial payment has been received.
For full details of our fees, funded options and available childcare packages, please refer to our Fee Structure.
When Can I Start at Renaissance?
Renaissance Nurseries welcomes children from birth, and applications can be made throughout the year, subject to availability.
Eligible working families may access 30 Hours Government-Funded Childcare from the term after their child turns 9 months, provided a valid eligibility code is obtained within the required timeframe and reconfirmed every three months. Eligible non-working families may access 15 Hours Government-Funded Childcare from the term after their child turns 2 years old, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and a valid funding code.
All children are entitled to 15 Hours Government-Funded Childcare from the term after their third birthday, regardless of their parents’ working status.
Placement Commitment
We do not offer temporary childcare places. All registrations require a minimum commitment of two terms, with priority given to families seeking longer-term childcare and those who do not already hold a place with another setting.
All funded places are subject to eligibility, availability and our funded childcare terms.
Termination
A childcare place is subject to a minimum commitment period of six (6) months from the child’s commencement date. Parents may not terminate the childcare place during this initial six-month period.
Once the initial six-month period has been completed, a full term’s notice is required to terminate the childcare place.
For the purposes of this Agreement, our childcare terms are:
- Autumn Term: 1 September to 31 December
- Spring Term: 1 January to 31 March
- Summer Term: 1 April to 31 August
To terminate a childcare place, parents must submit the online Termination Form through the Parent Portal during the current term. The child’s last day of attendance will be the last day of the following term, and all applicable fees will remain payable until that date.
For example, where notice is submitted during the Autumn Term (1 September to 31 December), the childcare place will end on 31 March, the last day of the following Spring Term.
Requests made by email, telephone, text message or in person will not constitute valid notice under this Agreement. Only a properly submitted Termination Form through the Parent Portal will be accepted as formal notice.
If the applicable notice deadline is missed, the termination date will move to the next available term-end date in accordance with our Terms of Agreement.
Where Renaissance Nurseries ends or suspends a childcare place due to non-payment of fees, the applicable contractual notice period and fees due during that period will continue to apply.
Please refer to our Terms of Agreement for full details of notice periods, termination dates and applicable fees.
Are there Fees Associated with
Government Funded Places?
There are no childcare fees for eligible Government-Funded Hours. However, additional charges may apply depending on the type of childcare place and sessions selected.
Working parents accessing funded hours are required to register for our Mixed Place Offer, which combines Government-Funded Hours with additional childcare and is subject to a monthly childcare fee. Non-working parents accessing funded hours are required to contribute towards Consumables, which are not covered by Government Funding. Consumables Fees do not apply where eligible families choose our designated Mini Sessions. Eligible families experiencing financial difficulty may apply for a termly discount or waiver of Consumables Fees.
Applications are considered individually and are subject to assessment and approval.
Full details of funded sessions, additional childcare and applicable charges are available in our Fee Structure and Funded Childcare Terms.
The Agreement
Before making any payment, please read our Terms of Agreement, available on our Fee Structure page. These Terms form the basis of your childcare contract with Renaissance Nurseries.
By making your initial payment, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read and agree to be bound by our Terms of Agreement. All payments are non-refundable, subject to your statutory rights. Once your registration has commenced, any request to end your childcare place will be subject to the applicable termination notice period set out in our Terms of Agreement.
We strongly recommend reviewing the Terms of Agreement carefully before making a payment or proceeding with registration.
Sleep and Rest
At Renaissance Nurseries, we recognise that sleep and rest are important for children’s wellbeing, development and enjoyment of their nursery day. Our routines are adapted according to children’s ages and individual needs.
Babies under 18 months
We aim to follow each baby’s individual home sleep routine as closely as possible, while ensuring that all sleep arrangements follow our safe sleep procedures.
Children aged 18 months to 3 years
Children are encouraged to sleep or rest after mealtimes, providing an opportunity to recharge before continuing with their day.
Children aged 3 years and over
Children are encouraged to have a period of quiet rest between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Children who do not sleep can relax or participate in calm, quiet activities during this time.
How to
Register?
Joining Renaissance Nurseries is simple. Follow the steps below to begin your child’s registration:
1. Complete the Enquiry Form: Submit your initial enquiry with your child’s details and childcare requirements.
2. Book & Attend Your Visit: Arrange a nursery visit to meet our team, explore the setting and learn more about the childcare we offer.
3. Read Our Terms of Agreement: Please review our Terms of Agreement carefully before proceeding with registration.
4. Fee-Paying Places: Make your first month’s payment and notify us once payment has been completed.
If attending the Government Funded 15-Hour, provide the required proof of unemployment and confirm your preferred start date.
Register
Once we have received your first payment or confirmed start date, we will issue your unique Registration Code, allowing you to complete the online Registration Forms and progress your child’s application.
Why Complete an Enquiry Form?
Our Enquiry Form helps us understand your childcare requirements and assess whether we can offer a suitable place for your child.
If you would like us to check your eligibility for government-funded childcare, we will ask for the information required to complete the funding check. This may include your date of birth, home address and National Insurance number.
Before carrying out the check, you will be asked to confirm your consent for Renaissance Nurseries to use the information you provide to verify your eligibility with the relevant government or local authority systems.
Please ensure that all details are complete and accurate, as incorrect information may prevent us from validating your eligibility.
Your personal information will be handled securely and in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy, and will only be used and shared where necessary for the purposes explained to you.
Variations
You may request a change to your child’s sessions by completing the online Variation Form through the Parent Portal. For requests to reduce existing sessions, the required notice must be given during the current term. Your existing sessions will then continue throughout the following full term, with the approved change taking effect from the start of the next term after that.
When Will My Session Change Take Effect?
Any request to reduce agreed childcare sessions must be submitted by completing the online Variation Form through the Parent Portal. A full term’s notice is required.
For the purposes of this Agreement, our childcare terms and variation dates are:
- Autumn Term: 1 September – 31 December
Variation Form submitted during this term → Spring Term (1 January – 31 March) serves as the notice period→ change takes effect 1 April. - Spring Term: 1 January – 31 March
Variation Form submitted during this term → Summer Term (1 April – 31 August) serves as the notice period→ change takes effect 1 September. - Summer Term: 1 April – 31 August
Variation Form submitted during this term → Autumn Term (1 September – 31 December) serves as the notice period → change takes effect 1 January.
The child’s existing sessions and applicable fees will continue throughout the full notice term. The approved reduction or change will take effect from the first day of the following term, as set out above.
If the applicable notice deadline is missed, the requested change will move to the next available effective date in accordance with our Terms of Agreement. Requests to increase sessions may be made at any time and are subject to availability.
Consumables Covered
Our Monthly Nursery Consumables Fee contributes towards the additional services, resources and experiences that are not covered by Government-Funded Childcare. These may include:
- Meals, snacks and beverages
- Personal care items
- Events and celebrations
- Educational trips and outings
- Extra-curricular activities and experiences
The Consumables Fee does not include nappies, pull-ups or wipes, which parents are required to provide. Certain trips, outings or special activities may also carry a separate charge where these are not included within the monthly fee.
For families who do not wish to pay the Monthly Nursery Consumables Fee, alternative funded session options are available. Please refer to our Funded Childcare and Fee Structure for details of the available sessions and any applicable charges.
Got a Complaint or Concern?
If you have any concerns or complaints, we encourage you to contact us directly. You may email us or complete the complaint form available on our website. This helps us address your concerns promptly and ensures we continue to provide the highest standard of care for your children. Your feedback is extremely important to us, and we appreciate your support in helping us improve our services. Please read our Complaint Policy for guidance on this process.
How To Track My Child’s Progress!
Tracking your child’s learning is key to their development. We invite you to attend our termly progress meetings and to share brief updates at drop-off or pick-up, as home insights are invaluable. Please use our parent app and newsletters for updates and review our website and policies to understand our approach. If you have any concerns or suggestions, let us know promptly as your input helps us support your child’s growth. Remember to share Home Observations with us.
How Do I Join In?
Our 'Stay and Play' sessions offer a valuable opportunity for you to engage with your child and see their learning in action. These sessions are both fun and educational, allowing you to join your little one as they explore and discover. We also welcome families to join our Parent's Helper Club, where you can support our nursery community in meaningful ways such as during trips. In addition, our Parent Comity group provides a space to share ideas and feedback, helping us continue to improve and create the best possible environment for children.
What is Our Accident Action Plan?
In the event of an accident at the nursery, our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of the children. Our trained staff will administer first aid immediately and, if required, contact medical or healthcare professionals for further medical guidance and support to ensure the child receives the highest standard of care. After a minor incident, a brief notification is added to our parent app, followed as soon as reasonably possible by a full accident report detailing what occurred and any first aid administered. In the case of serious accidents, we contact parents immediately to inform them and discuss the steps taken. We continue to monitor the child closely after the incident to ensure they remain safe, calm, and supported within the nursery environment. For accuracy reasons, we do not share accident or incident details with parents at the door or over the telephone, as the staff member present may not be the one who witnessed the event. All information is communicated through the formal Accident Form to ensure clarity and reliability.
More About Sleep and Rest
At Renaissance Nurseries, we understand the essential role that quiet time plays in supporting the well-being of young children. Our designated quiet hours run from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. During this period, children under the age of three are gently encouraged to rest or nap, as sleep is vital for healthy growth, cognitive development, and emotional balance. For children aged three and above, we provide a calm environment with quiet activities such as reading, yoga, and sensory play, allowing them to relax while also nurturing creativity and focus. For our babies, we follow their individual home routines as closely as possible, ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and well-settled during rest times. Together, we create a soothing and supportive atmosphere that recognises the importance of rest for every child in our care. We follow a strict Safe Sleep routine to ensure the safety and wel-being of all our children.
Mastering Toilet Training: Our Parent's Guide!
At Renaissance Nurseries, we support parents throughout the toilet training process rather than leading the training independently. We begin with the use of pull-ups, which provide a gentle and comfortable transition as children become familiar with using the toilet. Through role play, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, we help children develop confidence and take the lead in their own toilet training journey. We also promote self-care skills, including basic cleaning routines and the importance of thorough handwashing, helping children feel capable and proud of their progress. In the event of regular accident, we may provide a pull-up to support the child and maintain their comfort, reflecting our commitment to a positive, nurturing, and respectful learning environment.
Toilet training is an important milestone, and we are happy to work closely with families to support each child at their own pace. We encourage parents to lead their child’s toilet-training journey at home, while our nursery team provides consistent, positive support and encouragement during nursery hours.
