COVID 19 FAQ'S

Health and Safety

1. Why has the Government lifted the restrictions on nursery attendance?
   
   The latest scientific evidence indicates that COVID-19 appears to affect young children less often and with less severity.  The role of children in transmission is unclear, but it seems likely that they do not play a significant role.
   
   The Department for Education has published detailed guidance which enables nurseries to care for children safely and minimise the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.  The design of nurseries as relatively small communities with further subdivided rooms, greatly assists our ability to create distance between groups.
   
   The Government has recognised the vital role that nurseries play in education, wellbeing, preparing children for school and supporting families to work.
    
2. What measures are in place to keep children safe?
   
   We have implemented the Government guidance for educational settings to form bespoke Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) to make our nurseries COVID Secure. All parents and team members must read and follow these procedures to keep our community safe.  The fundamental principles are to ensure distancing between groups and to implement enhanced hygiene practices.
    
3. When can my child attend the nursery?
   
   We are preparing to welcome most children back from the 1st June.  Children classed as extremely clinically vulnerable are currently advised not to attend the nursery.  Children classed as clinically vulnerable (not extremely clinically vulnerable) are recommended to seek medical advice before returning to nursery. 
   
   If a child lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not extremely clinically vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, they can attend.  If a child lives with someone who is classed as extremely clinically vulnerable, they are advised not to return to nursery yet.

Care, Education and Wellbeing

1. There have been changes to my child’s routine or requirements during lockdown, how do I let you know?
   
   We understand that two months is a long time for all children, but for our smallest children there should be some routine changes.  We encourage all parents to update their key person with any changes to routine, likes and dislikes and medical or dietary needs.  If you have something more detailed you wish to discuss, please call the nursery to speak to your key person.
   
    
2. Will there be changes to the nursery routine?
   
   None that your child will notice.  We are implementing changes in line with our SOPs but key groups and relationships will carry on as normal.  Whilst we may not be able to invite you into the nursery to handover, the same practices and routines will continue in our home base groups.
    
3. How will you be preparing children for school?
   
   Preparing children for the transition to school will be a priority on our return.  In addition to the support we normally provide we will be giving extra attention to preparing children to return to a school implementing coronavirus limiting measures.

Changes to Attendance

1. I normally use grandparents for some childcare and need to increase my hours?
   
   Please contact the nursery manager if you wish to increase your attendance pattern.  We anticipate demand for places to be even higher than normal during this summer, but we will do all we can to accommodate your needs.
    
2. My needs have changed, and I need to reduce my attendance?
   
   Please contact the nursery manager to vary your attendance.                                                                                                
3. My child is going to school in September and I don’t plan to return to nursery?
   
   As per our normal Terms of Attendance, you simply need to give us a months’s notice in writing.  We are currently only charging fees for children attending in June, decisions around charging for future months will be made on a month by month basis. You will not be charged for any notice period given in a period that we are not charging for non-attendance.

Fees & Deposits

1. When are fees due?
   
   We were pleased to be able to suspend fees for April and May where the Government restricted attendance at nurseries.  From the 1st June we can welcome children back to nursery. We have made the decision not to charge for places not attended in June, decisions around charging for future months will be made on a month by month basis. Invoices for June will be due upon receipt.
    
2. I am cautious about coming to nursery for the next few weeks, do I need to pay fees?
   
   We have made the decision not to charge for places not attended in June, decisions around charging for future months will be made on a month by month basis. If you do not wish to return to the nursery, we ask you provide us with the required notice to release your place. You will not be charged for any notice period given in a period that we are not charging for non-attendance.
3. I made payments during April and May but did not attend the nursery, what happens to these?
   
   Any payments made during the restrictions when your child was not attending will be credited to your account.  These credits can be used against any future invoices.  If you cannot use the credits in full before leaving for school, they will be refunded to you.
     
4. What happens if the country goes into lockdown again?   
   
   We were pleased to be able to suspend fees for April and May where the Government restricted attendance at nursery.  We reserve our right to charge fees during any future significant period of non-attendance but would review this based on the situation.

Other Questions

1. How is Portico Day Nurseries supporting team members?
   
   We are proud of our fantastic team members who have provided care for children of key workers and vulnerable children throughout the lockdown.  We are implementing rigorous measures to keep them safe and support their wellbeing.  We will be doing lots of things in the coming months to recognise their efforts, but your appreciation and recognition means the most.
    
2. This has not resolved my question / query?
   
   Please contact your Nursery Manager in the first instance.  They are best placed to advise you and to connect you with someone that can help.