Frequently asked Questions

- will I receive updates on what my child has been up to during the day?

We will occasionally post photos on our private facebook page (ask to join) and put a board about the daily activities out. We have a parent communication book and can communicate with parents via that and you can talk to staff at pick up time or make an appointment to see your child's keyperson if you have any concerns. You will not get daily updates about what your child did though, as we enjoy time playing with the children rather than writing about what every child did every day. 

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-What are the staff ratios in both rooms?

We are always above the legal ratio in both rooms (1:3 for one year olds, 1:4 for two year olds and 1:8 for 3 and above). We use a mixed ratio due to the ages in both rooms being mixed. 

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- do you give prescribed medication and inhalers?

Yes if prescribed and a form has been completed by the parent with instructions and timings. We record when any medication or inhalers have been given.

- how will I know that my child has settled?

The keyperson will discuss the settling in process with you when your child starts and will update you on how they are getting on. We will often offer more days for no extra charge it this helps settle a child. 

- at what age can my child start?

We take children from the age of 1 and above as long as they can walk. 

- if my child is sick or on holiday, can I make up the days another time?

Unfortunately not. Your hours and days are set and cannot be changed due to illness or holidays. 

- what is the relationship with the preschool and St Andrew's church?

We have been owned by St Andrews for about 15 years now and our directors are church members and we have a brilliant relationship with them. You do not have to go to church to join Jelly Beans, but they would welcome you with open arms if you decided that you wanted to show your face on a Sunday. 

- what are the term dates?

Very similar to Sutton schools. Term dates can be found on the website

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- do you have inset days?

Only one a year at the beginning of the academic year.

- do you have parent's evenings?

We have two Learning Journey Viewing days across the academic year, one in the autumn term and one later one in late spring/ early summer.You make an appointment to see your child's keyperson and discuss their development and celebrate their achievements. You can look at their folders and see the photos taken by the keyperson of your child in action.

- does my child have to stay for lunch?

No they can do just morning sessions until 12 o'clock. 

- does my child have to wear uniform?

No they can wear their own clothes, just not their best clothes. We sell new uniform or you can get second hand uniform for free if you would like your child to wear uniform.

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- do you take children with Special educational needs?

Yes we do and we have an experienced Senco to help your child progress and get the right support. We work closely with the local area Senco and subscribe to Playwise for additional support. We also have our own SEN support assistant who works closely with children with additional needs and children that may require help with speech and language, confidence etc We have two well equipped cabins in the garden to enable sessions to be held in a quiet and calm environment. 

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- how do you monitor allergies and intolerances?

We ask all parents to advise of any allergies and intolerances when they start and keep us updated if they develop any. We ask that all lunches are nut free and pride ourselves on being nut aware. 

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- how many children do you take on a daily basis?

We can take a lot more children than we actually do due to the space we have available to us, but we prefer to keep to a number that enables us to work with all children closely and get to know all our children.We start lower in the autumn term and then numbers increase when children increase their hours later on in the academic year. We go up to 50 children in the Butterfly Room and up to 24 children in the Caterpillar Room. 

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- how many staff do you have? how many are paediatric first aid trained?

7 staff in the Caterpillar Room

12 staff in the Butterfly Room

3 SEN support staff

4 lunchtime supervisors

6 bank staff

2 apprentices

All full time staff have a current, full and relevant paediatric first aid certificate.

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- do you give Infant paracetamol to children with a temperature?

yes if we have gained the parents permission and know that they are on their way to collect their child. We will call parents if we feel that their child is unwell or has a temperature. 

- how often do they children access the garden?

On a daily basis and twice if they stay all day. We are fortunate to have various covered areas, which means we can take children out in all weathers and stay protected from the elements. We provide mittens in the winter and hats in the summer.

- what snacks do you provide and and what is the cost?

We ask for a 40p contribution per day that your child attends. We will buy fruit and healthy snacks ie breadsticks, rice cakes etc. Snack time is mid morning and we have another snack in the afternoon before the children go home. 

We also provide a healthy breakfast if your child attends Early Beans

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- do we need to provide water bottles?

No we provide water bottles and wash and refill with fresh water every day and top up as and when required. We also offer cows milk at mid morning snack time and at lunch time. 

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-do we have to provide nappies and wipes?

Yes but we provide the bag to keep it all at Jelly Beans and we will let parents know if they are running low. 

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- do you provide lunch? 

 No we ask parents to pack a healthy and well balanced lunch in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance.

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