Frequently asked questions
Where are you?
Our address is: First Steps, 148 Hendford Hill, Yeovil, BA20 2RG
When are you open?
We are open from Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays), from 8am until 6pm, 51 weeks a year.
What age children do you accept?
We welcome children from 3 months up to school age, with flexible morning, afternoon or full-day sessions to fit your family’s schedule.
How many hours of funded childcare do you provide?
Working parents of children aged between 9 months and 4 years old can claim 30 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year under the government’s Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme. Please go here for more details, to check your eligibility or apply.
You may also be eligible for the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which offers up to £2,000 per child per year (£4,000 for disabled children) to help with childcare costs. This can be used alongside the 30 hours of free childcare.
Learn more and apply at: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
If you contact us, we would be happy to email you a copy of our fees policy, explaining how the funding works. This will also be shared with you when you visit.
Is it possible to have a look at the nursery before we commit to a place?
Yes! We are happy to book in tours of the nursery – in fact, we actively encourage it. We like to work closely with the parents of our children to cater for their child’s individual needs.
Can you cater for my child’s allergies?
We have children with a wide range of allergies and our cook prepares food to accommodate all dietary needs. Please contact us to discuss your child’s individual needs.
What food do you provide for the children?
We provide a nutritious morning snack, a balanced and healthy two-course lunch prepared in our own kitchen, a light afternoon tea and constant access to milk and water throughout the day.
What information will you need from me?
Prior to your child starting at First Steps, please ensure you have completed and returned all the relevant registration forms. Our nursery staff will also need sight of your child(ren)’s original birth certificate(s).
How can I support my child to play outdoors?
We are lucky to have a large, enclosed garden perfect for little explorers, and we like to encourage outside play all year round. To keep the children protected in all weather conditions, please provide your child with the following:
- Sun cream
- Sun hat
- Wellington boots
- Warm, waterproof coat
- Jumper/cardigan
- Winter hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
Do you provide milk feeds?
We work with parent’s individual requirements. It’s possible to bring in pre-made bottles, pre-measured milk and breast milk.
How does toilet training and nappy changing work at First Steps?
We work closely with parents to provide a united approach to toilet training. Parents are asked to provide lots of changes of clothes during the initial stages.
When a child is in nappies, parents are asked to provide nappies (disposable or terry towelling). Where terry towelling nappies are used, soiled nappies will be placed in a bag for the parents or carer to collect for laundering at the end of the day.
Parents only need to bring in wipes or creams if their child has an allergy.
How will my child be supported to sleep while at nursery?
Babies and young children are supported to follow the same sleep pattern they follow at home. We will discuss this in advance, so please feel free to share any preferences your child may have. If your child likes to sleep with a comforter, please bring it with you and ensure your key person is aware of its importance.
How is my child’s attendance registered?
Every child is signed in and out of the nursery using our in-house system. This ensures their safety and supports us in the event of an evacuation.
How will my child’s belongings be stored?
Every child has their own peg, so please place your child’s coat and bag on their peg to give them a sense of belonging. We would be grateful if you could label your child’s clothes and belongings as it helps us to make sure the correct clothes are sent home with the right child.
How can I communicate with the nursery?
Parents will have an opportunity to talk to their key worker at drop off or pick times. If you need a longer conversation, this can be arranged. Alternatively, you can call or chat to a member of the senior team at any point in the day as we have an open-door policy.
We use a nursery app ’Tapestry’ to record observations and update parents on their child’s development. It can also be used to send messages to us.
If your child is unwell or you are running late, please call us or use Tapestry to inform us.
Phone: 01935 474 314. Email: hello@firststeps-yeovil.co.uk.
Join us
To book a visit or discuss a place at First Steps for your child, please get in touch. Our friendly team will be happy to discuss your child’s needs and routines to provide a smooth and enjoyable transition into nursery life. When children join First Steps, the nursery quickly becomes a special place not just for them but for the whole family.