A nurturing start makes all the difference. Below you’ll find clear answers to the questions families ask us most often — from availability and admissions to daily routines, staffing, food, and what to expect when your child joins our community.
If you’d like to know more, you’re always welcome to book a tour or send us an enquiry.
Admissions & Availability
What age do you accept children from?
We welcome children from 1 year old to 4 years old.
When can my child start?
We are heavily oversubscribed and operate a waiting list.
Currently:
- No places are available before October 2026.
- We are not taking applications for start dates before January 2027.
Families often ask for immediate or short-notice places — we understand the urgency, but availability is very limited.
Does being on the waiting list guarantee a place?
No. Being on the waiting list does not guarantee a place or a specific start date. We contact families in order of registration as spaces become available.
How early should I apply?
As early as possible. Demand for places grows every year.
How do I apply?
You can apply using the online form on our website.
What is the admissions process?
- Submit an application.
- We review availability and contact families when a place becomes available.
- If applicable, we request a reference from your child’s current nursery or school.
- A meeting is arranged with the class teacher or room leader (in person or via Teams).
- If a place is offered, you’ll receive a formal offer and acceptance contract.
- A £500 acceptance deposit is required to secure the place (refundable when your child leaves, subject to notice and fees being settled)
We offer full days only, with a minimum of three days per week, including either a Monday or Friday.
Tours & Settling In
Can we visit the nursery?
Yes. Tours run Monday–Wednesday at 09:30am.
You can request a tour through our enquiry page.
Can my child visit before starting?
Every child has a personalised settling-in plan, designed with their key worker.
We offer three free settling-in sessions, usually during the week before the official start date.
When will I receive more information once we have accepted a place?
- 2–3 months before the start date: The Head of Nursery will contact you to answer any questions.
- 6 weeks before the start date: Your child’s room leader will contact you with everything you need to prepare.
Both meetings can be held via Teams, phone, or email.
Opening Hours & Term Information
What are your opening times?
We are open 08:00–18:00, 48 weeks a year.
The nursery calendar, including holiday weeks, will be available on the nursery homepage.
Daily Life at the Nursery
What should my child bring?
Around six weeks before your start date, your room leader will confirm everything you need.
In general, please provide:
- Three full sets of spare clothes
- Seasonal hat (sunhat or winter hat)
- Two pairs of shoes: one indoor (Velcro/s slip-on) and one outdoor
- Waterproof coat and trousers
- Dishwasher-safe, age-appropriate water bottle
- Waterproof laundry bag
- Any prescribed medication (must be in date)
- Two EpiPens if required
Please label everything clearly.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. We operate a three-week rolling menu, prepared by Holroyd Howe, our specialist caterers.
- Salt and sugar free
- Nut and sesame free
- Dietary needs and religious preferences catered for
- Nursery has its own designated chef
Meals:
- Breakfast (08:00–08:30)
- Morning snack
- Lunch
- Afternoon snack
- Supper (16:00–16:30)
Get in touch if you would like a sample menu.
Staffing, Safety & Care
Are all staff DBS checked?
Yes — all staff members are DBS checked.
What are your staff-to-child ratios?
- Maple (1–2 years): 1:3
- Chestnut (2–3 years): 1:5
- Willow (3–4 years, pre-reception): 1:8
Are staff first-aid trained?
Yes — and we are immensely proud to hold Millie’s Mark, recognising exemplary standards in paediatric first aid.
Millie’s Mark is an exceptional achievement for a childcare setting, as it shows they are going above and beyond minimum requirements in keeping children safe.
Millie’s Mark | Inspiring Excellence in Paediatric First Aid
How do you record accidents or incidents?
All accidents are logged in the Famly App, so you can view details immediately.
What if I have concerns about my child’s care?
Please speak to your room leader in the first instance, or contact the Head of Nursery directly. We value open, honest communication.
Learning, Play & Enrichment
Do children play outside every day?
Yes. We are an all-weather nursery — children go outdoors several times a day.
What enrichment opportunities do you offer?
Our children enjoy a rich programme of activities, including:
- Forest School
- Sports lessons with specialist PE teachers
- Weekly Spanish lessons (toddlers & pre-reception) taught by a native speaker
- STEM sessions led by our award-winning STEM ambassador
- Trips based on age and interest:
- Botanical Gardens
- Railway station
- Museums
- Local places of worship
- Libraries
- Cambridge University sports facilities
Pre-Reception children also walk regularly to the Prep School and Fenner’s for sports.
Fees, Funding & Payments
Do you accept government funded hours?
Yes — we accept 15 and 30 funded hours for eligible families.
How do payments work?
- Fees are paid monthly, in advance, by BACS.
- We accept workplace childcare vouchers.
- Please contact us regarding any questions about the fees.
Is there a late collection fee?
If a child is collected after 18:00, a late fee of £26.50 applies.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help.
You can book a tour, submit an enquiry, or speak directly with our Admissions Team at any time.
