Frequently asked questions…
At The Lookout, we know parents have lots of questions, and we love that! Our FAQs are here to give you a glimpse into everyday life at nursery, from what to pack and how we settle children in, to how we keep you connected through the Famly app. We believe in open, honest communication and want you to feel completely at ease from the very start. If there’s ever something you’d like to know that isn’t covered here, just ask, our door is always open…
Daily Life
No two days are the same at The Lookout! From muddy puddles to campfire baking, children follow their curiosity, enjoy nourishing meals, and rest when they need to — all woven into a calm daily rhythm.
Do you play outside everyday?
Absolutely! We’re an all-weather nursery, come rain, shine, or even snow, there’s always something to discover outdoors. With the right clothes, every season brings new adventures and learning. We encourage children to be out in nature and the great outdoors from babies all the way through to when they leave us for school. If your little one is more reluctant to head outside, we encourage them gently with opportunities to play and learn what they want in the outdoor environment.
Take a look at our Outdoor Play gallery.
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Children enjoy freshly prepared, home-style meals and snacks, often inspired by the seasons. They’ll also get the chance to bake over the fire or taste herbs and veggies grown in our garden. Please see our Menu for an idea of the homemade deliciousness our little people enjoy!
Visit our Looking out for your child page for more information.
How do you manage naps, nappies, and toilet training?
Every child’s routine is respected, with cosy spaces for naps and calm moments. Nappies and toilet training are supported gently and positively, always at each child’s pace.
What does a typical day look like?
There’s no “typical” day…curiosity leads the way. Children choose where and how they want to play, explore indoors and out, and join group times woven naturally into our rhythm. Expect muddy boots, big smiles, lots of creations, and plenty of stories to tell at home!
Each day at The Lookout is rooted in curiosity and the natural world – View the Lookout Day
Can I choose to bring my child in later, or collect earlier, than my registered hours?
Yes, that’s absolutely fine. We know family life doesn’t always run to a timetable, so if you’d like to drop off a little later or start your weekend a bit earlier, just let us know. The only thing we ask is that you keep your child’s key person or the team updated. We wouldn’t want you to arrive while we’re off exploring or out on a little adventure!
Learning & Development
We follow the EYFS in a Lookout way: through play, nature, and exploration. Every child is encouraged to grow in confidence, independence, and imagination, ready for their next adventure.
How will you support my child’s learning?
We follow the EYFS through child-led, in-the-moment play. Whether that’s counting pinecones, building dens, or storytelling by the fire, we help children grow in confidence, become independent, develop resilience, and become curious about the world.
You find more details on our Learning Philosophy page.
Who will be my child’s key person?
Every child has a key person, chosen through natural bonds. This special adult will get to know them deeply and be your main point of contact, someone who truly celebrates your child’s little steps and big milestones.
How do you prepare children for school?
At The Lookout, school readiness means children leaving us resilient, confident, and independent, with the curiosity and emotional strength to embrace new challenges. It’s not about letters or numbers, but about helping children feel happy, capable, and secure as they take their next step. Through play, exploration, and connection, we nurture independence, kindness, and respect so every child starts school feeling ready for whatever comes their way. We’ve worked closely with local schools to ensure our Lookout explorers leave nursery with the skills they need for their next step – and they tell us loud and clear that what we’re doing works!
Communication
Partnership with parents is at the heart of what we do. Whether through our Famly app, friendly handovers, or a chat over coffee, we keep you connected and involved in your child’s nursery life.
How do you keep me updated about my child’s day?
At The Lookout, you’ll always feel connected to your child’s day. Through our Famly app, you’ll receive photos, updates, and snippets of play and learning, along with details about meals, naps, and nappy changes. At pick-up, our team will give you a warm, personal handover, sharing those lovely little moments and observations that only come from spending the day alongside your child.
For more information, please visit our Parents are partners page.
Can I contact you during the day if I need to?
Absolutely. You can send us a quick message through Famly or give us a call at any time. We know how important it is to feel connected, we are after all trusted to look after your little people, so we’ll always respond as soon as we can, keeping you reassured and part of your child’s adventures at The Lookout.
Can I visit or stay at nursery?
Yes, we love having parents join in. Whether it’s a stay-and-play, parents’ evenings. a story in the garden, or a campfire afternoon, our door is always open. We run several family events throughout the year, where you can come in a mingle, getting to know the wider staff team a little better, as well as other families.
Will I get to see my child’s progress?
Yes, we use Focus Weeks to capture your child’s interests, achievements, and next steps. You’ll get a detailed write up on Famly, and your key person will talk it through with you at stay-and-play sessions or parent evenings. Of course, you can always ask for a chat anytime in between too.
Safety & Wellbeing
Your child’s safety and happiness come first. With paediatric first aid trained staff, strong safeguarding, and a caring team, you can feel confident they are always in safe hands.
Are all staff paediatric first aid trained?
Yes! Every single member of our team is paediatric first aid trained, and we have very proudly achieved Millie’s Mark Gold Standard Award, showing our commitment to excellence in first aid, wellbeing and safeguarding.
Who are the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)?
Charlotte (Owner), Charliee and Beth (Managers) are our DSLs, with Nicole and Bethany as deputies DSLs, trained too. There’s always someone on site dedicated to keeping children safe and cared for.
Visit The Team page for more information
What happens if my child is unwell at nursery?
If your child feels poorly, we’ll call you straight away to check in, such as how they have been, if you noticed anything at home or if they have been unwell. We take a pragmatic approach to illness and medication, knowing that sometimes as an adult, we have niggles and aches or pains that paracetamol will solve. We are happy to give Calpol or other non-prescribed pain medication, with prior consent, for minor illnesses, being under the weather, coughs and colds, and discomfort such as teething. Unfortunately, there are times when children just need to be at home, and if they cannot enjoy a day at nursery, we will ask you to pick them up so they can rest and recuperate. For some communicable illnesses and to protect everyone, we follow clear guidelines, in line with NHS and Public Health guidelines, like waiting 48 hours after sickness or diarrhoea before returning.
What happens if someone else needs to collect my child?
That’s fine, just let us know on Famly or by email. We’ll need the agreed password and details, and we won’t release a child unless we’re completely sure they’re safe and staff are comfortable.
Sessions and Fees
We offer full and half-day sessions, funded hours, Afterschool and Holiday Club care.
What sessions do you offer?
We offer full and half-day sessions between 8am–6pm, designed to give families flexibility around busy working days. We also run Afterschool Club care and a Holiday Club for older children, so siblings can enjoy The Lookout too. You’ll find a full breakdown of our times and fees on our Join Us page, and we’re always happy to chat about what might work best for your family.
Do I still pay fees if my child is unwell or on holiday?
Yes. Fees secure your child’s place at nursery, even if they’re not attending due to illness or family holidays. This helps us maintain the small, consistent team that makes The Lookout feel like home, and ensures we can continue providing high-quality care and learning for every child. We completely understand that life doesn’t always go to plan though, and sometimes families find themselves in unexpected situations. Please always reach out to us if you need support, we’re here to help and will do what we can to make things a little easier.
Can I book extra sessions?
Yes, absolutely, we know flexibility matters. If we have space, you can book extra sessions. This can be done through Famly or by speaking with one of the team. We’ll always do what we can to make nursery life fit smoothly around family life.
Do you accept funded hours or childcare vouchers?
Yes! We offer both 15 and 30 funded hours for eligible families, and we accept Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare vouchers too. We’re always happy to sit down with you and explain how funding works at The Lookout, and how you can blend funded hours with paid sessions to suit your needs.
Starting Nursery
Settling in is as much about parents as it is about children. We take time to build trust, create gentle transitions, and make sure every child feels safe and excited for their Lookout journey.
How will you help my child settle in?
We believe settling is a journey for the whole family, and every child’s start should go at their pace. Before your first visit, we’ll send you a short form so we can learn all about your little one, their routines, likes and dislikes, comforters, and what makes them truly special. You’ll then be invited in for settling sessions, increasing in length and independence, where you can spend time together in the nursery, meet the team, and explore our garden and play spaces. Your child’s key person will lead the settling process, supported closely by our management team, to make sure everything feels calm, consistent, and right for your family. We’ll always move at your child’s pace, adding extra sessions if needed, until everyone feels confident and happy.
What if my child gets upset at drop-off?
It’s perfectly normal for little ones to feel wobbly when saying goodbye. Our team are warm and experienced, and we’ll comfort your child, distract them with play, and keep you updated so you know how they’re getting on. Most children settle quickly once the fun begins! There is always plenty of cuddles and calm time if needed.
How long do we need for settling in our little one?
Starting nursery can be emotional for parents too, and we know every child, and every family, is different (even between siblings!). Some children need lots of short, gentle sessions to build confidence, while others are happily running in after one or two, and both are completely normal. We’ll move entirely at your family’s pace, keeping communication open and honest throughout. You can expect regular updates, and we’ll always call you if we feel your child needs you. Above all, be kind to yourself, this is a big transition, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. You’re always welcome to stay for a little while, have a chat, or join us in the garden while your child finds their feet.
Can my child bring a comforter to nursery?
Yes! Comforters are always welcome, especially during those early settling-in days, for children who nap, or simply on days when children just need a little extra TLC. A familiar item from home can bring great comfort and help children feel safe and connected. Our team will keep it close by and offer it whenever your child needs reassurance or a quiet moment of calm. We do ask that toys stay at home, though, so nothing special gets lost or mixed up on any of our big adventures.
What should i pack in their Nursery bag?
You’ll get your very own Lookout bag at your first settling session, please us this bag to bring in your little one’s things each day. Feel free to decorate it and make it uniquely yours!
Every day at The Lookout is full of adventure - from muddy puddles and forest walks to paint, baking, and big creative play! We ask that all children come dressed for the weather and with plenty of spare clothes so they can stay comfortable and happy throughout the day. Nursery clothes are just that - nursery clothes! We don’t mind if they’re stained, well-loved, or second-hand. In fact, we encourage it, it means children can throw themselves fully into play and creativity without worrying about keeping things clean.
Good-quality waterproofs are essential for all children, as we spend time outdoors in every season. Brands like Didriksons, Polarn O. Pyret, and Muddy Puddles are brilliant (and often found second-hand on Vinted as they are more expensive).
Babies
For our littlest Lookout explorers, we provide nappies, wipes, creams, and formula, so you don’t need to bring those with you. Please pack:
Several changes of clothes (we do lots of sensory and messy play!)
Bottles if your baby prefers their own
Comforters or sleep items (if used)
A wide-brimmed sun hat and light layers in summer
Wellies or waterproof foot coverings such as Playshoes for outdoor play
A fully waterproof and warm rain suit for cooler months
A warm hat, gloves, and snowsuit for winter
Two’s and Up
For our older adventurers, please pack:
At least two full changes of clothes for fun, messy, creative, and muddy play
Good-quality waterproofs and wellies for wet or wintery days
Lots of warm layers, hat, and gloves in winter
A wide-brimmed sun hat, light clothing, and swimsuit/cossie in summer
A comforter if needed
Whatever the season, please label everything clearly. And don’t worry if things come home muddy, sandy, or covered in paint — it’s all part of a happy day of learning, play, and exploration at The Lookout.