Sunflower Nursery Cambridge

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Sunflower Nursery Cambridge thrives due to the high quality of childcare and unique atmosphere. The nursery’s management, trained and motivated staff, along with the community ethos, help to define the small homely nursery.

Sunflower Nursery Cambridge welcomes children in many languages

Sunflower nursery is small enough for all the nursery staff to know each child and their parents. We offer all parents valuable support with childcare issues and encourage honest discussions between parents and their child’s key-worker to provide consistent childcare between home and nursery. Parents are encouraged to join their children during open nursery sessions and we provide daily feedback on each child. We also host Parents’ evenings twice a year and produce a monthly newsletter to keep parents in touch with Nursery activities.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm with full and half day sessions available

We have another Sunflower Nursery in Cambourne

What our parents say about Sunflower Cambridge

“The staff make a huge effort to make every day different and to do fun and educational activities. Because the nursery is small, they get to know each child well and certainly helped our children work through their terrible twos (!) in an individualised way. The staff show huge pride when the children learn something new, which is evidence of their devotion to them.”

“At the end of the day when you pick up your little one and they are content, it gives you that overall satisfaction that staff at the nursery have taken good care of your child during your absence.”

“The staff are extremely professional, caring and well trained, and there are many opportunities for feedback and advice. Our son feels safe and happy, and he is thriving.”

“Absolutely fantastic nursery. The staff are so friendly, calm, informative and really take the time to tell you about your child’s day. I have absolute confidence in their handling of my son – when he needs more cuddles than usual, I know that they really see to his needs.”

“We have been so impressed with every aspect of Sunflower Nursery and our little boy loves attending. The baby room is cosy and inviting with many different stations for curious babies, there is a new and exciting activity for them to discover every day”

Life at Sunflower Nursery Cambridge

We currently welcome 46 children aged from 6 months up to 5 years. We have a separate unit for babies aged from 6 months, and an air conditioned toddler room. Children aged from approximately 2 years upwards are accommodated in a large open plan room, this and our toddler room open directly onto our fully equipped outdoor play area. Children in our main room are subdivided into age related groups. Nursery staff encourage every child to develop through exciting learning opportunities about their interests each day.

Staff and child playing with plastacine Sunflower Nursery Cambridge

The atmosphere at Sunflower is homely, combining fun, care and learning. The nursery values and respects children as individuals with their own unique personalities and needs. We are proud of the fact that we have children from all walks of life and many corners of the globe at Sunflower. As we are also committed to helping children develop at their own pace, we liaise closely with parents to ensure that we accommodate their child’s routine, likes and dislikes.

We have a safe off-road parking area, which is ideal for nursery drop offs and pick ups. We also have a locked buggy area where you can leave your buggy or car seats during the working day.

Nursery Fees – 1st April 2019 – 31st March 2020

Day rate (1 – 4 days per week)
Snowdrops (6m-1yr) and Bluebells (1-2yrs) £63.05
Poppy Seeds (2-3yrs) £59.50
Poppy Flowers (3+yrs) £77.10

Young children playing with toys at Sunflower Nursery Cambridge

Full time day rate (5 days per week)
Snowdrops (6m-1yr) and Bluebells (1-2yrs) £56.75
Poppy Seeds (2-3 yrs) £53.55
Poppy Flowers (3+yrs) £69.40

Half day rate (1–5 days per week)
Snowdrops (6m – 1yr) and Bluebells (1 – 2yrs) N/A
Poppy Seeds (2-3yrs) £32.75
Poppy Flowers (3+yrs) £38.55

Deposits

1 day £50
2-3 days £100
3+ days £200
Funded only £25

Parent information

Affordability
We offer the following childcare support options at our nurseries:
• 15 hour Funding for 2 and 3 year olds
• 30 hour Funding for 3 year olds
• Tax Free Childcare

Staff and young child playing with soft play toys Sunflower Children's Nurseries

Funding is allocated over 50 weeks at 11.4 hours a week for eligible 2 year olds and 3 year olds or 22.8 hours a week for eligible 3 year olds.

Families do have to apply for these offers and must meet the Government set eligibility criteria for this. You can do this online at childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk

Bursary Fund
CHS and Sunflower Nurseries have a bursary fund that families on low income can apply for. Please ask a member of staff for more information.

Care to Learn
The Care to Learn scheme is offered to students under 20 who are studying in higher education. You can find out more online at gov.uk/care-to-learn/what-youll-get

Childcare Vouchers
Your company may be able to help you with your childcare costs by providing childcare vouchers. You can find out more online at gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs

Nursery Life Frequently Asked Questions

What is the adult to child ratio?

We adhere to Ofsted regulations with our ratios. Our ratio for 0-2 years is 1:3, 2-3 years is 1:4, 3+ years is 1:8.

Do you have a separate sleep room for babies?

Yes – at Sunflower Cambridge our babies are in a separate unit from the nursery and this has play rooms and a sleep room.

My child is used to being with me, how will my child settle at nursery?

We offer home visits and up to 3 settling in sessions for our new children. We will also keep regular contact with you and you can call the nursery if your child was upset when you dropped off. We have an induction for your child when you can discuss your child’s needs with your child’s key worker and your child can get to know the surroundings and the setting.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Frequently Asked Questions

What is this?

Our nurseries in England are required to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. Every child is unique and we use the EYFS framework to take every child’s unique qualities into account when planning their day.

If you would like to know more information about the EYFS, you can visit the Foundation Years site at www.foundationyears.org.uk/eyfs-statutory-framework

PANTS (Safeguarding)

Child abuse can take many forms. It can be emotional, physical, sexual or a lack of love and attention through neglect. And it can happen to any child, in any family, in any place or online. Abuse often happens over a period of time, rather than as a one-off event, and can have a devastating effect on a child’s development and society as a whole. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can all play our part in preventing abuse. And we can all help a child who’s experienced abuse to get their life back on track.

PANTS is a national campaign produced by the NSPCC. Talking PANTS teaches children important messages, like their body belongs to them and they should tell an adult if they’re upset or worried.

P – Privates are private

A – Always remember your body belongs to you

N – No means No

T – Talk about secrets that upset you

S – Speak up someone can help

More information on PANTS is available online at www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule

What is Cultural Capital?

Cultural Capital in early years is now applicable within the new EIF (Education Inspection Framework) from September 2019.

Children arrive at an early years setting with different experiences from their homes/cultures in their learning and play. They will have different social experiences and sometimes these are limited to some others arriving in the setting. Cultural Capital is giving children the best possible start, with the essential knowledge and skills for what will come next in their lives. It is about providing language and words through play, music, and reading. It is about providing essential play about the world around them, the environment that they may not see at home and essentially providing a stimulating and learning experience for ALL children.

As early years providers, at Sunflower Nurseries we strive to ensure we know what the children in our setting need to learn, whether it’s making sure what the children hear through stories, songs, discussions or whether they need to be more active and explore the outdoors and the world in which they live. We know already how important the early years are and we need to build strong foundations that will make a difference to a child’s future. Essentially what we do each day in our interactions and through the EYFS, can make all the difference!

Cultural Capital is about preparing children with the knowledge and skills for what comes next/their future success! By giving them the best possible start!

Fees, funding/affordability Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get charged if we take a holiday during our child’s normal sessions?

Yes. We do charge for holidays, we do not charge if the nursery is closed (eg, bank holidays, training days).

Can I book an extra day as a one off or swap my day if I need to?

You can book an extra day which is charged at the day rate, but we do not swap days.

What happens if I fall behind with payments or my direct debit fails?

If your direct debit fails , the nursery will contact you seeking payment or if you cannot pay by the due date, or your circumstances have changed, please contact the nursery immediately and we will endeavour to support you with alternative arrangements as detailed in our Arrears Policy. If you find yourself in financial difficulties please speak to your nursery as soon as possible so we can support you as best we can.

Opening Times Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get charged if I pick up late?

Yes. We charge £5 for every 5 minutes if you are late picking up.

Can I drop off earlier than 8am/1pm?

No. We cannot take your child before your session starts as we have staff allocated to child ratios based on occupancy.

If I get to the nursery at 6pm will I still get a handover?

No. The nursery is closed at 6pm therefore if you want a handover you must arrive before 6pm to enable the staff time to talk to you.

Do you offer short days (school hours or Term Time)?

No. We do not offer ‘term time’ spaces or hours. We can only offer full (8-6) or half day places (8-1, 1-6).

Parent advice Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide nappies, wipes, nappy cream?

We provide wipes however you will need to provide us with nappies and a suitable nappy cream if your child needs one.

Do you provide sun cream?

Yes. The sun cream we use is Factor 50 non-allergenic sun cream. We administer this throughout the day during the sunny days in the summer, and on hotter days we tend to stay in the shade to keep the children out of the sun at the hottest times of the day (between 11am and 3pm).

How do you manage bad behaviour?

Every child is different and our qualified and trained staff follow and promote a positive behaviour routine. This will involve discussions with the parents and tracking the child’s behaviour each day both at nursery and at home.

What happens if my child becomes ill or is injured at nursery?

All our practitioners are qualified in Paediatric First Aid. At the first instance we will administer first aid and make your child comfortable, this will be documented and you will be called if it is a head injury or a temperature over 38c. You will be asked to sign a form when you collect your child. We will always contact the parents first and if this is not possible we will endeavour to speak to someone on your contact list. If your child needs immediate emergency care we will administer first aid, contact the emergency services and you will be contacted immediately.

How do I make a complaint?

If you have a concern/complaint or are at all unhappy with our nursery, please contact the Nursery Manager, who will endeavour to help you with your concerns directly and in person. If your concern is still not resolved we have a complaints form in the nursery which you can complete and return to Cambridge Housing Society where it will be followed up and dealt with by the company.

Healthy Eating Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide meals for vegetarians?

Yes. We always serve a vegetarian option for our children and our staff.

My child has an allergy to some foods, will you provide alternatives for this?

Yes. If your child has an allergy we will make sure that your child is not given this food or that we have cooked with this food during the cooking process. All children are given a place mat so that practitioners know if a child has an allergy. The cook is also aware in the kitchen and food is served separately.

Are meals provided for my child during the day?

Yes we provide healthy nutritious meals at both nurseries and we have qualified cooks to cook and prepare your child’s food each day. For reasons that some children may have severe food allergies, we cook and serve all the food on site and children cannot bring packed lunches.

Meet the team at Sunflower Cambridge

All our staff have undergone extensive DBS and security checks prior to employment. They have the skills and qualities we require when working with children, most of them qualified to Level 3 and above in Childcare qualifications. They are all trained regularly in paediatric first aid, basic child protection, moving & handling, health & safety, fire safety, food hygiene, infection control as well as other bespoke training as required.