Frequently asked questions

Q. Why do we have non-contact time each Monday morning?

A. This only applies to non-working parents and those not attending college. The centre is closed for staff development each Monday morning in order for the staff to enhance their skills and experience and to be able to access further training. This has a positive outcome for all service users both children and adults who attend the centre as the staff team remain well trained and knowledgeable. All parents who work or attend college receive a service on Monday mornings.

Q. Does the centre close for the holidays like schools?

A. The centre remains open all year round except for bank holidays and staff training days. The centre workers take their holidays on a rota basis and agency staff are employed so the centre remains open and child/staff ratios are maintained.

Q. Do you have a waiting list?

A. All referrals for the 23 day-care places come from the Lewisham local authority, we do not have a waiting list for these places. However the Sure Start places do have a waiting list as you can self refer if you live in the designated postcode / street as defined. Please contact us to find out if you live in these areas. Also all Sure Start places require parents to wither be working, actively seeking work or attending college.

Q. How do I get a place for my child at the centre?

A. In order to get a day-care place at the centre you need to be referred by your health visitor, or social worker who will send your application to the Early Years section, who in turn forward it to the centre depending on the child and family’s need and if it is a priority referral. The manager will look at the application, and arrange for a home visit to take place at which a decision will be made as to whether we can best meet your child’s needs. Once your child has been offered a placement an Agreement Meeting is arranged to discuss the centres policies and procedures for example the Settling In procedure.

Q. Do I have to stay with my child when they first start at the centre?

A. Yes, it is important for your child’s sense of security that you remain for agreed periods of time as set out in the Settling In procedure. Your child needs time to get used to the staff team and build a good relationship with their key-worker. Your child also needs to get used to the daily routine and start to interact with the other children.

Q. Do I have to pay fees?

A. Yes, Fees are payable if you are working, these are on a sliding scale according to income - the minimum being £15 per week rising to a maximum of £45 per week for your first child. If you have more than one child attending at the same time there is a reduced fee for each subsequent child.

However, fees are not payable if you are receiving income support. Also the term after your child’s third birthday they are entitled to nursery education grant which means that the Government Scheme pay the fees for a maximum of 33 weeks and you pay for the remaining 19 weeks.