Early Years Funding Made Easy with ‘Funding Loop’

If you’ve previously had a child at a Tommies nursery, you may already be familiar with ‘Funding Loop’. If not, this guide explains what Funding Loop is and the process you’ll need to follow so we can claim your funded hours.

In order for any nursery to claim funding on a parent’s behalf, parents must complete a Parent Declaration form with the information required by the Local Authority. Funding Loop is a digital platform that helps you to do this quickly and securely each term.

“So, what is Funding Loop?”

Funding Loop is a digital system that helps parents and nurseries apply for government funding with ease. As part of the funding requirements, you’ll need to reconfirm your information each term. Using your Funding Loop account, you can do this online instead of completing paper forms every term.

“How do I access my Funding Loop account?”

Once your funding code has been provided and verified by your nursery, we’ll upload your details to our Funding Loop. This triggers an email inviting you to sign up and register. You must complete this registration to give us permission to claim your funding. If you don’t, we won’t be able to claim the funding, and it won’t be applied to your childcare bills.

“What information will I need to confirm?”

When you log in, you’ll be asked to confirm details taken from our nursery management system, including:

Your personal details
Your child’s personal details, including date of birth
Proof of identity (for first claims only): upload your child’s birth certificate or passport – you won’t be able to complete the form without this
Your child’s attendance pattern (the hours they’ll attend)
The number of funded hours we’re claiming on your behalf
Any split funding (if you’re using another provider or childminder for eligible hours)

Please note: While you may be eligible for 30 hours, we offer this over a minimum of three full days. If your child attends fewer than three full days, your claim may show fewer than 30 hours.

“What are the benefits of using Funding Loop?”

A digital platform means you can review information, see automatic calculations, and submit your form to us in a few clicks. Your completed forms and any uploaded documents are saved online for future reference and can be downloaded or printed at any time. When you complete a form for a future term, Funding Loop remembers your previous information to make the process even quicker.

“What happens after I complete the Parent Declaration?”

Once you’ve submitted the Parent Declaration, your chosen nursery is notified. We then have everything we need to add your claim to the Local Authority portal and receive payment for the funded hours you’ve authorised us to claim.

“What if I don’t complete the Parent Declaration form?”

When you register for a place at a Tommies nursery, you’re asked to read and sign our terms and conditions. All places are offered without funding because we need proof of eligibility before we can claim hours. It’s the parents’ responsibility to provide the funding code and National Insurance number as early as possible to avoid delays or invoicing errors. Once checked, your Nursery Manager will get in touch if there are any issues with the code or the information provided.

“Do I need to do anything else after completing the Parent Declaration?”

If you’re claiming Working Family Funding (30 hours), you must reconfirm your details every three months. You’ll receive an email reminder from GOV.UK before the deadline. Reconfirmation is the parents’ responsibility; failing to do so may affect your eligibility for funding.

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To learn more about the types of funding available and the eligibility requirements, please click here.

6 Simple Ways to Keep Your Under 5 Safe Online

Six Simple Ways to Keep Under-5s Safe Online

The use of technology across our society has increased dramatically, and young children are using devices at an increasingly early age.

As parents and carers, the big question on our minds is:

“How do we keep our children safe when they’re online?”

Recent UK research suggests screen use is rising and can start very early – in some cases from around six months – which means it’s worth thinking about simple, age-appropriate habits now to set children up well for an online world.

Online Learning

There are many apps that claim to support early learning – letters, numbers, shapes and more. Some are helpful, but not all are backed by strong evidence.

A good rule of thumb is to choose carefully, avoid anything that auto-plays endlessly, and explore together where you can. Co-viewing helps you talk about what your child is seeing and doing, and turns screen time into shared time.

Screen Time and Wellbeing

There has been a lot of discussion about the impact of screen time on young children’s development.

Evidence suggests (including guidance from the World Health Organisation) that children under 2 should not have access to any screen time. The possible impacts include:

Delayed language development
Difficulties with social skills
Sleep disruptions
Attention and learning difficulties

Even for children over 2, it’s sensible to place limits on screen time. Prioritise active play, conversation and good sleep routines; keep screens purposeful and short; and where possible, watch together.

The image below shows guidelines for screen time by age (Health for Under 5s):

Do It Safely

If you do choose to let your under-5 use screens, it’s worth considering the following to help them do so safely. These 6 trips draw on advice from the NSPCC:

Supervise use. Under-5s should use technology with close support from a parent or carer, and ideally in shared family spaces.
Use family devices, accounts and services. Stick to child-friendly devices and profiles, and use children’s versions of popular platforms (e.g. YouTube Kids).
Check content first (and turn off autoplay). Preview apps and videos each time, and disable features like ‘autoplay’ so you stay in control of what plays next.
Set up parental controls. Make use of safety settings on your home Wi-Fi, devices and accounts. These help, but they don’t replace supervision.
Start safety conversations early. Short, everyday chats help children learn to ask for help if something pops up that worries them. The NSPCC’s ‘Techosaurus’ is a lovely starting point for little ones: Techosaurus (Learn more).
Establish healthy habits. Keep technology purposeful from a young age – for example, choosing a short video together and chatting about it afterwards – and switch screens off well before bedtime.

A Final Thought

Above all, remember that screens are just one small part of a very big childhood.

Keep them short, shared and purposeful, with plenty of play, chat and sleep around them, and you’re doing the right things. If you’d like a hand setting up controls or choosing age-appropriate apps, speak to your nursery team — we’re always happy to help.

Together, we can keep your little one safe, curious and confident — online and off.

How Long Should It Take to Settle Into a Nursery?

Starting nursery is a big milestone – for both children and parents. It’s exciting, but it can also feel daunting to leave your little one in a new environment surrounded by new people.

One of the most common questions we hear from parents is:

“How long will it take for my child to settle into nursery?”

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every child is different. Some adapt quickly, while others take a little longer to feel secure. That’s why, at Tommies Childcare, we place so much emphasis on settling-in sessions. The time we invest at the very beginning helps children feel comfortable, parents feel reassured, and lays the foundation for positive relationships that last.

How Long Does It Usually Take?

While every child is unique, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for most children to feel settled at nursery. Some may take less time, and some may need more – both are completely normal.

We usually advise parents to allow at least a month for the process. This gives children the chance to adjust gradually and ensures you feel confident leaving them in our care.

What Happens During Settling-In Sessions?

We begin with three initial sessions, though more are available if needed:

Session 1: About an hour, with you staying alongside your child. This is a chance for you both to get familiar with the nursery and meet the team. It’s also when we review your child’s All About Me file, so that we understand their interests, routines, comforts, and quirks.
Session 2 & 3: Longer stays without you present for part (or all) of the time, helping your child gradually adjust to being with us. These often include mealtimes or naps, so children experience a fuller day in nursery.

The goal is always the same: to help your child feel safe and supported as they ease into nursery life.

Why Settling-In Sessions Matter

Building Trust
Children need time to explore at their own pace, meet new people gradually, and learn that the nursery is a safe place where their parent or carer always comes back.
Building Relationships
Young children thrive on secure bonds. Settling-in sessions give them a chance to form a relationship with their key person and the team, so when they start full-time, they’re welcomed by familiar faces.
Supporting Parents
It’s not just children who need to settle. These sessions help you meet the staff, ask questions, and watch your child begin to play and interact. Seeing them safe and happy gives you the reassurance you need when it’s time to say goodbye.
Every Child Is Different
Some children settle quickly, others need more time. Offering multiple sessions means we can tailor the process to each child’s needs, giving them (and you) the support you deserve.
Positive First Impressions
With nearly 30 years’ experience, we know the effort invested at the start pays off in the long run. By learning about your child’s routines, likes, and comforts, we can support them better from day one.

How Parents Can Prepare

There are some simple ways you can help your child feel ready for nursery:

Pack a bag with essentials (change of clothes, nappies, wipes, comforters, family photo if helpful).
Talk positively about the nursery and what they’ll be doing there.
For babies, make sure they can feed from a bottle if required and begin phasing out sleep habits like rocking or pushchairs that won’t easily transfer into nursery.
Encourage regular attendance – routine builds familiarity, which speeds up settling.

Making Goodbyes Easier

Saying goodbye can be emotional for both you and your child. Some tips:

Keep goodbyes short and positive – a smile and a reassuring word go a long way.
Avoid “sneaking out,” as it can undermine trust.
Trust that it’s normal for children to cry at drop-off, and that they often settle quickly once engaged in play.

Remember, you can always call us during the day for reassurance.

What If My Child Struggles to Settle?

Some children take longer, and that’s absolutely fine. The most important thing is consistency. Collecting your child early if they’re upset can make separation harder in the long run.

If your child is finding it difficult, we can arrange additional settling-in sessions and work with you to create a plan that supports them. Many of our team are parents themselves and fully understand how emotional this process can be.

In a Nutshell

Settling into nursery is a journey, not a race. Most children adapt within a few weeks, but what matters most is that they feel safe, happy, and supported. With the right preparation, consistency, and reassurance – both from you and our team – your child will soon begin to thrive in their new environment.

If you’d like to see how our settling-in process works in practice, why not arrange a visit to your nearest Tommies Childcare nursery? We’d be delighted to show you around and answer any questions you have.

The Best Questions to Ask When Visiting a Nursery

The Best Questions to Ask When Visiting a Nursery (Parent Checklist)

For many parents, visiting a nursery for the first time can be confusing or even a little daunting.

Choosing the right nursery for your child is, after all, a big decision. You want to ensure you find out as much as possible about the nurseries you visit.

But what are the best questions to ask when visiting a nursery?

To help, we’ve compiled a list of questions you should ask (almost like having a little nursery visit checklist in your pocket). That way, you’ll be fully prepared when you start viewing nurseries.

The Best Questions to Ask When Visiting a Nursery

What experience and qualifications do your staff have?
How do you know the staff you recruit are trusted to care for children?
What are your fees?
Is there a set number of days my child needs to attend?
How many staff look after the children?
What is a key person?
How will you ensure my child is safe at the nursery?
What kinds of activities do you provide?
How often do children go outside?
How will you support my child’s learning?
How will I stay informed of my child’s progress?
Do you provide meals and snacks?
How do you manage children’s behaviour?
What do your fees include?
How many weeks per year is your nursery open?
How do you cater for children with dietary requirements or allergies?
What is your current Ofsted grading, and can I see the report?

“What experience and qualifications do your staff have?”

Many parents’ choice of nursery will depend heavily on the people looking after their child. After all, children will spend a great deal of time at nursery, so they must have the right people around them during their early years.

At Tommies Childcare, we believe that experience and qualifications are essential. So too is people’s work ethic and passion for childcare, and we hire people based on their ethos, not just their skills. We also provide ongoing training to all staff as part of our internal training and professional development programme.

Any staff in a management role at Tommies Childcare hold a minimum of a Level 3 qualification. Meanwhile, Nursery Practitioners will usually have a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification or have relevant experience working or looking after young children.

Recruitment has been difficult in the early years sector in recent years, and, unfortunately, this continues to be challenging. To support our recruitment needs, Tommies Childcare employs its own Bank Staff team who work on flexible contracts while fully aware of our policies, procedures and expectations.

“How do you know the staff you recruit are trusted to care for children?”

As a parent, safeguarding your child is your number one priority. This is one of the most essential questions when visiting a nursery.

A great way to determine whether staff have been checked to see if they’re suitable to work with children is to ask about the nursery’s recruitment procedure.

There are several suitability checks and processes that every nursery provider is duty-bound to adhere to. Having said that, some providers are more thorough than others.

At Tommies Childcare, we believe in taking a best-practice approach to recruitment and vetting our staff to the highest standard.

Before any new staff member can begin working at Tommies Childcare, we request to view at least two employment references and/or three years of employment history. While this can sometimes cause delays in a new team member starting work, we are committed to ensuring the above checks have been completed fully.

Additionally, we carry out an Enhanced DBS check on all staff, regardless of whether they work directly with children. DBS checks are renewed every three years or annually if the employee is registered with the DBS Update Service. We believe stringent vetting procedures are one of the simplest ways to safeguard children.

“How many staff look after the children?”

One of the more common questions is how many staff members look after the children. Specifically, what are the staff-to-children ratios?

One of the things you can do as a parent is to check that your choice of nursery is adhering to the childcare ratios outlined in the Statutory Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). An excellent way to check this is by asking whether staff cover each other’s lunch breaks. If they don’t, then that could mean that ratios are not being followed.

The statutory guidance for childcare ratios in a nursery setting is as follows. Please note that the guidance for ratios will be updated from September 2023, as shown below.

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These are the ratios that we adopt across Tommies Childcare. You may find, however, that if you visit a school nursery, the ratios are much higher. For example, for children 3+ years, where a person holds Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Professional Status, the statutory ratio increases to 1:13. While we do have some staff working with this age group, we usually continue to operate on a 1:8 ratio.

“How often do children go outside?”

Most nurseries with outdoor space usually allow children to have regular outdoor access.

However, at Tommies Childcare, we guarantee that all children access our garden spaces daily, regardless of the weather. We promote this approach as a necessity for young children, and it is something we are passionate about. One of the reasons for this is that children gain many learning experiences from being outside, which cannot be replicated inside.

We recognise that there may be times when parents ask us if children can stay indoors if they are poorly. As outside play is one of our core values, we advise parents that children should only attend the nursery if they are well enough to participate in all activities, including outdoor play.

“How will I stay informed of my child’s progress?”

When your little one spends their day at nursery, it’s only natural to wonder what they’ve been up to — what they’ve been learning, what they’ve been exploring, and how they’re developing.

At Tommies, we want you to feel part of your child’s day, even when you’re not there. That’s why we use Famly, a simple and secure app that gives you real-time updates straight to your phone or tablet.

Our team share photos, videos, and little notes that capture your child’s learning and development, so you don’t just hear about milestones — you get to see them as they happen. You’ll also find helpful updates like what they’ve eaten, how long they’ve slept, and nappy changes, giving you peace of mind that they’re happy and cared for.

And because Famly makes it easy to message us too, you’re never out of the loop. Whether it’s sharing something from home or asking a quick question, staying in touch with your child’s nursery is as simple as opening the app.

“What is your current Ofsted grading, and can I see the report?”

The majority of childcare providers are registered with Ofsted. Your choice of nursery will likely be registered with Ofsted.

Most nurseries keep a copy of their most recent inspection report on-site, but you can also view these online and any complaints that may have been logged here.

Nursery Visit Checklist

If you’d like a printable checklist of these questions to take on your visit, download ours here.

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We hope you’ve found this helpful. If you’re ready to visit one of our nurseries to ask us all these questions, find your nearest Tommies Childcare setting and arrange a visit here!

10 Things You Should Bring to Nursery

Deciding to send your child to a nursery is never easy. You may need childcare for work commitments, or you may wish your child to socialise with other children of their age outside of the family home. Whatever your reasons, the process of choosing childcare can seem quite overwhelming.

But now, it’s actually happening. Your little one is off to nursery. If you’re feeling a little nervous or anxious about leaving your child at nursery for the first time, then having as much information as possible before their first day can help to alleviate some of your worries.

To help you prepare for your child’s first day, here’s a list of 10 things you need to bring to your nursery.

1. Bag

Your child will need to bring a bag to the nursery to store all of their belongings. You can take this bag home every night, or you can feel free to leave it at the nursery if you don’t need to add anything else. Your child will have a coat peg at the nursery where you can leave their bag, coat and any other belongings. We ask that bags not be too big, as we have limited storage space at most of our nurseries.

2. Nappies, Wipes & Creams

If you have a young child who is not yet toilet-trained, it’s important that you keep a stock of any items you use at home at the nursery. We’re happy for you to bring whole packs of nappies and wipes to the nursery, eliminating the need to bring in extras each day. We label your child’s packs of nappies and wipes with their name and store them in the nappy changing areas. It is also helpful to provide us with any creams that you would like your child to have applied whilst at nursery. These can be applied as needed.

3. Coat

All children, including babies, access the outdoors every day. Whilst time outdoors may be reduced due to particularly bad weather, we do operate on the premise that children will spend time outdoors come rain or shine. Therefore, children need to have the appropriate clothing to do so. For younger and non-mobile children, an all-in-one suit may be a better option.

4. Outdoor Shoes/Wellies

All children, including those who may not yet be walking, should have a pair of outdoor shoes available to change into at the nursery. These will be used when the children go out into the garden. Wellies are great for use in wet weather and can be removed or changed when the children come indoors. Many of our parents provide their children with a set of nursery wellies that remain at the nursery at all times.

5. Spare Sets of Clothes

You may have thought that your child went through so many clothes changes when at home; however, our commitment to fun and engaging activities often results in a mess. Please ensure that you bring at least three spare changes of clothes in your nursery bag, as we cannot promise they will return home in the clothes they arrived in! For those children who have just started toilet training, more spare clothing will need to be provided. We also ask that children don’t attend nursery in their best clothes. There will be a lot of fun and messy activities taking place, so be prepared for clothes to come home marked. While we encourage the use of aprons, we know these aren’t always popular or comfortable, so children will still be able to participate without them and change if they are wet.

6. Sun Cream & Sun Hat

Parents are asked to bring in their own sun cream for their child when at nursery. This removes any issues that may occur with sensitive skin or allergic reactions. Please ensure that you keep some sun cream in your child’s bag, as the sun can sometimes make an unexpected appearance. In addition to this, please ensure that your child has a sun hat to protect them when outdoors in hot weather.

7. Extra Underwear

If your child is toilet training, it is likely that they may have accidents while at nursery. Staff will be happy to support any toilet training needs at the nursery. Please ensure that there are sufficient spare changes of underwear or clothing if your child is undergoing toilet training while at nursery.

8. Slippers

Some children may wear slippers when indoors at home. We are happy for children to wear slippers indoors if they find this more comfortable; however, for children who are walking, we advise slippers with a rubber sole to avoid any slips or accidents.

9. Comfort Item

Having a reminder from home can provide children with the reassurance they need when starting at nursery. This may be a soft toy, dummy, blanket or other familiar items. To avoid losing or forgetting the item when collecting, some parents have purchased a separate like-for-like item that can remain at the nursery.

10. Any Necessary Medication

We understand that there may be times when children will require medication when at nursery. Please ensure that if your child needs access to medication whilst at nursery, this is made available. Please ask to see our Medication and Pain Relief Policy for more information.

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If you found this blog useful, why not read about how long it should take to settle in at a nursery?

Helping Children Understand Big Feelings

Helping Children Understand Big Feelings: A Guide to Emotional Regulation in the Early Years

Learning to understand and manage big emotions is a huge part of growing up – and it starts much earlier than you might think. Emotional regulation isn’t just about stopping tantrums; it’s about helping children recognise how they’re feeling, express those feelings in safe ways, and feel supported as they work through them.

At this stage in life, their brains are doing a lot of hard work behind the scenes – building the foundations for how they’ll cope with frustration, form friendships, and bounce back from setbacks in the future. That’s why giving them the tools to handle emotions now is so important.

Why Emotional Regulation Matters

In the early years, children are only just starting to make sense of emotions – what they are, how they feel, and what to do when they show up. Sometimes it can all feel a bit too much. That’s where grown-ups come in.

Children who are supported in managing emotions early on are more likely to:

Build strong, healthy relationships
Develop self-control
Problem-solve more effectively
Settle better in social and learning environments

It Starts with Co-Regulation

Children don’t just figure this out by themselves. Before they can regulate emotions on their own, they need help – a process known as co-regulation. This means adults play a key role in:

Staying calm and present during emotional moments
Acknowledging the child’s feelings (even if you don’t quite understand them)
Offering comfort, structure, and consistent responses

Over time, with this steady support, children begin to learn how to manage their emotions independently

What Helps? Practical Ideas for Parents and Practitioners

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some tried and tested ways to support children with emotional regulation:

Talk About Feelings

Use simple phrases to name the emotion: “You look upset,” or “Are you feeling cross?” This helps children build the language they need to explain how they feel.

Create a Calm Space

A quiet, cosy corner with soft toys or sensory materials can give children somewhere safe to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s not about time out – it’s about time to breathe.

Use Books and Stories

Reading together is a great way to talk about feelings. Try books like The Colour Monster or When Sophie Gets Angry – they’re full of emotional moments children can relate to.

Try Breathing and Sensory Play

Activities like blowing bubbles, playing with water, or squeezing playdough can help bring big feelings down to a manageable level.

Keep Things Predictable

Young children thrive on routine. Knowing what to expect helps them feel secure and in control, which can reduce emotional outbursts.

Be a Role Model

Children learn by watching. Try to show them how to manage your own feelings, even when things don’t go to plan: “I’m feeling a bit stressed, so I’m going to take a moment.”

A Few Common Challenges

Tantrums

They’re completely normal. The best approach is to stay calm, stay nearby, and wait it out. Once your child is calm again, you can offer comfort and talk it through.

Aggression

Big feelings like anger can be scary for young children. Let them know it’s OK to feel angry – but also show them safe ways to let it out, like stomping or drawing.

Sensitive Children

Avoid labels like “too sensitive.” Instead, help them understand their feelings and offer lots of reassurance. These children often become incredibly empathetic with the right support.

The Bigger Picture

Emotional regulation isn’t just about the here and now. It sets children up for life. With the right guidance and patience, children who learn to manage their feelings are better able to:

Handle stress
Make thoughtful choices
Form stronger friendships
Settle into school life more smoothly

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In a Nutshell…

Big feelings are a normal part of childhood. What matters now is how we help children understand and manage them. By tuning into their emotional needs and offering calm, consistent support, we give them a safe base to learn from – and that sense of emotional security is something that stays with them for years to come.

Why Recruitment is Tough in Early Years

The Current Landscape

It’s no secret that recruitment remains a challenge across the Early Years sector. A combination of increased demand for nursery places and the ongoing expansion of government-funded entitlements has placed additional pressure on providers to grow their teams.

According to the Early Years Workforce Survey 2023, over 40% of childcare providers reported difficulties in recruiting new staff – a trend that continues to rise across the sector.

What This Looks Like at Tommies Childcare

Like many providers, we experience a varied picture across our nurseries. What we see time and time again is that settings with a stable Nursery Manager and a strong, well-led team tend to enjoy more success in both recruiting and retaining staff.

While recruitment is important, we believe retention is even more crucial. It’s the long-standing, familiar faces that build meaningful relationships with our children and families.

There are, of course, times when staff changes are unavoidable – whether due to relocation, career progression, or family commitments.

We also recognise that during periods of change, such as a vacancy in a management role or changes within a leadership team, this can naturally influence how teams feel.

That’s why we remain focused on supporting those nurseries closely to maintain a strong culture and high-quality care.

How We’re Strengthening Recruitment and Retention

At Tommies Childcare, we’ve always believed that looking after our people is the key to delivering excellent care. When our teams feel supported, they are better equipped to nurture and educate the children in our care.

We’re proud to have held a Best Companies accreditation since 2018 – a recognition based entirely on feedback from our employees. In a sector where staff can often feel undervalued, this is something we’re incredibly proud of.

Here are just some of the initiatives we offer to attract and retain great people:

Generous annual leave entitlements
Additional long service days
Buy and sell annual leave scheme
Attractive childcare discount
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Private health care (role dependent)
Employee counselling and wellbeing support
Company sick pay
Annual staff awards evening
Annual professional development day

How We Support Nurseries with Staffing Challenges

We take our responsibility to maintain safe staffing levels seriously. In line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory guidance, we are required to meet staff-to-child ratios at all times.

To support this, we have the following measures in place:

Nursery Managers are not counted in ratios – ensuring they can support with operational matters and step in if unexpected staffing issues arise.
Our own Bank Staff Team – a group of Tommies Childcare employees who work flexibly across nurseries, providing consistency while supporting where needed.
Agency staff are used only when essential – and always through trusted agencies that DBS-check and vet their teams thoroughly.

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So, while recruitment across the Early Years sector remains challenging, our commitment to building strong, nurturing teams never wavers. We’re focused on bringing in the right people to maintain the high standards families expect from us.

Safeguarding in Early Years: How We Keep Children Safe

Safeguarding in Early Years: How We Keep Children Safe at Tommies Childcare

At Tommies Childcare, safeguarding isn’t just a policy – it’s the foundation of everything we do. Ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child in our care is our highest priority.

What is Safeguarding in Early Years?

Safeguarding refers to the measures we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. According to the Department for Education, safeguarding involves:

Protecting children from maltreatment
Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
Ensuring children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes

In a nursery setting, this means creating a secure environment where children can learn, play, and develop safely.

The Importance of Ratios

The Early Years Statutory Guidance requires all nursery providers to follow specific staff-to-child ratios, which are essential for ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing. While on occasions such as nap times, we may adjust these ratios, the following guidance is maintained throughout the day:

For children under two years: One member of staff for every three children (1:3)
For children aged two-to-three years: One member of staff for every five children (1:5)
For children aged three and over: One member of staff for every eight children (1:8), or one member of staff for every thirteen children (1:13) if the member of staff has a relevant Level 6 qualification

If we are ever unable to meet these statutory ratios with our permanent staff, we will deploy Bank Staff or qualified external agency staff. Rest assured, we are committed to complying with these ratios. Additionally, there may even be times when we need to increase our staffing beyond the statutory guidance if additional support is required.

Our Responsibilities as a Childcare Provider

As an early years provider, we have a legal and moral duty to safeguard all children in our care. This includes:

Implementing robust safeguarding policies and procedures
Ensuring all staff are trained to recognise and respond to signs of abuse or neglect
Maintaining accurate records of any concerns or incidents
Working in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies

We regularly review and update our safeguarding policies to reflect current legislation and best practices.

Professional Curiosity

At Tommies Childcare, we talk a lot about ‘professional curiosity’ – and it’s an important part of how we approach safeguarding. Put simply, it means we don’t just take things at face value. We ask questions, we notice changes in behaviour, and we think about what might be happening beyond the surface.

Our staff are encouraged to embrace a culture of professional curiosity and recognise that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility. Any concerns about a child or indeed a member of staff working with children are taken very seriously and will be reported to the appropriate agencies when necessary.

Our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

Our comprehensive safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to protecting children and the steps we take if concerns arise. Key elements include:

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs): Each nursery has trained DSLs, typically the Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices.
Staff Training: All staff complete safeguarding training upon joining, regardless of previous experience, and receive annual refresher courses.
Incident Reporting: We maintain detailed records of accidents, incidents, and any concerns, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Open Communication: We encourage open dialogue with parents and carers, discussing any issues that may affect a child’s wellbeing.

Our policies are available for parents to review upon request, reflecting our commitment to transparency.

Safer Recruitment Practices

Ensuring the suitability of our staff is crucial to maintaining a safe environment. Our safer recruitment process includes:

Enhanced DBS Checks: All employees undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks before starting work.
Professional References: We require a minimum of three professional references for each candidate.
Annual Declarations: Staff complete yearly declarations to confirm their ongoing suitability to work with children.
Induction Programme: New staff participate in a six-month induction, covering safeguarding responsibilities and procedures.

These measures help us ensure that our team is qualified, trustworthy, and aligned with our safeguarding standards.

Working Together to Protect Children

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. We work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to create a protective network around each child. By fostering open communication and mutual trust, we aim to identify and address concerns promptly and effectively.

If you have any questions about our safeguarding practices or wish to view our policies, please don’t hesitate to contact your nursery’s management team.

Making the Most of Famly – A Quick Guide to Our New Nursery System

At Tommies Childcare, we always strive to provide parents with clear communication and useful tools to support their child’s journey with us. With that in mind, we’re excited to introduce this quick guide to Famly.

We hope this helps you to make use of some of the most beneficial features of Famly.

Informing the Nursery of Absence

With Famly, parents can inform their child’s nursery of any sickness or planned holiday from the app.

To report your child’s absence:

Log in to Famly
Click on your child’s profile in the menu to the left
Click Report Sick, Absent, or Holiday on the Activity tab
A pop-up window opens for you to fill in the required information (as below)
When you have filled in the requested fields, finish by pressing Confirm

Your nursery will then be informed about their absence.

Requesting Extra Sessions

You can request extra sessions for your child directly through the Famly app.

To request extra sessions:

Go to your child’s profile
Click on the Bookings tab
Click Add

Next, select a date and a session or product
When you have chosen your date and session, click Continue

You’ll see a Confirmation page showing your Total due
If everything looks good, click on Submit request, and your nursery will be able to approve your request on their end
You will receive a notification and an email if your extra session(s) are approved, or an email only if your request is declined. You can also check whether your extra session(s) are approved or pending in the Bookings tab, where it’ll say Pending or Purchase approved.

Viewing Your Invoice

You will receive invoices for your child’s fees in two different ways:

Email

If you are a bill-payer for your child, you will receive an email from notification@famly.co with a PDF document of your invoice attached.

In-app

In order to view your child’s invoices in-app, you must be listed as an invoice recipient.

To view your invoices in the Famly app:

Log in to Famly
In the left-hand column, click on the Balance tab, found under the Home icon
To view individual invoices, click on them, and they will open in a new window

To view cancelled invoices, click on ‘Show’, then click in the ‘Show cancelled invoices’ box

Viewing a Statement for Universal Credit (UC) Claims

We recognise that there may be times when parents are required to submit a statement to Universal Credit in a different format than the invoices that Famly generates. To access a Universal Credit statement, please follow the steps in this article.

Setting Up In-App Payments

To make sure you’re ready to pay in-app for your child’s fees:

Tap on your profile picture or click on Account in the menu bar
From here, select Settings
Next, tap on Payment methods

Setting Up Direct Debit (BACS) as a Payment Method

To set up a Direct Debit, follow the steps above and click Add Direct Debit Mandate. A new window will open for you to enter your details. Once you’ve completed the details, click Next, and the confirmation screen will open (as below). You’ll need to read the message and click in the tick box, then click Confirm.

Before a Direct Debit mandate is ready for use, it must be verified by our payment provider. This takes around 2 days.

In order for an automatic Direct Debit mandate to be included in the next payment run, it must be verified at least 1 day prior to the run date.

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We hope you found these steps useful, but should you have any questions about making the most of the Famly app, please speak to us.

Getting Your Baby Ready for Nursery

Getting Your Child Emotionally Ready for Nursery

Being pregnant is a massive milestone in any parent’s life. As you look towards your maternity leave, the thought of your baby starting nursery may seem far away. However, before you know it, your leave will come to an end, and you’ll be preparing for your baby’s first day at nursery.

We cannot emphasise enough the importance of registering your interest at your chosen nursery as soon as possible. Good nurseries often have waiting lists of over 12 months.

But how do you ensure your child is ready for nursery?

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Having a baby is naturally a highly emotional time. You’ll experience a tricky combination of joy at welcoming your newborn and the challenges of sleepless nights and fluctuating hormones. As your maternity or paternity leave draws to a close, feelings of heightened emotion and anxiety about leaving your baby in someone else’s care are completely normal.

Parents should never feel embarrassed about the anxiety that often accompanies this time. Your family is facing a significant change, and feeling upset or concerned is a natural part of the process.

Tackling Separation Anxiety

During the first 9–12 months of your child’s life, you are likely their primary carer and the person they feel most attached to. Separation anxiety typically develops between 6 months and 3 years, a normal part of child development. Your baby may cry when you leave the room or become upset when held by someone else.

If your child experiences separation anxiety, you might find it difficult to leave them at nursery. Here are some steps you can take to support them:

Begin with short separations, such as leaving your child with a trusted family member for a short period.
Encourage your child to play independently in another room while you remain nearby.
Provide a comforter, such as a dummy, teddy, or blanket, to reassure them.
Make goodbyes a positive experience by smiling and waving. Babies often pick up on negative emotions like tension or anxiety, so staying upbeat can help them feel more secure.

Ratios: From 1:1 to 1:3

At home, your baby may be used to receiving one-on-one attention. However, nursery environments are different, with ratios in place to ensure all children are cared for equally. For the youngest children, this ratio is 1:3.

Most babies adapt well to this change, as they are naturally curious and enjoy exploring new environments. However, children who have only been cared for by their primary carer may take longer to settle.

It’s important for parents to understand that nursery staff care for multiple children simultaneously, so encouraging a level of independence at home can help prepare your child for this transition.

Sleeping Patterns

Maintaining your baby’s sleep routine at nursery is vital for a smooth transition. While nursery teams will support existing routines, some adjustments may be necessary.

At home, your child may sleep alone in a quiet space or even on you. At nursery, children often sleep in shared spaces, which can be an adjustment. To help prepare for this:

Encourage your child to sleep in a cot or bed if they don’t already.
Introduce a comforter to help them settle in their new surroundings.

Children must be able to sleep in a cot or on a mat at nursery before their start date. Supporting this transition at home can make settling in much easier.

Comforters

Comforters can provide children with a sense of security as they transition into nursery life. At Tommies Childcare, we encourage the use of comforters and recommend:

Dummies: Reassuring for younger children, dummies can help with settling. For children over 12 months, we suggest reserving dummies for sleep times.
Blankets or Cuddly Toys: If your child has a favourite item, consider purchasing a duplicate to leave at nursery, avoiding any issues if the original is left behind.

Breastfeeding

If you’re breastfeeding, you can supply breastmilk for your child at nursery. However, children must take milk from a bottle while in our care. Introducing a bottle at home before your child starts nursery can help ease this transition.

Settling-In Sessions

At Tommies Childcare, we offer unlimited settling-in sessions to give you and your child as much time as needed to feel comfortable. Our settling-in process may differ from other nurseries, so we encourage parents to allocate enough time for this important step.

While some children settle quickly, others may take several weeks. Patience and open communication with your child’s Key Worker will ensure a smoother transition.

Routine

We aim to work closely with parents to make the transition from home to nursery as seamless as possible. Sharing information about your child’s preferences, habits, and needs will help us create a nurturing and supportive environment during their first weeks.

If you found this blog helpful, you may also enjoy: “How Long Should It Take to Settle Into a Nursery?”