When to Apply for a Primary School Place

For many parents, the idea of applying for a primary or junior school place once seemed far off. Perhaps it still feels like yesterday you were welcoming a new addition to your family. But now, the time has come to think about applying for primary school and plan for your child’s exciting next step in education.

Whether your child is starting primary or infant school in September 2026 or a later school year, understanding the school admissions process is essential. This guide will help you navigate key dates like the closing date for applications, explain how to choose preferred schools, and clarify what happens once the school allocates your child’s place.

From submitting your application form online to knowing what to do if you aren’t happy with the school place offered, we cover everything parents need to feel confident in securing a place at the right local school for their child. Read on for detailed information and our expert tips on ensuring your child’s step into school life goes smoothly.

When can my child start primary or junior school?

In England and Wales, children typically begin their reception year full-time in September following their fourth birthday. For instance, if your little one turns 4 in June, they would usually start school that September.

If you feel your child isn’t quite ready to start school in September, there’s flexibility. For example, if their birthday falls in August, you might choose to delay their start. However, it’s important to remember that your child must be in full-time education by the time they reach compulsory school age.

There are options to start school part-time, join partway through the year, or begin in the following academic year in September after they turn 5.

Please note: You’ll still need to apply for a primary school place at the same time as everyone else, but you can ask for a later start date when you apply.

Should your child start school after their fifth birthday, they will enter Year 1. If you’d prefer they start reception instead, it’s worth discussing this with your local council or school, but please be advised that they do not have to agree.

Compulsory school age is reached on the first of these dates after your child’s fifth birthday: 31st December, 31st March, or 31st August. If your child’s fifth birthday falls on one of these dates, that’s when compulsory education begins.

For example, if your child turns five on 31st March, they’ll need to start full-time education at the beginning of the next term, which is the summer term of that year.

Key dates and when to apply for primary school places

Parents of children whose fourth birthday is between 1st September 2025 and 31st August 2026 have until the closing date of 15th January 2026 to apply for a primary or junior school place for the academic year starting in September 2026.

How to apply for a primary school place in your local authority

You can start the application process for your nearest schools by entering your postcode on the UK Government’s website, where you’ll be redirected to your local authority’s primary school application process. Be sure to do this well in advance of the closing date.

Apply for a Primary School Place

Please note that most schools allow you to apply online, while others may require written application forms.

What are the primary school entry criteria?

You will have likely heard many parents discuss the lengths they have gone to get their child into their preferred primary and junior schools.

We all know that ‘Good’ school places are in high demand, and with fewer places available than children who need them, it can feel competitive and stressful.

Some typical school admission criteria that schools may use include:

• children who live close to the school
• children who have a brother or sister at the school already
• children from a particular religion (for faith schools)
• children who are ‘looked after’ by the local authority or have previously been ‘looked after’ and are now adopted or have special guardianship; or
• children whose parents have worked at the school for 2+ years.

When researching your preferred schools, be sure to check their websites or social media pages, as they often post information about their specific entry criteria, which can help you assess the likelihood of your child being offered a place.

How do I choose the right primary school for my child?

What makes a great primary/junior school will depend on whether it feels like the right environment for your child.

Many parents feel pressured to choose a primary school based on academic performance, as we are regularly told that exam results are a ‘key indicator’ of a school’s success.

While academic performance, of course, holds some weight, other considerations should come into your decision-making.

Think about what you feel will best suit your child’s personality and learning style. Reflect on your interactions with the school staff and take your gut instincts into account. How did you feel when you visited a particular school?

A ‘Good’ primary school is far more about its ability to deliver a broad and balanced learning curriculum. It is more about whether you trust the staff and teachers to bring out the very best of your child.

Ultimately, you know your child better than anyone else. You know what environment they need to support their social and emotional development. Think about the things your child enjoys, whether that be sports, music, drama, or reading. That way, you can use their interests to learn more about a school’s facilities and the extra-curricular activities it offers.

Should I visit more than one school?

Yes. Definitely!

You might have one particular primary or junior school in mind as your first choice. Be prepared for it not to meet your expectations. Every school has a different ‘feel’, and you should use this to inform your decision.

Some schools might lack a certain spark or flair, while others focus entirely on academic performance. Academic performance and exam results might be your priority, which is perfectly reasonable. Still, we gently advise you to base your decision on what you believe your child will benefit from most.

During the application stage, you will be asked to list up to three or four schools in order of preference. Otherwise, you risk being offered a school at random, which could be the wrong environment for your child or be in an inconvenient location.

When will I find out which school my child has been offered?

All children’s primary school places will be confirmed by school admissions teams on or around the 16th April 2026. You’re likely to receive a confirmation email if you applied online or by post for paper applications.

You will then need to accept the offer by the deadline stated; otherwise, you risk losing your place.

What to do if you are not offered a place at your preferred school or if you are not happy

If you are not happy with the school choice offered, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can learn all about the appeal process here:

Appealing a School’s Decision

A final thought

As you prepare for your child’s exciting next step into primary school, remember you’re not alone. Many parents are navigating this transition alongside you. It’s natural to reflect on the wonderful memories and milestones reached so far. Rest assured, with your love and encouragement, your child is ready to confidently embrace the adventure of starting primary school.

 

Parent Wellbeing: Simple Ways to Care for Yourself

The transition from life without children to life with children is arguably one of the greatest you’ll make in adult life. So many parents can vouch for this. But one thing we sometimes don’t pay enough attention to is parent wellbeing.

Whilst you have heard stories about having children and the joy they bring to your life, many parents don’t talk about the challenges we face both in becoming parents and in being parents.

As parents, the days can be long, and the responsibilities you carry can, at times, be overwhelming. You might find yourself constantly tuning in to how your children are feeling, managing their needs, and ensuring that they are happy, which, of course, is what we should do as parents. But while you’re busy nurturing them, it’s easy to forget that you need nurturing, too.

Parenting doesn’t come with scheduled rest or emotional breaks. It relies on your energy, your patience, and your ability to keep going, even when you feel there is nothing left in the tank.

That’s even more reason that looking after your own wellbeing is so important. It provides the foundation for everything else that happens around you. If you feel supported, well in yourself, and have a positive outlook on your life, your children will also benefit.

Why Does Parent Wellbeing Matter?

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. When they see you taking time to pause, asking for help, or setting healthy boundaries, they learn to do the same. Your wellbeing helps shape how they learn to manage stress, emotions, and self-care as they grow up.

This isn’t about aiming for perfection. It’s simply about acknowledging that being human is part of parenting. You have a child to look after, but you also have your own mental health to look after.

The NSPCC (2025) acknowledge that parents who are struggling with their mental health, without the proper support, may struggle with aspects of parenting and the challenges that naturally arise.

Feeling comfortable enough to reach out to those around you is essential when you’re struggling. This may be due to family and friends who can provide some support during difficult times. However, if you feel that further help is needed, there is a network of professionals who can help support parents, including your GP and Health Visitor.

Signs of Parental Burnout and When to Ask for Help

It’s normal to have hard days, but if you notice:

• You feel constantly overwhelmed or exhausted
• You have anxious feelings
• You’re quick to snap or feel tearful
• You can’t remember the last time you did something just for yourself or your own wellbeing
• You’re finding it difficult to enjoy things you used to

These are signs of parent burnout, and it is time to care for your own mental health.

You aren’t failing; your needs aren’t being met. Emotional exhaustion can be tough, but recognising it is the first step towards having a conversation with someone about how you are feeling. Depending on how intense your feelings are, this could be a conversation you have with your partner, a family member or a friend.

Simple Resets for Overwhelmed Parents and Tough Times

Caring for yourself doesn’t have to be a challenge. It’s often small things that add up to a big difference.

Here are 5 simple resets to help cope with parent overwhelm or avoid parental burnout:

1. Take A Moment: Step away from the situation that may be causing your stress levels to rise and practice slow breathing for 30 seconds. Allow yourself the opportunity to ground yourself and become present.
2. Connection: Text or call someone who cares for you. Tell them how you are feeling. Talking out loud about your feelings can take away their power.
3. Exercise: Go for a walk or do an activity that supports your physical health. Self-care is vital, so take some time away from your role as a parent, if you can. You’d be amazed at the difference even gentle exercise can make to your mood.
4. Ask for Help: While this might seem like one of the hardest steps, please remember that asking for support is not a weakness. If anything, it shows strength.
5. Do Something for You: Listen to your favourite music, read a book when the children have gone to bed, take up a hobby you may have once given up or always wanted to do, meet a friend for a coffee, or take yourself for lunch/dinner. Whatever it might be, do one thing that’s yours.

You’re Not Alone

Every parent has felt overwhelmed, unsure, or stretched too thin at some point. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re human and you care deeply.

If you’re facing mental health challenges, remember that support is available, and reaching out to a friend, a support group, or a professional from a mental health service can make all the difference.

You deserve wellbeing support just as much as your children do, and taking that step to ask for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Next Steps for Your Mental Health & Parent Wellbeing

Remember: You are doing something extraordinary, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.

Your own wellbeing matters. Your feelings matter. You matter.

Taking care of your own physical and mental health is essential – not just for you, but for your family too. If you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with your emotional wellbeing, remember that support is available.

Consider reaching out to local parents or carers groups to share experiences and find emotional support from others who understand your journey. You can also speak to your GP, health visitor, or mental health services for professional advice tailored to your needs.

For immediate help or guidance, organisations such as the NSPCC, Family Lives, or mental health charities offer resources and helplines to support parents and carers through challenging times.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking time for yourself and seeking support can have a positive impact on your parenting role and day-to-day life.

You are doing better than you think, and remember that you don’t have to do it alone.

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Discover More Parenting Advice

We have a whole host of other articles to support you in your parenting journey. Take a look here.

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.

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:

1. Supervise use. Under-5s should use technology with close support from a parent or carer, and ideally in shared family spaces.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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 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.