FAQs — Alban Preschool Nursery in High Barnet EN5

No. We run morning and afternoon sessions with the option of staying for lunch. We have a minimum of two sessions a week. Children benefit socially from attending at least two sessions per week.

Your child can start after they turn 2, in term time.

Yes — we have a dedicated sleeping room, reserved for children attending a full day.

Yes — there is a short-stay car park at the rear of the building for dropping off and picking up children only.

Please contact Val by phone or email and they will be happy to arrange a visit at a suitable time for you.

We arrange three play visits before your child starts. The first is 1 hour and you stay for the whole session. The second and third depend on how your child settled, but typically last around 2 hours. You may be asked to stay briefly once your child has started the settling-in process.

Download the application form from our Admissions page and return it with an original copy of your child's birth certificate. A £200 holding deposit is required to secure a place — this is deducted from your first term's invoice.

All children aged 3 are entitled to 15 free hours per week from the term after their 3rd birthday:

• Born 1 Jan-31 Mar → funding starts Summer term
• Born 1 Apr-31 Aug → funding starts Autumn term
• Born 1 Sep-31 Dec → funding starts Spring term

We have limited places for 2-year-olds who already have funding in place. Some working parents may qualify for 30 hours — check eligibility at childcarechoices.gov.uk.

No. Please provide nappies, wipes and nappy bags. All staff hold DBS certificates. No student or volunteer changes nappies.

We promote healthy eating — please no sweets or chocolate. We have a strict no nut and no kiwi policy due to allergies. We do not reheat food from home.

Yes — two snack times daily. We charge £1.25 per day towards fruit and vegetables. Children are encouraged to cut their own fruit under supervision. Milk and water are provided.

No. We have a 48-hour policy — your child must be symptom-free for 48 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea before returning.

Yes, but antibiotics usually take 3-4 days to take effect. Your child should be kept home until they are improving. We do not administer antibiotics — parents must come in to give them. We do administer long-term medication.

Not at all. We celebrate and enjoy the differences in all cultures and religions. Diversity is something we cherish at Alban.

Every child is matched with a dedicated keyworker based on information provided in the 'All About Me' booklet. The keyworker greets your child at the door, supports settling in, writes a weekly diary and carries out observations via Tapestry. They are your first point of contact.

Staff observe children weekly under the EYFS framework, checking and uploading observations via Tapestry. Every child receives a minimum of one observation per week. All staff can upload observations — we never miss a developmental moment.