Our nursery welcomes up to 12 children between the ages of 2 and 5. Unfortunately we can only accept children younger than 2 at this time.
Our ratio is at least 1 adult for every 4 children. Our team includes a Nursery Manager, a Deputy and a Third in Charge. All have childcare and Forest School qualifications and experience, as well as Paediatric First Aid, Outdoor First Aid, Safeguarding Level 3 and Food Hygiene qualifications. They are sometimes joined by one or two of our Forest School trainees.
All staff are DBS checked and The Hive asks for proof of all qualifications, as well as professional references prior to employment. In addition, all have to undertake our compulsory in-house training.
As we are outdoors all day, it is more comfortable for children if they are potty trained. That being said, we have nappy changing facilities and are happy to welcome children who aren't quite potty trained yet:)
We ask that all children are to use the toilet before their Forest School sessions begin. If your child needs the toilet during the session we have our outdoor toilet tents on site (as well as nappy changing facilities) and our team will be able to help your child if needed. We provide warm water and soap for hand washing after toileting and before snack-time. We also have access to an indoor toilet in case of bad weather.
For now, we ask that children bring a packed lunch and morning/afternoon snacks to nursery. In addition, we will also be cooking delicious treats on the fire regularly, together with the children.
Over the coming months, we will be looking to offer freshly cooked seasonal meals as an optional extra for parents who are keen. Look out for our exciting menu soon!
Of course. We'd love for you to come and see in action and we encourage all prospective parents to come and visit us. To arrange a visit, just email nursery@thehive-kids.com and we'll be in touch to organise a day.
Our nursery is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 3.30pm, 45 weeks per year. Children are very welcome to join us for both days or for just 1 day. Unfortunately, we're not able to offer half-days at this stage.
If you would like to register your interest or reserve a place for your child, please complete our Registration Form and we will get back to you as soon as possible to introduce ourselves and talk you through our registration and settling in process.
We use the award-winning online learning journal Tapestry to record and share your child’s experience and development at nursery. By using photos, videos, and diary entries, Tapestry builds a unique record of each child’s learning journey at nursery, which can then be kept as a permanent record by parents. All information held in the platform is stored securely and parents/carers can upload their own comments. You will be given your own login details once your child joins us at nursery, but you can also find out more about Tapestry here.
Yes, our nursery is registered with most Childcare Voucher providers from Kiddivouchers through to EdenRed, ComputerShare, Care-4 and many more. Please follow instructions when booking online. We also accept payments through the government tax free childcare scheme.
Yes. We have a limited number of fully funded places available but also offer part funded places. Please email us for further information.