hdc Help Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
We have done our very best to help you find answers to your questions. Below you will find our most popular questions and answers.
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Nursery Information
HDC Dartington
Nursery Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 6:00
Address: Gidleys Meadow Dartington, Devon TQ9 6JZ
HDC Kingsteignton
Nursery Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 6:00
Address: Heron Way Kings teignton, Devon TQ12 3QY
HDC Newton Abbot
Nursery Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 6:00
Address: Devon Square Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 2HH
HDCDartmouth
Nursery Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 6:00
Address: Milton Lane Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 9HW
Our nurseries are divided into age-appropriate areas and are run by professionally qualified and experienced nursery educators to ensure children have the best start to their learning, care and fun.
We adopt a key person approach in our nurseries. This approach enables and supports close attachments between individual children and individual nursery educators. The Key Person meets any physical needs, such as changing nappies, feeding or cuddling at nap time, and in this way they begin to build a secure attachment with the young child. The Key Person shares life's wonders and celebrates achievements as the child develops in confidence and independence.
We care for little ones in their own bespoke baby-friendly environment. These environments are a calm place for babies to grow and explore. Each nursery has its own dedicated Baby Room Leader who is highly qualified, experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about the development and wellness of infants.
The HDC Baby Curriculum
Our baby room curriculum has been developed to enhance social & emotional well-being, communication and language as well as physical development. Our Baby Room Leaders organise a wealth of educational activities everyday through sensory-play which include messy-play, painting, role-play, music, singing, dance and story telling.
The natural environment plays an important part of the HDC Curriculum. We have buggies and rain covers to ensure that the children are comfortable even on chilly days.
As your child becomes more mobile and begins to explore their surroundings with increased confidence, we assist them in discovering more about the world. We support your child’s independence while learning to walk, talk and feed themselves.
You can expect to be updated with photographs and observations through our mobile app every day. You will also have the opportunity for personal updates when you drop-off and pick-up you child. Your child’s key person will carryout observations and assessments, all of which will be shared on a regular basis with you.
Our nurseries are divided into age-appropriate areas and are run by professional and experienced staff to ensure children have both hours of fun, and the best start to their learning.
We adopt a key person approach in our nurseries. This approach enables and supports close attachments between individual children and nursery staff. The Key Person meets any physical needs, such as changing nappies, assisting in potty training and cuddling at nap time, and in this way they begin to build a secure attachment with the young child. The Key Person shares life's wonders and celebrates achievements with you as the child develops in confidence and independence.
Curriculum
Our Toddler Room Leaders are highly qualified and experienced educators. In our HDC Toddler Room, we focus on both prime and specific areas of learning – communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts and design. At this developmental stage, children deepen their understanding of questioning, experimenting, observing, playing, testing and responding to each other and adults.
Our curriculum has been designed for emotional, physical and educational development. The children learn through play, fun activities and experiences. They take part in art, music, and movement activities as well as beginning to understand science, technology, the natural environment and maths. The Toddler Room environment is both calming and stimulating with areas designed to best nurture your child.
We believe that outside play is important for your child’s well-being. Toddlers have access to the garden throughout the day, providing them an outdoor extension to their indoor activities.
You can expect to be updated with photographs and observations through our mobile app every day. You will also have the opportunity for personal updates when you drop-off and pick-up you child. Your child’s key person will carryout observations and assessments, all of which will be shared on a regular basis with you.
As children approach their third birthday, children will begin a gentle transition period into our Preschool Room. Each nursery has its own dedicated, highly experienced Preschool Room Leader. They focus on each child's individuality and ensures that their unique learning experiences have the right element of challenge to focus the child’s learning. Our priority is to ensure that every child makes progress and that no child gets left behind.
Curriculum
In our HDC Preschool Room, we focus on both prime and specific areas of learning – communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts and design. At this developmental stage, children deepen their understanding of questioning, experimenting, observing, playing, testing and responding to each other and adults.
We focus on ensuring that our summer leavers are fully prepared for starting Reception at their chosen primary school. We have excellent links with the local primary schools and liaise with schools and parents to ensure that your child's transition is as smooth as possible.
You can expect to be updated with photographs and observations through our mobile app regularly. In addition, you will also have the opportunity for personal updates when you drop-off and pick-up your child. Your child’s key person will carryout observations and assessments, all of which will be shared on a regular basis with you.
Child protection and welfare is our highest priority. Below you will find links to our core policies. If you would like to see any other of our policies, please do ask and we can make this available to you.
Covid 19 Risk Assessment - 05/01/21
Health and Hygiene Policy
Safeguarding Children
GDPR Privacy Notice
Arrivals and Departures Policy
Staff Supervision Policy
Intimate Care Policy
Safe Recruitment of Staff Policy
Dealing with Discriminatory Behaviour
Allergies and Allergic Reactions Procedure
Fire Safety Policy
No Smoking Policy
Term Time Only care is available for children aged from 2.
For each child it is imperative that they form a close relationship with their key person.
Research has identified that strong attachments are bonded more effectively when a child attends a child care setting for at least 2 full day sessions.
For a young baby/child attending only once a week does not provide this opportunity as the 'gap' between session is too long; hence the separation and attachment process in effect has to be restarted on each visit.
The baby/young child therefore is more likely to feel distressed for a much longer period - up to 12 months. This in turn can impact upon their ability to engage in the learning and development opportunities that the nursery staff provide for them and can also cause distress for the parent to leave their upset child.
Health and Wellness
Public Health England letter to parents and guardians - issued September 2020
What are the key points you have put in place to keep everyone safe?
- We have introduced safe operating procedures as outlined in our Covid 19 Risk Assessment
- We continuously keep up-to-date with the latest guidance and amend our Covid-19 Risk Assessment where necessary
- Anyone displaying symptoms COVID-19 e.g. a high temperature, and/or a new, persistent cough and/or loss of taste or smell will not be able to attend nursery and be instructed to call their GP or 111.
- Social distancing and PPE, as far as possible, will be promoted for staff and visitors.
- Nursery tours will only be one individual and the tour will be limited to different areas to avoid bubbles. PPE will be required.
- PPE will be used in the setting during nappy changing, food handling, when caring for a child who is displaying symptoms or when dealing with incidents involving bodily fluids
- Enhanced cleaning of all areas and especially touch points
- Regular handwashing
- Careful monitoring of children’s health
Will staff be tested?
At present, all staff will be tested if they display symptoms. We only accept results from a testing centre as mail-in tests can miss important testing deadlines.
How will social distancing be respected in nursery?
All families will be asked to respect social distancing when arriving at nursery for drop-off and collection.
In nursery, we will aim to achieve this by:
- Monitoring our occupancy carefully
- Avoiding the movement of children and staff between rooms or within communal spaces
- Using the outside areas as much as possible
- Doors and windows open where possible for improved air circulation
- Spending time in small groups (bubbles)
- Each room working independently of other groups
- Keeping the same staff member with the same bubble group as far as possible
Will my child be comforted if upset?
Social distancing must be carefully balanced with ensuring the emotional wellbeing of each child. If your child needs their comforter or a hug, this would never be denied.
Our team is experienced at settling children and nothing has changed. We will care for your child in the same loving ways we always have, offering support and comfort.
Will the staff wear masks? What about if a child displays symptoms?
Government guidance does not recommend the wearing of masks in early years settings. It is very important that young children can see our facial expressions. However, masks will be worn by the staff member if a child displays symptoms. The staff member and the child will go to an isolation area until the parents collect.
Will you talk about the virus at nursery?
Whilst we do not want to frighten the children, it is important that we recognise that this has had an impact on them and their families. The team will talk about the importance of handwashing and coughing safely.
It is important that we are receptive to any thoughts and fears and give the children the opportunity to ask questions.
If we have any concerns, we will always share these with you. It is useful if you can reassure your child about joining us at nursery and that they will have friends to play with, they will have fun, and they will be washing their hands a lot.
Pacey has a lot of useful resources to help you support your child pacey.org.uk
Dr Dog explains coronavirus – www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/dr-dog-ebook-eyfs-t-p-843.
This book is aimed at early years children and was written by the London School of Hygiene
Are you still doing nursery visits?
Any visits conducted in the nursery will be limited to one person. PPE will need to be worn at all times and the nursery tour may be limited to specific areas to avoid mixing with bubbles.
How will you encourage children to maintain social distancing but still enable them to play alongside one another?
Young children are naturally very affectionate with one another and learning to play alongside, together and to share are very important life skills. We will talk to the children about being mindful, taking turns, not pushing past each other and so on.
We will ensure the handwashing and hygiene is paramount and that the adults maintain social distancing and organise their bubbles in such a way as to minimise contact with another bubble.
We must consider that it has been deemed that it is safe to open nurseries and that as long as we adhere to our safe operating procedures, reviewing our practice and being vigilant, then we are doing the best we can do. It is impossible to eliminate all risk.
What happens if my child has a fever, a cough or is generally unwell?
We will encourage you to phone your GP or 111 for advice. We will also ask that you feedback any suggestions from your health care providers.
My child is teething and might require Calpol.
One of the main symptoms of COVID-19 is a high temperature and so we cannot accept any children who require Calpol in case it is masking a temperature. If you know your child is teething and maybe looks flushed, please speak with the nursery manager and we are happy for you to supply teething granules or gel.
Is there anything I need to provide?
As the temperatures become colder, we would like you to dress your child in layers and pack additional waterproof and warmer clothes. We will be spending time outdoors and will have windows open throughout the season for ventilation.
What should I do if there is a long queue to get into nursery?
Please remember to stand back and wait so as to maintain social distancing.
Are the team aware of all the new procedures?
All the teams have received updated information on signs and symptoms and how to react to a suspected case of COVID-19, handwashing, good hygiene and social distancing. They have been made aware of the track and trace and understand the requirements of them both inside and outside of nursery reading the COVID-19 policy and associated risk assessment.
We would ask you to be cautious in favour of staying away, rather than bringing in your child in if they seem at all unwell. We do rely on everyone in our community to follow the rules outside nursery as well to help keep nursery safe and virus free.
If someone else is displaying symptoms and/or is home awaiting test results, can my child come to nursery?
Anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 10 days. If they live with other people, they should ALL stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. After 14 days, anyone they live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine. If you have any concerns about the health of your family, we will always encourage you to speak to your GP or call 111.
If my child has to self isolate – will I still have to pay my normal nursery fees
Yes you will. During the first 5 months of this pandemic we were able to access government assistance for the business, which allowed us to have a very flexible approach to booking patterns and fees, but sadly this has now been withdrawn. Therefore, we are unable to provide refunds for sessions not used.
What happens to government funded sessions if my child is self-isolating?
Where possible we will rebook funded sessions.
Download our Spring Menu
We work with Emma Young, former Nutritionist at Aldi UK who has worked with the Office British Dietetic Association, the British Nutrition Foundation, Vegan and Vegetarian Society and various other organisations such as the Institute for Food, Brain and Behaviour at Oxford University. Emma has joined our team to ensure that we deliver a tasty, healthy and balanced menu that supports every child's developmental needs.
We realise how important it is to encourage healthy living from a young age. We understand that young children need a varied and nutritious diet, and that learning good eating habits at an early age is essential for a child’s health, growth and development.
Meals and snacks are mainly from organic sources where possible and prepared from fresh ingredients each day. Our kitchen staff hold a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate and continuously take training opportunities to extend their knowledge.
We have signed up to the Early Years Code of Practice for Healthy Food and Drink and we work towards the following principles in all of our nurseries:
• We consult with families and children about our menus and keep them informed about issues relating to food and drink in our nurseries.
• We plan varied and highly organic menus for meals and snacks in advance. We aim to include different tastes, colours and textures, and take into consideration seasonality and availability of fruit and vegetables. All of our meals and snacks meet the national best practice food and drink guidelines, including those for early years settings.
• We cater for the dietary requirements of all children wherever possible, working with families to make sure that they can be accommodated. We aim to ensure that children of all cultures and religions can enjoy appropriate meals and snacks.
• We have a positive and welcoming eating environment in order to encourage children to eat well, and develop good eating habits and social skills. We use meals and snacks to teach children about healthy eating, and encourage a positive attitude towards mealtimes.
Outdoor learning is essential to a child's development and well being. All of our nurseries have outdoor play spaces. Our children frequently use our outdoor areas taking part in a wide range of stimulating activities including planting, water play and muddy kitchens.
Our outdoor spaces have been designed with imagination and safety at its core. These spaces provide for inspirational activities such as climbing, balancing, riding, playing games and obstacle courses.
We encourage our children from a young age to take a keen interest in the environment. Many of our outdoor areas include planting stations and vegetable patches, where children learn to care for and appreciate the natural world.
As children grow in their understanding of the natural world, it gives them the opportunity to explore the ways that we can protect and preserve our environment. Children are introduced to the impact of climate change and encouraged to feel passionately about the environment and society.
As soon as you register, your child’s allergy information is given to our chefs and flagged on your child’s profile. We use colour coded allergy bowls and every room has allergy information on the walls for the team to see. If your child has a severe allergy, it is crucial that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can arrange a meeting with the senior management, kitchen and your key person to make an action plan.
Your child's key person will follow what you do in your own home and will work alongside you throughout the potty training process. You can bring your own potty or are welcome to use ours. We are happy to offer advice on how we can work together to toilet train your child.
Medicines that have been prescribed by their own doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist will be administered to your child. If in the event of your child needing relief for teething pain, etc. you may provide appropriate medication, clearly labelled with your child’s name and we will comply with the procedures outlined in our Health and Hygiene Policy. HEALTH-and-HYGIENE-POLICY
Admissions, Fees and Funding
FULL DAY £53
(8am to 6pm)
nappies, breakfast, lunch, high tea, drinks and snacks included
MORNING SESSION £29.50
(8am - 1pm)
nappies, breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks included
AFTERNOON SESSION £26.25
(1pm - 6pm)
nappies, high tea, drinks and snacks included
EXTRA SESSIONS
Early Morning extra session – (07:30 – 08:00) £3
ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR FUNDED CHILDREN
Nappies, breakfast, lunch, high tea and snacks: £3.50 per day
For working families, including the self-employed, in the UK
Earning under £100k and at least £131 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each
Who aren’t receiving Tax Credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
With children aged 0-11 (or 0-16 if disabled)
For every £8 you pay into your Gateway Account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year
15 hours free childcare
30 hours free childcare
Universal Credit
Tax Credits
Childcare Vouchers
30 hours free childcare
All 3 and 4 year olds, in England, are entitled to free early years education, daycare, nursery care or childcare. We are an approved childcare provider, and are able to accept your 15 hours or 30 hours free childcare depending on your eligibility.
Am I entitled to 15 hours free childcare funding?
All 3 and 4 year old children actually receive 570 free childcare hours per year. Most parents choose to use their free childcare over 38 weeks. Meaning you receive 15 hours per week, but you can also choose to take fewer hours over more weeks. 15 hours free childcare is available from the term after your child turns 3.
30 hours free childcare for three and four year old children.
Some parents and children will be entitled to 30 hours free childcare. In order to claim your free childcare you will need to signup online. You will then provide us with your code. If you’ve already registered, you can sign in to your childcare account. If you haven’t registered you will need your personal tax account details.
30 hours free childcare eligibility
30 hours free childcare is normally available if you (and your partner) are:
In work – or getting parental leave, sick leave or annual leave, each parent is earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week. This earnings limit doesn’t apply if you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago.
You can claim 30 hours free childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits or childcare vouchers. If you are unable to work you may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.
How to apply for 30 hours free childcare?
There are a few details you will need before applying these are your, National Insurance number and Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you’re self-employed. It usually takes 20 minutes to apply for your 30 hours free childcare. You may find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days. You can apply here through your Childcare Account or through the government portal
For more information on funding eligibility, we recommend visiting the Childcarechoices website.
Childcare Vouchers are an employee benefit that many businesses offer to their staff. It means that the employer can pay for the childcare and take the costs from the gross wages of the employee. This means that you save the tax and national insurance on your childcare costs. This scheme gives working parents a valuable discount on their childcare costs.
In order to register your child in one of our nurseries, please send an enquiry form via the ‘contact us’ page on our site which can be found in the menu bar. One of our team will then book you in for an introductory call, offer you a private tour and talk through your requirements. We will need to know certain information about your child, including date of birth, medical issues, the month and year that you would like them to start and the number of days per week you would like them to attend. Once your place has been secured we will require a copy of your child’s birth certificate. There is a registration fee of £50 or £25 if they have a sibling at our nursery.
Once you have received your offer letter we ask that you agree to that letter and these terms and conditions by e-signing the parent/guardian agreement within 48 hours or receipt. Upon receipt of your signed parent/guardian agreement, we will confirm if your sessions are secure.
Availability is assessed taking in to account any leavers or room moves and child to staff ratio. We operate a waiting list if places are full. If you register and we can not offer you a place, you will be added to the waiting list. We will update you to inform you if a place becomes available. If your child does not receive a place to start at the requested time, they will remain on the waiting list until sessions become available.
Places are offered in the following order of priority:
1) A child who is currently at nursery with us, wishing to increase sessions
2) A child with a sibling already at the nursery
3) The date of registration for the waiting list Please note: even though we offer a sibling priority on the waiting list, we still require parents to register their younger siblings as early as possible. We cannot always guarantee a place, though try our best to accommodate everyone.
HDC Families
It is important to assist your child with their transition from home to nursery. We call these " settle sessions". These sessions also give you the opportunity to become used to dropping your child off and leaving your child with us. Time spent undertaking these sessions will help to promote a calmer ‘drop off’ for both you and your child.
We understand that each child is unique and therefore has their own specific needs while they transition into nursery. All of our staff are qualified and very competent with supporting yourselves and your child. and are happy to discuss any anxieties that you may have and make suggestions to ease the transition process.
Dates for your second and third settle sessions will be discussed during the initial session.
You will always have the opportunity to speak to your child’s key person to discuss any concerns that you may have.
Child’s First Settle session (1 hour)
During this session, you will be in the room with your child
Welcome and play: The Room Leader/Key Person will have a discussion with you based on the information that you have provided on the ‘Getting to know your Child Information’ form.
Registration form and other paperwork: The Room Leader/Key Person will check that all the information provided on the registration form is correct.
Any other paperwork required to be completed will be discussed at this point.
Introduction to our Online App: This is our secure online information sharing software system. The Nursery Manager will email you a link to which will enable you to access your child’s profile.
What happens on your child’s first settle session: The Room Leader/Key Person will share with you what they have planned for your first settle session. You will be shown the usual arrival/departure procedures.
An initial observation of your child will be completed. This enables the nursery practitioners to see what your child can do independently or with support. This information is used as the ‘starting point’ from which the nursery practitioners plan play activities and experiences to support your child’s developmental and learning progress.
Future settle sessions: Dates and times will be arranged for the future settle sessions.
Child’s Second Settle session (1.5 Hour to include snack or high tea)
During this settle session, it is beneficial for both your child and you to leave your child in the room with the practitioners. This will help to promote the new routine that you will need to ensure that your child is able to settle quickly and therefore enjoy their time with us.
Child’s Third Settle session (2.5 - 3 hours to include lunch)
You will be asked to drop your child as you will do when your child starts nursery.
Child’s first full session at nursery:
- Share with the nursery staff any anxieties or updates that you or your child may have
- Advise if any contact details need amending (please be aware that you will be contacted if your child struggles to settle or if in the future they are sick.)
- Provide the following items in a named bag:
- nappies (if appropriate)
- milk and bottles (if appropriate)
- comforter (if your child has one)
- spare clothing
- wellies
- waterproof clothing
We communicate with parents using an online app that can be downloaded directly to your phone. We also discuss your child's day with you in person. We choose a combination of methods to ensure that developmental information is passed regularly between nursery and home. Your child’s key person will carryout observations and assessments, all of which will be shared on a regular basis with you.
Terms and conditions
- All introducers must be existing parents of hdc.
- All recommended friends must be new to hdc, therefore the friend should not already appear on our marketing data base.
- Your name must be added to the Contact Us form at the time of initial enquiry – we cannot backdate recommendations.
- Your friend must live at a different UK address to you.
- Once a registration form has been completed by your friend and they successfully start at our nursery, hdc head office will send out an Amazon £25 gift voucher.
- The e-vouchers will be sent to your email address from our nursery database. Please make sure to check your junk/spam folders.
- A cash alternative is not available.
Careers with HDC
Would you like to be a part of a family owned and customer-focused company that offers excellent terms and conditions, as well as continued professional development opportunities?
We have formed a partnership with GP Strategies as our apprenticeship provider. GP Strategies are a leader in their field for delivering excellent childcare apprenticeships and we will be working with them to deliver level 2 and 3 apprenticeships on the new Apprenticeship Standards.
Current Positions Available
Nursery Educators - Bank Staff