What to know, and when to know it

Why should I choose Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School?

Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School provides a truly special start to your child’s learning journey. Combining high-quality early education with the unique experience of daily access to a working farm, children learn through hands-on exploration, outdoor adventure, and meaningful real-life experiences. With spacious gardens, freshly prepared nutritious meals, and a caring, dedicated team, the nursery creates a warm and inspiring environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn.

When Should Parents Start Looking for a Nursery?

Parents can begin looking for a nursery whenever they feel ready. Every family’s circumstances are different, and there is no single “right” time to start the search.
However, nursery places can fill up very quickly, particularly in popular areas and for certain age groups. For this reason, we recommend beginning your search as early as possible to avoid disappointment and to give you plenty of time to explore your options, visit settings, and secure a place that feels right for your child.
Planning ahead helps ensure a smoother transition for both parents and children.

What Funding is Available to me?

1. Universal Free Childcare for 3 & 4-Year-Olds
All children aged 3 and 4 years old are entitled to up to 15 hours per week (11.18 Hours Stretched) of funded childcare (51 weeks per year). You don’t need to apply or meet eligibility conditions; it’s automatic once your child turns 3 and starts the relevant term.
2. Funded Childcare for 2-Year-Olds (Income-Based)
Some two-year-olds can receive 15 hours of funded childcare (11.18 hours Stretched) if the family receives certain benefits or has a low household income. Eligible criteria include support payments such as Income Support, Universal Credit under certain thresholds, or Disability Living Allowance for the child.
3. Working Parent Entitlement – Up to 30 Hours
From the term after your child turns 9 months old until they start school, eligible working parents can receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week (22.35 hours stretched over 51 weeks of the year). This is part of the expanded childcare offer for working families. To access this, you must meet eligibility criteria (e.g., work minimum income thresholds and earn under the government ceiling) and apply online for an eligibility code, which you give to your childcare provider.

What’s The Process?

At Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School, we kindly ask that you book a tour through our website at a date and time that suits you. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a member of our management team, who will guide you around the nursery and answer any questions you may have.
At the end of your visit, you will be given a registration pack to take home. If you decide that Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School is the right choice for your family, simply complete the registration form and return it to our Nursery Administrator to secure your child’s place.
Once your child’s place is confirmed, our Room Leaders will contact you approximately four weeks before their start date to arrange settling-in sessions.
We offer three settling-in sessions to help your child feel comfortable and confident before beginning nursery with us.
The first session lasts around one hour. During this time, we ask that you stay with your child while completing an “All About Me” booklet. This provides us with important information about your child’s routine, likes and dislikes, allergies, intolerances, and any other helpful details to support their transition.
The second session is approximately two hours long. You are welcome to stay, however we usually recommend that parents leave for part of the session. This helps your child begin to adjust to being dropped off and cared for by our team.
The third session lasts around three hours and is typically scheduled over a lunchtime period so your child can experience another part of the daily routine. Again, we encourage parents to leave for a portion of this session, whether that’s to enjoy a coffee or run a few errands, helping your child build confidence and independence before their official start date.
Our settling-in process is designed to ensure both you and your child feel happy, reassured, and fully prepared for nursery life.

How do you work with my Babies Nap times, Feeding Times ect?

At Rand Farm Park Day Nursery & Pre-School, we understand that every child is unique, and we work closely with parents to follow each child’s individual routines. We support personalised nap times, feeding schedules, and any specific dietary or care requirements to ensure children feel comfortable and secure. Our team takes time to understand each child’s needs, including supporting those experiencing separation anxiety, offering reassurance, consistency, and plenty of comfort to help them settle confidently into nursery life

Becoming a first-time parent and starting to explore nursery options can feel overwhelming; we completely understand that. Our incredible team is here to support you every step of the way, and no question is ever too small or too silly. If you’d like a friendly chat or have anything you’d like to ask, simply reach out to us. We’re here to help with any query, concern or question you may have, and would love to guide you through the journey.