Information for Parents and Carers
Key Nursery Information
2026/2027 calendar · 2027/2028 calendar
Term dates 2026/2027
Dorothy Gardner Nursery School — Connected Futures Partnership
Download the school calendar (Word)
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INSET days: 2 November 2026; 4 January 2027; 5 January 2027; 14 June 2027; 22 July 2027. School is closed to pupils on these days.
Initial visits: 2, 3 and 4 September 2026 — marked as open to staff only in the school calendar.
Term dates 2027/2028
Dorothy Gardner Nursery School — Connected Futures Partnership
Download the school calendar (PDF)
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INSET days: 1 September 2027; 3 January 2028; 4 January 2028; 19 June 2028; 21 July 2028. School is closed to pupils on these days.
ABSENCE & PUNCTUALITY
If a child is going to be absent or late, we ask that parents or carers inform the nursery school and give the reason with as much notice as possible. This can be done by phone-call to the nursery school office and leaving a message, emailing the nursery or in person.
Arriving late can be hard for children as they miss out on supportive settling routines with their key worker. This can affect how settled they feel at nursery.
It is important that children are collected on time please. It can be distressing for children to see others going home and feel left behind.
Keeping to consistent routines of coming to nursery every day will help your child to feel safe and secure at nursery, and ensure that they get the most out of their time at nursery to support their early years development.
PRACTICAL CLOTHING
Children should wear weather appropriate clothing for outdoor play, practical shoes suitable for running and climbing safely, and clothing that the child can learn to manage themselves, such as shoes with velcro fastenings and tracksuit bottoms that can easily pulled up and down. Creative learning and exploration can get messy so children should avoid wearing anything considered special or expensive.
SCHOOL MEALS & HEALTHY SNACKS
You may be eligible for Free School Meals and are advised to apply.
Click here for the link to apply for Free School Meals.
Children can help themselves to fruit, milk and water throughout the nursery session. If possible please contribute fruit or vegetables every week for the children to share together.
The nursery is a nut free zone. Please help us to keep all the children safe by not allowing your child to bring sweets, crisps or other food into the nursery.
FUNDING
All 3-4 year olds are entitled to a free 15 hour nursery place. Working families may be eligible for a 30 hour free nursery place.
Please check your eligibility for the 30 hour code here.
15 hours of free child-care for 2 year olds is available through 2 options. Please check eligibility below:
Click here to apply for the Busy2s funding from Westminster
Click here to apply for the 2s funding for working families
Additional payments can be made for extra nursery sessions (depending on availability of places). Please contact the office for further information.
SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and it is our first priority to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care. If you have a concern about the safeguarding of a child, please alert a member of the safeguarding team immediately.
More information on our safeguarding practices and contact information for our safeguarding team can be found on our policies page.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
It is very important that we are kept informed about any health conditions, including allergies, and that you share medical advice with us. Please also keep us updated of any changes which may affect your child’s social, emotional and psychological well-being.
If your child has an accident or becomes unwell at nursery we will inform you.
Behaviour
We ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn and play in a calm, safe and supportive environment. We understand behaviour as a form of communication and work closely with the child and family to understand the child’s emotions and behaviour, to help children to learn appropriate ways to express themselves, relate to others and follow routines. If you have concerns regarding behaviour, please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of staff.
Wrap around care
We offer a breakfast club (8am – 9am) and an after school club (3pm – 5pm). These are charged at a cost of £4 for breakfast club per day, and £3 per hour for after school club. Payments are made to the office. To enrol your child please contact the nursery office.
KEY WORKER
NEWSLETTERS & CLASS DOJO
Keep up with what your child has been up to at nursery through our digital parent communication platform – Class Dojo, and through our newsletters. As well as informing you about what the children have been doing, the newsletters provide important information about upcoming events and parent support services, as well as tips and ideas to support you with child at home and out and about.
Click here to view our newsletters.
Click here for more information about Class Dojo.
OUTINGS
Help at Home
Sleep
Take a look at our sleep support and advice, with expert guidance from The Sleep Charity and the National Autistic Society. We cover tips for better sleep for all children, including specific help for autistic children. Resources include advice, training, and programs to tackle sleep challenges, even when it feels impossible to start.
Toilet training
Our toilet training guide is packed with helpful potty training resources, including tips for kids with additional needs. You can find guides, visual aids, books like Pirate Pete’s and Princess Pollys Potty, videos, and fun songs to make the process easier and more engaging for both parents and kids.
Nursery Rhymes and Songs
Learning Nursery Rhymes and Songs: Animations of traditional rhymes for Early Years objectives.
Makaton Songs: Includes The Wheels on the Bus by Singing Hands and other Makaton resources.
Parenting Support
Support with emotional regaultion in preschoolers.
Speech, Language and Communication and Social Skills
Development Milestones: Information on speech and language development stages, bilingual tips, and what language to use with children.
Communication How-To Guides: Topics such as Blanks Levels of Questions, Colourful Semantics, and Visual Timetables.
Useful Videos: Tutorials on Now and Next Boards, interactive games, and activities like Tickling Games or Sharing Books.
Supporting Communication at Home: Videos and guides to increase communication opportunities, teach vocabulary, and use color coding for sentences.
Transition to School
We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we’re all learning from birth. When it’s time to start school, some children will need more help than others.
There’s lots you can do at home to build your child’s confidence and independence, helping them feel emotionally and practically prepared to start school.