Due to high demand for places, we now operate a strict minimum requirement of two four hour sessions or eight hours a week as a minimum. Please see our brochure for more information.

We participate in a variety of childcare voucher schemes. Please speak to the Nursery Manager about paying nursery fees using a voucher scheme.

Due to strict staffing ratios, full fees will apply if your child is sent home due to sickness or is absent for any reason, even with prior notification. Individual circumstances may be reviewed at the manager’s discretion in the event of long-term sickness and/or hospitalisation if in excess of 4 weeks.

No charge will be made for Bank Holidays or any scheduled Nursery closure. Children with Early Years Education (EYE) funding over 38 weeks will not usually attend nursery during school holidays. You can book paid sessions during school holidays, providing you give two weeks of notice. Please note that parents of children attending for the full 50 weeks a year, or on EYE stretched funding, will have full fees applied if their child is taken out of the setting for any reason, such as a family holiday.

We will provide up to three settling sessions, giving you and your child a chance to get to know staff. These sessions will help your child settle into a routine. Nursery staff will discuss settling sessions with you when you book your child’s place.

We offer the Universal Early Years Education Funding for all 3-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, plus extended 30-hour funding for parents/carers who are eligible, as well as specific two-year funding for children who meet the criteria. Meals are charged at the normal rate as well as any hours about the free entitlement. For further information please speak to the Nursery Manager.

We aim to be as flexible as possible in order to fit around busy lives. The facilities at Highwood Nursery are open from Monday to Friday 7:45am – 6:00pm. We are open 50 weeks of the year. We are closed on Bank Holidays and for two weeks over Christmas and the New Year usually linked with the Hampshire school holidays. We also close for two staff training days per year, dates are given to parents in advance.

Sessions at the Nursery may be booked on an hourly basis. However, we require that your child attends a minimum of four hours a day.

One month’s written notice is required if you no longer wish your child to attend the Nursery, or if you need to change your child’s hours. Occasional alterations can be made if staffing allows, but this must be confirmed in advance with a senior member of staff. Hours must be adhered to due to the required staffing ratios.

In the event of your late arrival collecting your child you will be charged for any extra time at your normal rate if it is before 6:00pm. After 6:00pm you will be charged £7.50 per half-hour.