The numbers and ages of children admitted to the nursery comply with the legal space requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and with our registrations with Ofsted.
We take the following matters into account when prioritising and deciding on admissions:
Availability of places, considering the staff: child ratios, the age of the child and any registration requirements;
Children who have siblings who already attend Hopscotch;
The nursery's ability to provide the facilities necessary for the welfare of the child, including appropriate staffing arrangements and any specialist equipment, as well as a setting’s capability to physically accommodate such equipment;
The session requirements requested. This is dependent upon work commitments, occupancy and room availability;
We offer free funded places subject to availability;
Hopscotch operates an inclusion and equality policy and we welcome all children regardless of nationality, religion, culture, race, gender, physical ability or disability, health or social class.
For more information see the Hopscotch Inclusion & Equality Policy.
Settling
Settling in children to Hopscotch is a vital part of beginning their journey with us. We understand that starting at nursery can be an emotional time both for parents and children. We have over thirty years of experience helping children start their educational journeys with us and we are here to children settle into nursery life smoothly from day one. We work closely with parents to ensure that there is a strong relationship from the outset. Our aim is to ensure that your child enjoys every day at Hopscotch and to ensure that you are happy, reassured and confident when leaving your children in our care.
We offer free settling in sessions which involve an initial settle with parent and child at the setting and led by the Key Worker, followed by a child only settle. If more settles are needed then we are always happy to accommodate these until we all feel everyone is completely comfortable and happy.
At your first settle you and your child will meet with either your Key Person who will be your main point of contact at nursery, or a qualified member of staff from your child's nursery group. This is the opportunity for you to discuss your child’s needs and preferences, to help us ensure they receive the best care at Hopscotch. A member of the Management Team will also be available to say hello and welcome you to Hopscotch.
Every child will be assigned a Key Person who has special responsibilities for working with a small number of children, giving them the reassurance to feel safe and cared for and building relationships with the child and their parents.
The Key Person is an important role model for the child. The Key Person observes children to identify how they learn through their play, plan the next aspect of their development and understand what their interests are and whether there is any cause for concern or need for extra support.
Roles of the Key Person include:
Settling a child into their room and understanding the child’s individual needs and routines
Developing a secure and trusting relationship with key children and their parent/carers
Greeting children each day and ensuring they are reassured and comfortable
Being responsible for changing nappies and intimate such as visiting the toilet and changing as needed
Ensuring children are eating and drinking appropriately throughout the day and relaying any concerns to their Room Leader / Lead Practitioner / Nursery Management Team
Ensure the welfare of children is maintained and supported at all times
Support and encourage key children when learning new skills and praise and encourage their efforts
Communicate feedback to parents and carers at collection time and maintain the child's developmental records and learning journeys (Famly) and ensure their individual needs are fully integrated into the room activities and planning
When a child’s Key Person is absent from nursery another suitable member of staff should be designated to cover on the above.
Staff Ratios, Deployment and Supervision
Staffing arrangements must meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety. Nursery Managers must always ensure that children are adequately supervised and decide how to deploy staff to ensure children’s needs are met. It is a requirement that children must always be within sight and hearing of staff.
We always have suitable staffing arrangements to meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety. The Nursery Manager is responsible for all staff, students and bank or agency staff receiving information on health and safety policies and procedures in the nursery in order to ensure they are adequately supervising the children, including whilst they are eating at snack and mealtimes.
For clarity, the legal and regulatory requirements around staff ratios at early years settings are set out below:
Age Group
Staff:Child Ratio
Staff Qualifications
Additional Requirements
Under 2s
1:3
• At least 1 staff with level 3 qualification
• At least half of others with level 2 qualification
• Level 3 staff must have experience with under 2s
• At least half of staff trained in baby care
• Room leader must have under 2s experience
2-3 years
1:5
• At least 1 staff with level 3 qualification
• At least half of others with level 2 qualification
Over 3s
1:8
• At least 1 staff with level 3 qualification
• At least half of others with level 2 qualification
When necessary, we may count a Level 3 Apprentice in Level 2 staff:child ratios as per the EYFS guidance. To do so, the apprentice must demonstrate all required competencies and complete all relevant training and certifications. This includes key areas such as safeguarding, child development, health and safety, first aid, positive behaviour management, and practical care skills. They must also show a clear understanding of their professional responsibilities and be confident in supporting children in line with Hopscotch policies and EYFS standards.
Nursery Groups
Nursery groups at Hopscotch are as follows:
Group(s)
Age Range
Blue Group
Birth to 11 months
Blue and Yellow Groups
8 to 20 months
Yellow Group
16 to 26 months
Yellow and Green Groups
22 to 36 months
Green and Red Group
30 to 50 months
Red Group
40 to 60 months
Please note how the age ranges overlap.
Caring for Babies and Toddlers
Hopscotch cares for children from 3 months onwards. With over 35 years of experience, we provide expert care for babies, toddlers, and pre-school children.
We ensure their health, safety, and well-being through the following measures:
Implementing EYFS requirements and maintaining a minimum 1:3 staff-to-child ratio in separate bases for babies and toddlers
Assigning each child a Key Person who works closely with parents to meet individual needs and routines
Employing well-qualified staff, with at least half of those caring for under-twos having specialized baby care training
Providing opportunities for babies and toddlers to interact with older children
Transitioning toddlers to older groups when developmentally appropriate
Ensuring constant supervision and creating supportive environments for both non-mobile and mobile children
Conducting daily risk assessments on the environment, equipment, and resources, including cots, chairs, pushchairs, and prams
Installing viewing panels and finger-guards on doors to prevent accidents
Requiring outdoor shoes to be removed or covered in baby and toddler areas, with regular floor cleaning
Planning activities based on children's interests and EYFS learning requirements
Preventing access to small objects that could pose choking hazards
Maintaining close supervision during all activities
Regularly cleaning all resources and soft furnishings
Limiting the use of baby walkers, "bumbo seats," and jumparoos to no more than 20 minutes at a time, following NHS guidelines to prevent delayed physical development
Our policies and procedures are tailored specifically to baby and toddler care throughout this document.
The EYFS uses an "ages and stages" approach, recognizing that children of similar ages may develop at different rates.
We allow children to develop at their own pace according to their individual needs. Room transitions are based on a child's development, friendships, confidence, and abilities rather than age alone.
Sleeping Babies and Children
The Nursery Management Team will need to organise staff lunches and staff deployment carefully to ensure that when children are awake ratios are not affected. When a child starts to wake up, it is crucial that staff call for another staff member of staff for support.
When babies and children are being assisted to sleep, a Lead Nursery Practitioner or one member of Level 3 Qualified staff should remain in the room to assist - under no circumstances should an unqualified staff member be left in charge and responsible for children that are asleep or awake.
Visual checks of sleeping babies and children are to be undertaken every 10 minutes and the room’s sleep check log must be completed and signed by the room leader or other most senior member of staff. It is the responsibility of the Nursery Management Team to ensure this is happening.
A L3 qualified member of staff is always needed in the vicinity of sleeping children.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), formerly known as Cot Death, usually but not always affects babies between 1 month and 6 months old. It happens while they sleep and is always sudden and unexpected. In recent years, knowledge of the factors which may reduce the risk of SIDS has increased.
The Nursery will follow the guidelines as set out by the Department of Health. If a parent decides to contradict this while the child is at the Nursery and not allow staff to follow these guidelines, it must be documented in the child’s personal documentation.
Research shows that SIDS is more common in babies who go to sleep on their stomachs. Babies should be placed on their back to sleep. There is no evidence that babies are likely to choke if they sleep on their backs. If a baby is laid on its side, ensure that the underneath arm is bought forward in front of the body to prevent rolling onto the stomach.
All babies should be placed at the bottom end of the cot – this is to prevent the child wriggling further down under the covers and overheating.
Older babies are more mobile and can turn over and move around the cot. Only one out of every seven cot deaths occur after 6 months of age.
Hopscotch does not generally have a significant number of children under 6 months of age, however, we are registered to care for and do occasionally have children of this age registered with us. In such a scenario, a specific Sleeping Risk Assessment should be undertaken for those children until they are over 6 months old. This is to be overseen by the Nursery Management Team.
Different types of blankets are used for different age groups. These include cellular blankets for younger children and fleece-type blankets for older children.
Babies should not be allowed to sleep in other equipment such as bouncers, pushchairs, etc. However, younger children may sometimes fall asleep when in buggies on local outings. In such circumstances, staff should carefully monitor them during this time.
Sleeping Checks
Frequent visual checks of sleeping babies are undertaken by room staff at least every 10 minutes throughout any period during which children are sleeping. Breathing and other vital signs are monitored. Children will be roused if there is any cause for concern whatsoever.
Sleep Monitoring Forms should be completed by the most senior member of staff at the time.
Children should be monitored regularly by staff whilst they are sleeping. This includes undertaking visual checks of sleeping children every 5 minutes to ensure consistent and regular breathing patterns and that children continue to have a good and healthy colour whilst asleep. Children will be roused if there is any cause for concern whatsoever.
Staff must sign the Sleep Monitoring Form which acknowledges they will undertake visual checks (as set out above) during the period which children are asleep in their care.
Any material comforters, soft toys or blankets which are in or around the face area and that could obstruct breathing routes should be removed once the child is asleep.
Room Temperatures
Baby sleep rooms and areas need to be kept at approximately 65°F (18°C). Cellular blankets should be used for very young children i.e. under 1yr. For children over 1yr then lightweight fleece blankets are used.
Place babies at the foot of the sleeping coracle and ensure covers reach no higher than their shoulders. Tuck the corners in securely. Ensure that babies’ heads are not covered, thus preventing them from losing excess heat.
Cot bumpers and pillows also reduce heat loss if babies bury their heads in them. They should not be used.
Do not overheat babies by use of too much clothing a nappy, vest and baby grow are adequate. Babies should not sleep next to radiators, heaters or in direct sunlight.
Cot Hygiene
Cot mattresses must be kept in good condition and cleaned regularly.
Sleep mats must be in good condition, cleaned and sanitised after use. Sleep mats should be regularly replaced to ensure they remain in good condition. Sheets will be provided for each child for each week and laundered as required.
Safe and Respectful Care
At Hopscotch we believe that all children need to feel safe, secure and happy. This involves nursery staff being responsive to children’s needs, whilst maintaining professionalism. This includes giving children cuddles and changing children’s nappies or clothes.
To promote good practice and to minimise the risk of allegations we have the following guidelines:
Although we recognise it is appropriate to cuddle children, we give cuddles only when sought by children needing comfort to support their emotional development. Staff are advised to do this in view of other children and practitioners, whenever possible. We recognise that there may be occasions where it is appropriate for this to happen away from others, such as when a child is ill. In these circumstances, staff are advised to leave any doors open. It is the duty of all staff and the Nursery Management Team to ensure that children are appropriately comforted and to monitor practice and assess suitability at all times.
When changing children’s nappies or soiled/wet clothing, doors should be left open, where appropriate. It is also Hopscotch policy not to have doors located on nappy changing areas.
We discourage inappropriate behaviour such as over tickling, over boisterous play or inappropriate questions such as asking children to tell them they love them and we advise staff to flag any such observed practice with their Nursery Management Team.
Staff should always be respectful of each other and the children and families in the nursery and should never use inappropriate language or behaviour, including during breaks. Any failure to abide by this could lead in disciplinary action being taken.
All staff should be aware of the whistleblowing procedures and the Nursery Manager and the Nursery Management Team should frequently visit rooms around the nursery throughout the day to ensure safe practices are embedded.
If a parent/carer or member of staff has concerns or questions about safe care and practice procedures or behaviour they consider as inappropriate, including between staff members, they are urged to raise this with the Nursery Manager at the earliest opportunity. Management will challenge inappropriate behaviour in line with the supervision/disciplinary or whistleblowing procedures. If the concern relates to the Nursery Manager or another individual connected to the business, then parents should immediately raise their concern with Hopscotch Head Office via office@hopscotchmail.com or call 01273 385577.
Transitions
When a child moves rooms or group the Key Person will complete a Room Transition Form for the child and their new Key Person in order to ensure all essential information is passed on. The old and new Key Person will work together to ensure the child has some settling in sessions in their new group.
Parents will be notified of the transition via Famly in good time ahead of the change. They will also be given a verbal update by the existing Key Person at a suitable opportunity i.e. child collection or a phone call to the parents. Parents can of course be invited into the nursery to meet new room staff and see the room if this is preferred.
Famly should also be used to communicate any possible changes that will take place to routines and other important information ahead of the move to the new room.
Two-Year Checks
This section outlines the agreed principles for two-year-olds throughout the Nursery.
Children's play, learning, speech, and actions provide crucial insights into their development. Developmental milestones are skills most children acquire by a certain age. Hopscotch aims to conduct developmental checks on all children by two and a half years old, where possible.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) mandates that parents and carers receive a concise, written summary of their child's development in three prime areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; and Communication and Language. This summary should be completed between 24–36 months of age.
The progress check aims to:
Assess a child's development in the EYFS's three prime areas.
Share this information with parents to provide a clear picture of their child's development.
Help Hopscotch understand the child's needs and plan appropriate activities.
Enable parents to support their child's development at home.
Highlight areas of good progress and identify any developmental concerns.
Outline actions to address any developmental issues, including collaboration with other professionals when necessary.
The progress check will:
Be completed by a practitioner who knows the child well—typically their Key Person.
Draw from ongoing observational assessments conducted during daily activities.
Focus on skills, knowledge, and behaviours the child demonstrates consistently and independently.
Consider input from parents and, where appropriate, the child.
Include perspectives from other practitioners and relevant professionals working with the child.
The progress check is designed to:
Be clear and accessible, avoiding jargon (with translations available if needed).
Provide an honest yet tactful reflection of the child's abilities and achievements.
Identify any areas where development may be slower than expected.
Acknowledge parents' deep understanding of their child by incorporating their observations and explaining how the setting will support further development.
Comply with EYFS requirements for children aged 24–36 months.
Before conducting the check, practitioners will consult with parents and consider:
Allowing a 6–8 week settling-in period to build a comprehensive understanding of the child.
Sharing progress with other staff members in the room.
Potential delays due to illness or significant family events.
Periods of absence or irregular attendance.
Timing the check to coincide with the health visitor's two-year review, if possible.
Conducting the EYFS check even if the child has already had a health visitor check.
Arrangements for children attending multiple settings or changing settings
For children attending multiple settings, the Key Person at the primary setting (where the child spends most time) will usually conduct the check. They may consult with practitioners from other settings if beneficial.
If a child moves between settings between 24 and 36 months, setting leaders will determine which provider completes the check, typically favouring the setting where the child has spent the most time.
For children with identified disabilities, medical needs, or special educational needs, the setting will consider existing professional support and consult with parents on how to incorporate input from these professionals.
The check will focus on the child's capabilities, unique characteristics, and development, rather than defining them by their needs or disabilities.
During induction, the setting will request the child's health visitor contact details.
As the progress check is a statutory EYFS requirement, the setting will obtain parental consent to share information with relevant professionals.
Hopscotch will always endeavour to remain open and to continue providing childcare for our families in all weather conditions, unless it is clearly unsafe to do so. We have an adverse weather policy in place to ensure staff should be able to continue to attend work.
However, if the weather does have an impact on any of our settings and their ability to open as usual, we will communicate this via email, text message and Famly as soon as reasonably practicable. We will always aim to try and provide as much notice as possible and, where possible, we will also try to offer childcare spaces to any families who need it at alternative Hopscotch locations.
Whilst we might be able to open during adverse weather conditions, we will not take children outdoors where we judge that weather conditions make it unsafe to do so. Judgements should be made by the Nursery Manager in consultation with their senior staff team members. If they are unsure, they should consult with the Head of Operations.
Looking After Children in Extreme Hot Weather
In the event of extreme hot weather events, children should be carefully looked after. Young children, especially babies, are at risk of overheating and dehydration.
Children should be kept hydrated and given the opportunity to take lots of refreshment breaks throughout the day. Staff should think about the activities planned for the day and on extremely hot days, less strenuous activities should be organised.
Windows should be kept open to allow ventilation and blinds can be lowered to reduce sunlight into rooms. Fans can be used if risk assessed and placed in safe areas which present no risk to children.
Before playing outside sun cream should be administered. Extra care should be taken when applying cream to sensitive areas i.e. on the face and around eyes, nose and mouth. Staff should also check for any adverse reactions to sun cream application. If this does happen, they should discuss with the Nursery Manager immediately.
When playing outside sun hats should always be worn and where possible shaded areas should be created for the children to play away from direct sunlight. This might involve erecting temporary structures such as gazebos or sun sails.
Babies can be taken outside in hot weather but they should not be left in direct sunlight at any point, they should always be positioned in the shade.
If any children behave differently during a spell of hot weather i.e. become lethargic, unresponsive, unusually tired then they could be suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. They should be cooled down with flannels or a fan, offered water and the chance to rest. If the child does not improve then the procedure for seeking medical help, as set out already in this policy, should be followed.
Looking After Children in Extreme Cold Weather
In the event of extreme cold weather, the Nursery Manager and their staff team should ensure that the nursery setting is kept at a warm and pleasant temperature throughout the operating hours.
Children should be dressed in suitable cold weather clothing when taking part in activities outside. Parents should be reminded of the need to provide such items of clothing i.e. suitable shoes, hats, gloves etc during the winter months.
The Nursery Manager is responsible for checking whether ice or snow represents a health and safety hazard and they should address this as part of their opening checks and throughout the remainder of the day. Grit and salt should be applied to areas and walkways as needed.
First Aid
All first aid given should be completed as per training, and only by trained staff.
Hopscotch aims to have all permanent qualified staff trained in first paediatric first aid within at least 3 months of staff commencing their employment with us, if not sooner. Currently (as of 1 November 2022), over 90% of our existing staff team is paediatric first aid trained. This is well beyond minimum statutory requirements. We endeavour to maintain this level and will aspire to increase it where possible.
Accidents
Accidents can occur at nursery, as part of physical play and managed risk-taking activities, even when correct supervision ratios are in place and equipment and areas are safe.
When an accident does occur, staff should tend to the injured child immediately and assess whether any First Aid needs to be administered. The Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager should be informed. For minor cuts, bumps or grazes the child should be comforted and a cold compress applied.
An Accident Form should be triggered on Famly. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, parents might be notified of the accident prior to the accident form being sent.
Depending on the nature of the accident, an investigation might be required. See here for more information on this process: Reporting Procedure
Head Injuries
If a child receives a bump or injury to the head whilst at the Nursery, the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager should be informed immediately. Parents / carers should then be called by a suitable person to inform them of the accident. This should then be recorded on an Accident Form.
A copy of the form Head Injury Monitor Form should be completed, and a copy sent home with the parent/carer.
The child should be monitored every 15 minutes for the first hour and then every 30 minutes for the second hour and every hour thereafter until the child is collected.
If there is any concern about the child whatsoever then parents should be contacted immediately to ask them to collect the child and seek medical advice. If parents are not immediately available then the procedure for seeking medical help should followed, as set out in this policy.
Non-Food Choking Hazards
With regard to choking on other items, staff teams are constantly checking the nursery environments are safe and no alien or unexpected objects are present.
Activities are prepared in age-appropriate ways and staff are encouraged to risk assess the items they use for their activities to ensure they do not present a risk.
Staff are trained to continually undertake risk assessments when planning and undertaking all activities.
See Appendix 2: Messy and Creative Play Resources for more information.
Hazardous Substances
There is a COSHH policy to control hazardous substances on site and that all cleaning products and substances are stored safely, labelled clearly, are risk assessed under COSHH and that staff receive training on their safe use.
Reporting Procedure
If a more serious accident occurs, the Nursery Management Team should notify the Head of Operations. If the Head of Operations is not available they should contact the Managing Director. The Head of Operations will ask for more information and decide how to proceed. This might require an in-depth investigation or involving an external Health & Safety Consultant, depending on the seriousness of the accident. Interactions with parents should be taken over by the Head of Operations at this moment.
Sometimes the seriousness of an accident or injury is not known until a later date (i.e. a broken bone in a child which has not shown up on initial X-Rays) and can arise from something very innocuous. When such information comes to light then the Head of Operations should be immediately informed.
Depending on the seriousness of the accident or injury, it might be that a notification needs to be made to Ofsted i.e. whether meets Ofsted’s notification criteria, whether hospital treatment was required, whether back blows were administered etc. This should be done online via the Ofsted Early Years Notifications Portal:
The Head of Operations should consult with the Managing Director about the need for any Ofsted notification. Only the Head of Operations or the Company Director have the authority to submit a notification to Ofsted in this way.
Other agencies might also need to be informed, including Local Authorities or the HSE (via RIDDOR), depending on the circumstances around the accident.