Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Berrypatch ?

Access is via the rear door of the community centre ( Summerlee Road). For the baby room there is a separate entrance at the back of the building. For Nursery and Out of school clubs please ring the bell on the door. Unfortunately there is no onsite parking and very limited parking around the community centre. It is advised that if you are arriving by car that you use the public car park which is situated in the grounds of the recreation ground, which is approx 100m along Wellingborough Road.

Do I have to pay if my child doesn’t attend? Yes. Full fees apply for non-attendance e.g. illness, holidays. There is no charge for children who have hospital appointments if a letter is provided. Please inform us if your child will be absent and the reason.

Can my child attend if they are ill? Please see our children illness and infection policy and the document on guidance on Infection Control in schools and other childcare settings which can be found here:

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/Guidance_on_infection_control_in%20schools_poster.pdf

Please inform us if you child will not be attending on the day and the reason for their absence. If your child is funded ( under 5's) then this is a requirement of access the funded hours.

Do I have to pay when The Berrypatch is closed? No charges are made when the group is closed e.g. holidays, closure due to weather etc.

My child requires medicine – can you administer it? Yes – Please see our medicine policy and speak to a member of staff. Medicines MUST be given to a staff member and you must give written permission for us to administer it. If your child needs ongoing medication we will complete a health care plan with you.

What happens if I am late for collecting my child? Please inform us as soon as possible if you are to be late in collecting. Please see our 'Late/Non collection of children policy' for details on charges and procedures.

Why can’t I use my mobile phone in building ? Safeguarding all children is our priority. Mobile phones are not to be used so that we can ensure that no unauthorized photographs can be taken of any child and that they are not used/shared inappropriately on the internet.

What do I do if I have a suggestion or comment about The Berrypatch? We welcome all comments on how we run the playgroup and suggestions we could make. Comments can be made via text ,email or written and handed to staff. If you have a complaint, please see a Rebecca and/or refer to our complaints policy.

What will happen if I cannot pay my child’s fees? Please see Rebecca or Nicola as soon as possible before/soon after the fees are due. Please see our Late or Non- Payment of Fees Policy. As a general rule we will seek payment on the day that payment is due. We will discuss and record with parents and seek a re-payment arrangement. It is really important that you speak to Rebecca or Nicola if you are experiencing difficulties in paying your child’s fees so that we can help you manage this.

Can I claim funding for my child? Yes. We accept government funding for children from the term after they turn 9 months up to school age. If you receive universal credits you can claim a percentage of your childcare costs.

Please see the 'Payment and Funding's page for detailed information on the different types of funding as terms and conditions apply.

Can you help if we are experiencing difficulties in our family? Yes – we are able to suggest ideas, inform you of services and support you through any difficult times. We are able to initiate an EHA- Early Help Assessment. We can work with you and other agencies in order for you and your family to receive help for your situation.

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? This is a document that all childcare providers working with children from 0-5 years have to adhere to. This includes Pre-School, Playgroups, Day nurseries, childminders and teachers in Reception class in schools.

Do I need to send anything in with my child? If you have booked your child in for a full day session or the 12-3 session ( Under 5’s ) please provide them with a packed lunch and a drink.

If your baby requires formula or breast milk this must be provided and clearly named. We are able to re heat food if you wish to send it in for lunch.

If your child is booked into holiday club they will need to bring in a packed lunch.

Please provide a bag and named spare clothing including socks for your child in case of them having a toileting accident or getting wet/dirty. If your child is in nappies you will need to provide nappies and wipes and any nappy creams used. We go outside to play every day unless the weather is severe therefore suitable clothing should be worn for the weather e.g. coats, hats, sunhats and sun-cream. Nursery room - We do have all in one waterproof suits for children to wear. Children are provided with snacks – toast or cereal in the mornings with fruit and a selection of fruits in the afternoon . Milk and water are available for children throughout the day.

All newsletters and information are sent out via email. Please let us know if you would prefer not to receive information in this way.