Eating and Drinking at Little Acorns

At Little Acorns Nursery, we believe mealtimes should be calm, sociable and enjoyable. They’re a lovely opportunity for children to come together, chat, and learn independence in a relaxed and caring environment.

At lunchtime, children bring a packed lunch from home and eat together at tables with adult supervision. Staff sit alongside them, helping to create a friendly, family-style atmosphere. We encourage conversation and good table manners, and always model positive eating behaviour. Children are encouraged — but never forced — to eat. We know appetites vary, and we want every child to feel comfortable and unhurried while they eat.

Staff are on hand to support when needed, whether that’s opening a lunch box, peeling fruit, or offering gentle encouragement. Children are also encouraged to have a go themselves, building confidence and independence. When they’ve finished, they throw away their own rubbish and put their lunch boxes and water bottles away. Children choose where to sit, although our youngest children usually sit together at a smaller table where they can get a little extra support.

We ask families to provide balanced, healthy packed lunches, and we regularly talk with children about food and making good choices. We’re also mindful of any dietary needs or allergies, and staff work closely with parents to ensure these are understood and carefully managed.

Morning and afternoon snack times are another lovely part of the day. We don’t operate a rolling snack process — instead, we enjoy shared group snack times that are fully supervised to support the highest standards of safer eating. The morning snack is usually served around 10:30am, and the afternoon snack around 2:15pm.

Snacks are typically a selection of fruit and vegetables, giving children the chance to explore different tastes and textures. They are encouraged to try the snacks, but never forced. Snack time is also a chance to chat, share stories and talk about healthy eating. Children use tongs to help themselves, building independence and fine motor skills while learning about hygiene and turn-taking.

Before every meal or snack, children wash their hands carefully. Their water bottles are available at all times, and they’re encouraged to help themselves whenever they’re thirsty.

At Little Acorns, mealtimes are about much more than food. They’re a chance for children to build relationships, practise independence, and enjoy being part of a warm, caring community.

 

Sleep and Rest at Little Acorns

At Little Acorns, we understand that rest is an important part of a young child’s day. Some children need a short nap to recharge, while others simply benefit from a little quiet time. We work closely with families to make sure each child’s individual sleep needs are respected and supported.

During settling sessions and registration, parents have the opportunity to share if their child naps at home — including when, for how long, and any special routines that help them settle. We aim to follow the same familiar approach in the nursery wherever possible, to help children feel safe and comfortable.

Sleep time usually takes place shortly after lunch, around 1:00pm. Children lie down on sleep mats and may bring a comforter or cuddly toy from home to help them settle. While some children settle themselves easily, others may need a little support. An adult is always available to help — perhaps by sitting nearby, offering gentle reassurance, or softly patting a child’s back for a few minutes until they drift off. Staff supervise at all times, keeping an eye on sleep positions, patterns, and room temperature. For hygiene, mats are cleaned after each use.

When children wake, they are gently encouraged to sit up and rejoin play in their own time. Those who are toilet training will be asked if they need the toilet, and children in nappies or pull-ups will be checked and changed if needed.

If parents prefer, staff can wake children after an agreed amount of time. Otherwise, all children will be gently woken by or shortly after 2:30pm, so they are refreshed and ready for home time at 3:00pm.

If a child appears unusually tired or falls asleep at a different time of day, we will always share this with parents at the end of the session. Similarly, we keep a record of sleep times and durations, which are shared with families daily.

At Little Acorns, we see rest time as more than just a nap — it’s a peaceful part of the day that supports wellbeing, emotional regulation, and healthy development.

Nappy Changing & Toileting – Little Acorns Nursery

At Little Acorns, we believe that learning to manage personal care is an important part of a child’s development. We provide a safe, hygienic, and supportive environment where children can grow in confidence, independence, and self-care skills.

For children in nappies or pull-ups, staff ensure they are changed regularly and whenever needed, keeping them comfortable and clean throughout the day. Staff follow strict hygiene routines, including washing hands before and after changing and wearing gloves and aprons. Soiled nappies are disposed of safely, and the changing area is cleaned after every use. Children are encouraged to participate as much as they can, such as lifting their legs or helping remove clothing, so they begin to take responsibility for themselves. Parents provide nappies, wipes, and creams, and staff follow any instructions carefully. Each child’s nappy changing routine is recorded and shared with parents at the end of the session.

When it comes to toilet use, children are encouraged to be as independent as possible. Staff offer support and guidance when needed, helping with zips, buttons, or hygiene routines, but always at the child’s pace. Children are reminded to wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet. The toilets are clean, safe, and child-friendly, with step stools or smaller seats to make them easy for little ones to use. We work closely with parents to ensure toilet training is consistent and matches the child’s readiness and confidence.

Our approach is gentle, positive, and patient. Children are encouraged to take pride in their achievements, and staff ensure that every child’s dignity and privacy is respected at all times. No child is ever forced, and routines are adapted to meet the needs of each individual.

These procedures follow the school’s Intimate Care Policy, ensuring safe, consistent, and respectful support for all children. Through these routines, children at Little Acorns will learn to care for themselves, develop independence, and gain the confidence to manage personal care in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Late Collection Procedures – Little Acorns Nursery

At Little Acorns, the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care is our top priority. We understand that sometimes parents or carers may be delayed, and we aim to handle these situations calmly and safely.

Collection Times

Our nursery hours are between 8:00am–6:00pm inclusive of wrap around provision. Children should be collected at the agreed time for their sessions. Being collected late can be distressing for children and staff, so we ask that you make every effort to arrive on time.

If You Expect to Be Late

We know that unforeseen circumstances can happen. If you think you might be late, please call the nursery as soon as possible to let us know and discuss arrangements with the nursery manager.

Collection Arrangements

When your child is registered, we ask parents to complete a collection arrangement form, including a password system for anyone other than the parent collecting your child and we ask you to provide at least two emergency contacts (family or friends) who could collect your child if you are unable to do so.

If a Child Is Not Collected on Time

• The child will be reassured and kept in a safe, supervised environment.
• Staff will immediately attempt to contact parents or carers using the details provided.
• If we cannot reach you, we will contact your other emergency contacts.
• The child will remain under continuous supervision and engaged in calm, safe activities.
• If no contact can be made and the child remains uncollected for more than 30 minutes, the school’s senior leadership will be informed. If necessary, we will contact local safeguarding services or the police following safeguarding procedures.

 

Recording and Review

We keep a record of the time of collection, the staff involved, and any contact attempts.

Repeated late collections are logged and discussed with parents to support punctuality.

 

Charges for Late Collection

A late collection fee applies if your child is not collected by the end of their session

Fees are:

£1 per every minute late.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our procedures are designed to ensure every child remains safe, cared for, and secure until they are collected.