Parent Info

Everything You Need to Know About Hearts & Minds Childcare

We understand that choosing the right childcare for your little one is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. This page provides comprehensive information about our services, fees, opening hours, and what’s included in our care packages to help you make an informed choice for your family.

Opening Hours

Hearts and Minds Childcare Euxton is open 51 weeks of the year, closing only for the Christmas week and New Year. Our standard operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:30pm, excluding Bank Holidays.

We believe in providing flexible childcare that accommodates the varied schedules of working parents. Early drop-offs and late collections within our opening hours are standard parts of our service, with no additional charges.

Age Groups

We welcome children from 6 months of age until they commence primary school. Our carefully designed rooms cater to different developmental stages:

Children progress through these rooms based on their individual development rather than strictly by age, ensuring each child is in the environment that best suits their needs.

Fee Structure

Our fee structure is designed to be transparent and inclusive. We offer several attendance options to accommodate different family needs:

Full-Time Care
(5 days per week)

For children attending five days per week, we offer a discounted rate compared to our daily fee. Full-time care provides consistency and helps children establish strong routines and relationships.

Part-Time Care
(2-4 days per week)

We offer flexible part-time options for families who don't require full-time care. Part-time places are available on a minimum of two days per week, with consistent days each week to provide stability for your child.

Session Options

We offer full-day sessions from 7:00am to 6:30pm. These extended hours are designed to accommodate working parents' schedules without additional charges for early drop-offs or late collections within our opening hours.

Fee Inclusions

We strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and secure:

All meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day, prepared fresh on-site by our qualified nursery cook
Nappies, wipes, and creams for babies and toddlers, saving you the hassle of bringing these items from home
Sun cream during summer months to ensure children are protected during outdoor play
Non-prescription medication (such as Calpol) when needed, with prior parental consent
All educational resources, activities, and experiences provided throughout the day

Payment Terms

Fees are payable monthly in advance by direct debit or childcare vouchers. We also accept payments through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme to help parents maximise savings on childcare costs.

For current fee information, please contact our office directly as rates are reviewed annually.

Childcare Funding

We accept various forms of government funding to help make quality childcare more accessible:

2-Year-Old
Funding

Some 2-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare per week. Our team can help you determine if your child qualifies and assist with the application process.

3 & 4-Year-Old
Universal Entitlement

All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week, starting from the term after their third birthday.

30 Hours Extended
Entitlement

Working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds may be eligible for an additional 15 hours of free childcare per week. We can provide guidance on checking eligibility and applying for this funding.

Tax-Free
Childcare

This government scheme allows eligible parents to receive up to £2,000 per child per year towards childcare costs. We are registered to accept payments through this scheme.

Meals, Drinks & Snacks

Nutritious, balanced meals are a fundamental part of our care. All food is prepared fresh daily in our on-site kitchen by our qualified nursery cook, Kerri Halsall.

Daily Menu

Our daily food schedule includes:

Breakfast served between 7:30am and 8:30am, with flexible timing to accommodate different arrival times. Options include cereals, toast, fruit, and yogurt.
Morning snack offered between 9:30am and 10:15am, typically consisting of fresh fruit, vegetables, and a small carbohydrate option.
A hot lunch with dessert served between 11:30am and 12:00pm. Our rotating menu features a variety of balanced, home-cooked meals that introduce children to diverse flavours and textures.
Afternoon snack is available for children who may need additional nutrition between meals.
A light tea with dessert served between 3:00pm and 3:30pm, providing a nutritious end to the day.

Throughout the day, children have constant access to fresh drinking water to stay properly hydrated.

Special Dietary Requirements

We cater for all dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences, and parental choices. Our cook works closely with parents to ensure every child receives appropriate, nutritious meals tailored to their specific needs.

What to Bring

We provide most essential items to make your life easier, but we recommend bringing:

A complete change of clothes appropriate for the season

Indoor shoes or slippers for comfort during the day.

Appropriate outdoor clothing for the season (wellies, warm coat, hat and gloves in winter; sun hat in summer)

Any comfort items your child may need, such as a special toy or blanket

Formula milk if your baby requires it (we provide cow's milk)

Settling-In Process

We understand that starting nursery is a significant transition for both children and parents. Our settling-in process is designed to make this transition as smooth as possible:

Initial Visit: After registration, we arrange several settling-in sessions before your child's official start date. These begin with you staying with your child to explore the environment together.
Key Person Introduction: Your child will be assigned a dedicated key person who will spend time getting to know them and understanding their routines, preferences, and needs.
Gradual Separation: We gradually increase the time your child spends at nursery without you present, always responding to their individual needs and comfort levels.
Ongoing Communication: Throughout the settling-in period, we maintain open communication about how your child is adjusting and work collaboratively to address any concerns.

Communication with Parents

We believe that strong partnerships with parents are essential for children’s wellbeing and development:

Daily Updates: You'll receive detailed information about your child's day, including meals, sleep times, activities, and achievements.
Digital Communication: Our secure parent app allows us to share photos, observations, and important updates throughout the day.
Parent Meetings: We hold regular parent meetings to discuss your child's development, progress, and next steps.
Newsletters: Monthly newsletters keep you informed about nursery events, themes, and important dates.
Open-Door Policy: Our management team is always available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Health and Safety

The safety and wellbeing of your child is our highest priority:

All staff are trained in paediatric first aid, with refresher training conducted regularly.
Comprehensive safeguarding procedures are in place, with designated safeguarding leads on site at all times.
Secure entry systems ensure only authorised individuals can access the nursery.
Regular risk assessments are conducted across all areas of the nursery.
Strict illness policies help prevent the spread of infection, with clear guidelines on when children should stay home.

Our Policies

Complaints
Policy

Medication
Policy

Mobile
Phone Policy

Safe
Sleep Policy

Safeguarding
Policy

Sickness &
Exclusion Policy

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Policy

Childcare Offer & Charges

Visiting Our Nursery

We always recommend that prospective parents visit our nursery to experience our environment firsthand. A member of our management team will be delighted to show you around, answer your questions, and help you determine if Hearts & Minds is the right fit for your family.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Tour all areas of the nursery Meet our dedicated staff team Discuss your child’s specific needs and interests Learn more about our educational approach Ask questions about practical matters like fees and sessions

Everything You Need to Know About Hearts & Minds Childcare

Opening Hours

Age Groups