Sessions & fees

We are open all year except the working days between Christmas and New Years, as well as Bank Holidays. Our different sessions throughout the day are designed to meet the needs of the children and their parents, but also to minimise the impact of children coming and going.

About our sessions

The more often a child attends Green Roots, it becomes a regular part of their week. Although we do not impose a minimum number of days, we recommend that your child attends at least twice a week. In our experience, children who only attend once a week can sometimes find it difficult to settle in. However, we will be guided by parents as you know your children best!

We do not offer term times only, as we believe the break in routine for long periods of time can be unsettling at this young age.

Meal times take half an hour and we would kindly ask that you do not collect your child during this time, so that the children are not disturbed during their meal.

Read our philosophy

Getting settled in

Before your child starts with us, you will be offered two settling in visits. These usually take place the week before your child starts and last approximately 1 hour each. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s Key Person, ask any questions, and for us to get to know your child a little better.

Alongside great childcare facilities, you will also receive extra goodies when you register. Nursery children will receive a Green Roots comfort blanket and bag, which can be used to bring spare clothes and a sun or winter hat. Pre-School children will also receive a Green Roots bag.

A typical day at Green Roots

We understand that young children sometimes have varying meal times and sleep routines so we will discuss your child’s individual needs with you and follow the routine which best suits them. Take a look at a typical day for the children below.

1. Early Starts/ Arrivals

Children with Early Starts arrive at 7:30am and join us for breakfast.

All other children arrive from 8:00am and meet their Key Person to settle in.

2. Morning

A range of indoor and outdoor activities are available for your child to choose from. They have the freedom to learn and explore in the way that they choose. Younger children sleep in the morning and babies receive bottles throughout the day. A healthy mid-morning snack is also served during this time.

3. Lunch

Between 11:45am and 12:30pm is lunchtime. Children sit with their groups and are served a delicious home-cooked meal.

At 1:00pm, some children are collected, while others arrive to start their day at Green Roots.

4. Afternoon

In the afternoon, children are free to play and learn how they choose and can engage with plenty of fun activities. Some children prefer to have some quiet time, while others have an afternoon nap. A healthy mid-afternoon snack is also served during this time.

At 4:00pm, some children are collected.

5. Tea

Children sit together in their groups and are served tea at 4:45pm as they finish their day at Green Roots. All meals contain fresh ingredients and our menus are created to feature flavours and textures from around the world.

6. Last Departure

After an exciting day at Green Roots, it’s time to go home. By 6:00pm all children are collected and return home looking forward to their next day with us!

What are our fees?

Nursery
Pre-School(3 years and over)
Early Start (7.30am-8am): £5.15; £5.15
Morning (8am-1pm): £36.50; £33.50
Afternoon (1pm-6pm): £32.50; £30.50
School Day (8am-4pm): £55.50; £50.50
Full Day (8am-6pm): £66.50; £60.50
School Day Full Week: £247.62; £225.31
Full Time: £295.50; £269.92

What do the fees include?

Fees are inclusive of all food and drinks (including formula milk for children in the Explorers Area), nappies, barrier creams, wipes and sun cream (in the summer months). We often run additional activities during the week such as Spanish singing, which are included in the fees. The above fees are valid at 1st September 2019, and fees are typically reviewed every September.

Is there a registration fee and deposit?

To apply for a place, a non-refundable registration fee of £40 is required. An additional refundable deposit is also required of £150 per family (see clause 6.8). On receipt, Green Roots will either offer you the requested sessions, or offer suitable alternative sessions, and a confirmation email will be sent. If we are unable to offer you the requested sessions or provide a suitable alternative, and you do not wish to go on our waiting list, we will return the registration fee and deposit in full. If you choose to go on the waiting list, we retain your registration and deposit. You can request to come off the waiting list at any time and have your registration fee and deposit refunded in full.

How should fees be paid?

Fees are paid monthly in advance via bank transfer by the 1st working day of each month. We accept childcare vouchers from all registered voucher providers, see clause 3.3 for details. Invoices and statements are emailed to be environmentally friendly, however paper copies can be posted for a fee of £2.50.

Is there a minimum booking?

We do not enforce a minimum number of sessions per week, however we recommend your child attends Green Roots at least twice a week to ensure their visits to Green Roots become part of their regular routine. In our experience, children who only attend once a week can sometimes find it difficult to settle in. However, we will be guided by parents as you know your children best!

Are there Government grants?

Green Roots is registered to provide Tax Free Childcare and Free Entitlement (F.E.). Free Entitlement is effectively 570 or 1140 hours of free childcare. Some 2 year olds, and all children from the term after their 3rd birthday are entitled to 570 hours. Some 3 and 4 year olds are also eligible for an additional 570 hours. To check eligibility for the support in childcare costs, please visit the Childcare Choices website.

What are Green Root’s opening hours?

The Nursery is open from 7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. Our Early Starts can be booked on an ad-hoc or regular basis. The Nursery will be closed for the working days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as well as all public Bank Holidays.