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Child protection and welfare is our highest priority. Here’s a summary of our core policies. Get in touch if you’d like to see our full procedures or other policies.

Policies

  • Allergy and dietary requirements policy

    If your child has an allergy, diagnosed by a medical professional, we ask that you inform us of this as soon as possible. Their allergy should be recorded in the ‘allergy’ section of your child’s profile on Famly. If your child has a dietary requirement, this should be recorded in the ‘special dietary requirements’ information. We ask that you do not include foods that you child does not like as a dietary requirement as this section should be used for intolerances and dietary choices, such as vegetarian, only.

    As the majority of allergies and intolerances in the early years affect children under the age of 3, and many children grow out of their allergies and intolerances by the age of 5, please do continue to seek advice from a medical professional over the course of your child’s first 5 years. The NHS guidance is that all allergens should be introduced from 6 months and that delaying the introduction of allergens can increase the risk of developing an allergy. Once introduced, and if tolerated, allergens should continue to be offered as part of a baby’s usual diet (to minimise the risk of developing an allergy). If your child is weaning or will be weaning soon, please work with us to let us know which foods your child has been introduced to and which you are yet to try.

    We cannot guarantee that our nurseries are completely free of any specific allergens. However, we have specific processes in place to ensure that a child with a diagnosed allergy is not exposed to their allergen. Whilst NHS guidance does recommend that children are regularly introduced to nuts from the age of 6 months onwards, we don’t at present use nuts in our menus and we do ask parents and team members not to bring nuts into the nursery. We also ask that you don’t bring in any medications, including Arachis Hypogaea or other nut oils. However, many foods are labelled as having ‘traces of nut’ and ingredients with these warnings can be used in the nursery unless a risk assessment specific to a particular child indicates otherwise.

    We ask that you don’t bring food in from home and ensure that your children’s bags and pockets are free of food. If your child has a prescribed EpiPen, we ask that you ensure that two EpiPens are in the nursery on any days that your child is in attendance.

     

  • Babysitting policy

    N Family Club do not provide a babysitting service outside our normal operating hours. However, we are aware that parents sometimes ask Educators to babysit for their children. N Family Club advise both our parents and our team members not to enter into private babysitting arrangements outside of the nursery since the home environment does not have the usual safeguards that we have in place at N. Should parents and team members ignore this advice N Family Club is not responsible for the consequences arising from any private arrangements.

  • Behaviour policy

    At N, we focus on promoting positive behaviour to encourage children to learn positive ways to ways to interact with their peers and with adults. Our Educators role model to the children, for example, remembering to say please and thank you. We praise all attempts at positive behaviour and ensure children are sufficiently challenged to help to prevent undesirable behaviour – children learn the benefits of listening and being helpful. We try to focus our teaching with the children on things they can do, rather than telling them what they can’t do, for example, if a child is throwing toys, we will show them what they can throw, and find a ball for an activity which involves making friends. We work closely with parents to ensure continuity as much as possible; we support children to learn how to regulate their behaviour and inform parents/carers. Whilst in the nursery, Educators use a gentle, calm tone, and child-friendly and age-appropriate language.

  • Biting policy

    Biting is a typical behaviour seen in young children, especially between 1-2 years old. As children mature, they develop self-control and communication skills, so this behaviour often lessens. While not uncommon, biting can be upsetting and potentially harmful to others, so should be discouraged from the first episode. We take a partnership approach with parents to address biting, encouraging parents and carers to work with the nursery team. We deal with events when they happen but also have preventative measures to stop reoccurrence, through investigating potential causes and remedying these.

    For children who are teething, we provide chilled teethers and, with parental consent, can offer herbal teething granules. The nursery will be able to provide further information on strategies to prevent biting specific to the individual child.

  • Concerns and complaints procedures

    N has an open-door policy; we welcome parents and carers at all times. Our culture is one of accountability, communication and transparency in order to engender and maintain trust with parents and carers. We constantly strive to provide a continuously improving environment that operates at a high standard. To that end, we work in partnership with parents/carers and outside agencies, and we welcome any comments or suggestions that will help us to improve.

    We understand that from time to time, there may be occasions when issues become sufficiently important that escalation is required. Any issues that require escalation can be discussed with the key person, a room manager, Nursery Manager or escalated to the Regional Director. If at this stage you are still unhappy with the outcome, complaints may also be escalated to Ofsted.

  • CCTV policy

    N Family Club operates CCTV within the setting to provide a safer and more secure environment for the benefit of children, parents and the team. In compliance with our policy and ICO guidance, the footage is only viewed and retained in cases of accidents or incidents requiring investigation and is otherwise deleted after 31 days. N Family Club reserve the right to share CCTV footage with any Law enforcement agencies, prosecution agencies or emergency services in connection with the investigation of an accident.

  • Drugs and alcohol policy

    N Family Club has a duty to protect the health and safety of our team members in the workplace. The consumption of alcohol and/or drugs is taken extremely seriously by us. The use, possession, distribution, purchase, sale or being under the influence of alcohol (except on authorised occasions) or any controlled drugs whilst at work or on our premises is prohibited and will be regarded as an act of gross misconduct.

  • Equality & diversity policy

    N is committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. We foster a positive atmosphere of mutual respect and trust among children and team members. We will provide equal opportunity and inclusion for all children and their families, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, race, colour, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, social grouping, nationality, age or disability. We will deal with all forms of discrimination consistently, promptly and efficiently. We will recruit, select, train and promote individuals on the basis of occupational skills requirements, with no regard to age, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and pregnancy or maternity which cannot be justified as being necessary for the safe and effective performance of their work or training.

    We promote fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. We provide an inclusive environment for any children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. We ensure that there is equal access to all areas of the curriculum for all the children at our nurseries and we include and value the contribution of all our families to our understanding of equality, inclusion and diversity.

  • Failure to collect procedure

    N Family Club offers a more flexible approach to nursery provision. We offer a flexible hour either side of our core hours in which parents can discretionarily drop off or pick up outside of core hours. However, this flexibility has its boundaries. For both the child’s safety and emotional wellbeing, and for operating Educators out of hours on-site, this is our lateness/escalation procedure which is initiated if we have not had contact from parents or carers within certain thresholds of the expected pick up time. This starts with attempts to contact the immediate parents or carers, ten minutes past the expected collection time. If we are unable to reach you, we will then try the emergency contacts. If no contact has been made by parents or emergency contacts after half an hour, social care will be contacted.

  • Fire prevention, maintenance & emergency evacuation procedure

    The team at N are vigilant against fire and risk of fire and are always ready for evacuation procedures at any time. Our local evacuation procedures are documented and tested regularly. Weekly alarm tests and regular fire drills are in operation. Prevention and maintenance procedures (for example, professional checking of fire safety equipment) are also in place to minimise the risk of fire.

  • Health & safety policy

    All reasonably practicable actions will be taken to ensure the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment, the health and safety of all persons, and to prevent damage to nursery property, by promoting awareness of legal, personal and economic responsibilities.

    Daily risk assessments enable us to action any issues as required. We also run in-depth yearly risk assessments to review our environment and ensure its continued suitability.

    Management has a responsibility to:
    • provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions taking account of any statutory requirements;
    • provide training and instruction to enable employees to perform their work safely and efficiently;
    • make available all necessary safety devices and protective equipment and to supervise their use;
    • maintain a constant and continuing interest in health and safety matters applicable to the Nursery’s activities, in particular, by consulting and involving employees or their representatives wherever possible.

    All employees have a duty to:
    • Work safely and efficiently;
    • Use protective equipment provided and by meeting statutory obligations;
    • report incidents that have led or may lead to injury to people or damage to property, plant or equipment;
    • adhere to the Nursery Procedures for securing a safe workplace;
    • assist in the investigation of accidents in order to introduce new measures to prevent a recurrence.

  • Illness and infection procedures

    We promote the good health of children attending nursery and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection. This policy and set of procedures are to ensure that children who become unwell whilst at the nursery are treated with sensitivity and respect and to help us protect other children from illness and the spread of infection.

    We have a ‘well-child’ assessment tool which helps you to identify if your child is well enough to attend nursery. Click here for more details. Please note: Covid-19 is now treated in the same way as any other illness – use the well-child assessment tool for guidance on what to do if your child displays symptoms.

    Exclusion periods as defined by UKHSA (Guidance on Infection Control in Schools and other Childcare Settings (2016)) will be followed. Click here for more details.

    Please note that in the case of vomiting and diarrhoea, we do ask all families and team members to adhere to the strict 48-hour exclusion period outlined by PHE. This is for the benefit of everyone in the nursery.

  • Lost or missing child procedures

    N Family Club always prioritises children’s safety, both on and off the premises. Every attempt is made to ensure that prevention methods are put in place to avoid a child ever becoming lost. These processes include regular headcounts, effective team deployment and strict adherence to statutory requirements. Children are always kept within sight or hearing of Educators. If, however, in an extenuating circumstance, a child was not within sight or hearing and could not be located, the lost or missing child procedure would be instigated which would include locating the child, informing the child’s parents/carers and escalating to the police if required.

  • Mealtime procedure

    We strive to make mealtimes enjoyable and developmental, supporting children to learn healthy eating habits and develop positive attitudes towards food. Children are given child-sized utensils and plates/bowls and are encouraged to clean up after eating. Children are always supervised during mealtimes, and all team members involved in mealtimes have completed Food Hygiene training.

    N Family Club recognises that a healthy, balanced diet and regular activity are essential for children’s health and well-being. N Family Club follows the Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines for Early Years Settings in England, to ensure we are supporting children to establish good food habits in each child’s early years.

    Working with parents:
    • Individual dietary requirements will always be respected.
    • We endeavour to provide foods from the diet of each of the children’s cultural backgrounds, providing children with familiar foods and introducing them to new ones.
    • Cultural difference in eating habits are respected.
    • Menus are available to view on our welcome screen.
    • Parents will be kept informed of young children’s eating habits at nursery via the Famly app.

    Mothers are welcome to breastfeed their child in the nursery and we will support and promote breastfeeding. They are welcome to use the cafe area at any time and come in to breastfeed their child during their sessions with us. We are also able to prepare bottles using expressed breast milk at the parent’s request. Breast milk should be provided in a suitable, sterilised container, labelled with the child’s name, mother’s name and the date it was expressed. We can store chilled breast milk in the fridge for 5 days from the date it was expressed or in the freezer for six months.
    N Family Club can provide infant formula milk for children under the age of 1. Details of the family’s preferred brand will be taken during the home visit.

  • Medication administration procedures

    There may be cases where a child requires medication during their time with us. If a child requires medicine, we will familiarise ourselves with the child’s needs and will ensure this information is kept up-to-date.

    When dealing with medication of any kind in the nursery, strict guidelines will be followed. First aid-trained and fully qualified Educators will administer medicine from its original packaging with written consent from the parent or carer. Prescription medication will only be administered provided it was prescribed for the child in question. The first dose of the medicine must have been given by the parent (EpiPens are an exception to this).

    We have a ‘well-child’ assessment tool which helps you to identify if your child is well enough to attend nursery. Click here for more details.

  • Nappy changing and toileting procedure

    Nappy changing and toileting are always conducted in such a way as to ensure the children feel safe, secure, and respected and valued as individuals. Children have a right to privacy and dignity when team members are meeting their needs. Children are supported in their understanding of toileting procedures so that they can become increasingly independent. Nappy changes and toileting will usually be supported by the child’s Key Person who will make a record on Famly to notify parents of the nappy change.

    If a child has any disability or medical needs that affect their personal care routine, a Health Care Plan will be made in agreement with parents/carers. During settling in, parents will be asked whether or not their child has any special words/actions/particular needs during their nappy changing procedure. Any significant observations made during a nappy change will be notified to the parents at the end of the session (e.g. badly soiled nappy). The intimate care of boys and girls may be carried out by team members of either sex and parental requests for changes to only be carried out by specific members of the team with certain protected characteristics will not be met.

  • No smoking policy

    Smoking is a proven health risk and the nursery operates a strict “No Smoking Policy” within its buildings and grounds, and when on excursions off-site.

  • Outing procedure

    At N Family Club, we value outdoor play and the benefits of regular outings. We plan regular outings in line with the children’s interests, our Forest School curriculum and the children’s cultural capital needs. We are aware of the risks involved and take every possible step to minimise these. Each outing is risk assessed with sufficient team deployed to support the trip.

  • Refer a friend bonus terms & conditions

    At N Family Club we are proud of where we work and want your friends to work with us too.

    The “Refer a Friend” bonus is discretionary and does not form part of any employee’s contractual terms of employment. N Family Club reserves the right to amend this policy at any time at its sole discretion.

    There are no limits on the number of referrals you can make.

    Exclusions are where the person has already been referred to us by another/agency/already known by the company.

    Employee Referral

    To “refer a friend“, start by asking your friend to apply for the role online and then email our careers team (careers@nfamilyclub.com) with their name and the job they applied for. Your referral will then be tagged in their application.

    The “refer a friend” bonus will be paid to you via your salary once your friend has passed their probation. This will be paid as a bonus and will be liable for Income Tax and National Insurance.

    This can only be paid to you if you are still an employee of the company at the time your friend passes their probation.

    Customer/Other Referral

    Please ask your referral to apply for the role online and let your Nursery Manager know who will update our HR Department with their Name and the job they applied for.

    The refer a friend prize will be paid to you into your nominated bank account as a thank you when the employee has passed their probation.

  • Safeguarding children policy

    Children’s welfare is at the centre of everything we do. We follow guidelines from the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) on how to protect children from harm by others and provide them with safe and effective care.

    Safeguarding children run through every core policy and procedure we have, from safe recruitment and DBS checks of staff to daily activities and training all members of staff on how to recognise any signs and symptoms of possible abuse. If Educators have reason to believe that a child has shown a sign of abuse or neglect, they have a duty to escalate this to the Designated Safeguarding Lead at the nursery who will decide if the threshold for referral has been met. Usually, any referrals would be discussed with the parents prior to being made unless doing so would place the child at greater risk of harm.

    We respond immediately to any concerns for a child’s welfare and will share all relevant information with the respective statutory child protection agencies (children’s services and/or police) without delay when required.

    All our team members complete an induction training programme and regular refreshers on how to recognise and respond to signs and symptoms of potential abuse and neglect as well as how to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism and to challenge extremist ideas. Visitors are never left unsupervised and we have enhanced security on our entrances and exits, as well as CCTV throughout the building.

    We ensure that everyone in the N Family Club team maintains focus on safeguarding reflected through sound individual practice and knowledge, and internal policies and guidance.

    We aim to foster an environment that encourages children to develop a positive self-image regardless of race, religion, culture, sexuality, disability, gender or background, where everyone feels valued. We expect children to establish and sustain satisfying relationships within their families, with peers and other adults, and we hope to support children to develop a sense of autonomy and independence within their community.

    Throughout the daily routine, the children’s environment is risk assessed to ensure its continued suitability for the safety and security of all children. We also teach children methods to handle potential risks from situations such as crossing the road safely and walking with scissors so that children can develop an understanding of how and why they need to keep safe. At whatever level we identify risks, we highlight them and seek to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to safeguard the children concerned.

    N Family Club endeavours to build trusting and supportive relationships with the families of children who attend. With the understanding that the care and safety of children are paramount, we do all in our power to support and work with you at all times.

  • Safe recruitment policy & procedure

    We have a rigorous recruitment and selection process, enabling us to only recruit people with the necessary skills and cultural fit to enable the Nursery to operate at its best and to contribute to the N Family Club culture and values. The recruitment and selection procedures provide guidance to managers and others involved with recruitment – both the selection and appointment of the team. We commit to following a safe recruitment process to fulfil and exceed our duty of care to safeguard and protect children from unsuitable adults. We will apply this policy every time we recruit a new member to our nursery team. We will ensure that individuals appointed to posts involving teaching and care responsibilities are qualified to carry out such duties or are working towards an appropriate qualification. We will select staff who are a good cultural fit for N, have the right attitude and approach to support our values and continuously improve both themselves (through the training and development framework of the N Academy) and the setting (standards of care and education for children, policies and processes, service for families).

    The recruitment process reflects and demonstrates our culture and values. The process is candidate-centric, giving the best possible candidate experience and offering the candidate an opportunity to see how N operates, showcase our culture and high levels of care, education and service.

    We will ensure that individuals are recruited, selected, trained and promoted on the basis of their own skills, qualification and experience. By doing this we will ensure that everybody will be treated equally on the grounds of gender, ethnic origin, race, colour, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, age or disability.

  • Sleep procedure

    At N Family Club, we create a safe and calm environment for children to sleep, in line with their home routines wherever possible. Key persons will have regular conversations with parents to ensure they are aware of children’s sleep routines and patterns at home, and take into account the parent’s wishes regarding their child’s sleep at nursery. Whilst every effort will be made to encourage and support a child to sleep in line with these wishes at nursery, it must be noted that an Educator cannot force a child to fall asleep or wake from sleep.

  • Special educational needs and disabilities policy

    N is a fully inclusive setting following the guidelines from the SEND code of practice. All our Educators are trained in how to assess children’s learning, putting measures into place to support development and progression. In any situation where we feel your child may benefit from some extra support, we are committed to putting measures into place to tailor the curriculum to suit your child’s individual needs. We operate a four-stage graduated approach for supporting children: “assess, plan, do, review”. All early years educators monitor each child’s learning and development through accurate observation and assessment. Through this process, we can identify any child who may be experiencing difficulties in specific areas and organise additional support to enhance their progression by writing up an individual support plan (ISP) in conjunction with the Key Person, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCO) and parents. If the ISP does not result in the child making sufficient and age-appropriate progress, we will seek and follow advice from outside agencies such as Speech and Language Therapy.

  • Staff suitability checking procedure

    We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We operate a safe recruitment policy. The nursery will ensure all members of the team, including contractors, bank staff, students and volunteers, are suitable to work with children.

    Checks are carried out via enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance checks as well as other sources, such as employer references, identity checks and qualification checks, amongst others. Checks will be completed in full prior to someone commencing employment with us.

  • Team induction procedures

    We will ensure that by following a safe recruitment process, we fulfil and exceed our duty of care to safeguard and protect children from unsuitable adults. We will enable new members of the team to understand N’s Policies and Procedures, culture and standards. We will ensure that staff appointed to posts involving teaching and care responsibilities are completely up to date with nursery policies, including safeguarding, through our in-house training and induction procedures. Staff appointed will understand and support the culture of N, have the right attitudes and approaches to support our values and continuously improve both themselves (through the training and development framework of the N Academy) and the setting (standards of care and education for children, policies and processes, service for families).

  • Visitor policy

    All visitors will be greeted at the main reception, which is the only access point for visitors, and asked to sign in and out. Visitors are expected to show ID. Unexpected or unknown visitors may be asked to make an appointment and provide contact details to return for their visit another time. Visitors are never left unaccompanied or unsupervised with children at any time. Visitors are defined for this policy as anyone who is not a current child’s parent or carer or authorised explicitly by parents/carers to drop off or pick up a child at the nursery and is known to the nursery team.

  • Fees, Terms & Conditions

    1. FAMILY CLUB TERMS AND CONDITIONS

    Please read the following important terms before signing our parent/guardian agreement

    • INFORMATION ABOUT US AND HOW TO CONTACT US

    Who we are: We are N Family Club, a group of companies registered in England and Wales. Depending on which nursery your child attends will determine which entity you are contracting with. Please check the “Company Information and how to contact us” section of the policies page on our website, which can be found at www.nfamilyclub.com/policies. Any reference to “N” throughout these terms is a reference to the relevant entity providing the nursery services to you. 

    How to contact us:  You can always pop into your chosen nursery and speak to one of the team or alternatively contact us by telephone on or write to us at –

    N Family Club, Support Office, 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT

    Please check the “Company Information and how to contact us” section of the policies page on our website, which can be found at www.nfamilyclub.com/policies.

    How we may contact you: If we have to contact you we will do so by telephone or by writing to you at the email address you provided to us when registering with us. 

    • THESE TERMS 

    What these terms cover: The following terms relate to the contract between us and you for your child’s nursery place with us.

    Why you should read them: Please read these terms carefully before you sign the attached parent/guardian agreement. These terms tell you about who we are, how to apply for a nursery place, the nursery services we provide, how you (and how we) may cancel/amend your child’s place, our fees and payment, government funding terms and other important information. 

    Additional terms that will apply to you: These terms refer to the following additional terms, which also apply to our contract with you:

    • Our Privacy Policy (see further information under section 15);
    • Our wider Policies; and 
    • Government funded hours terms (found at the end of these terms)
    • HOW TO APPLY FOR A PLACE WITH US 

    Admissions procedure:  In order to register your child with us please contact our Admissions team via the ‘get in touch’ button on our website or directly on 020 3865 7402. Our team will explain the information we need to know about your child before we can offer them a place at N.  That information is described in the paragraph below.  Once you have provided and we have assessed this information, we will determine whether we are able to offer your child a place at N. If we are able to do so, our Admissions team will then send you your offer letter by email which shall confirm your chosen nursery plan, start date and associated fees. That email will also include two links. One link will take you to your parent/guardian agreement which will contain these terms. The second link will take you to our payment portal where you can pay the relevant fees.  

    Information we will need to know: We will need to know certain information about your child including: date of birth, medical conditions, the month and year that you would like them to start and for how many days a week you would like them to attend. Once your place has been secured (in accordance with and subject to these terms) we will require a copy of your child’s birth certificate.

    Status of your child’s offer and ongoing place at N: Any offer we make of a place at N for your child is discretionary and based entirely upon the information you provide to us and/or the information we receive and obtain during the course of your child’s nursery care at N.  Your child’s place at N is subject to review and we reserve our right to request further information and where necessary withdraw your child’s place in the circumstances described at section 10 (Our rights to withdraw your child’s nursery place) below.

    • OUR WAITING LIST 

    How to join our waiting list: If a place is not immediately available for you you can join our waiting list. You will be required to pay a refundable waiting list registration fee (Waiting List Registration Fee). Once your payment has been received you will be sent an email confirming that you are on the waiting list. Once you have accepted a place, the refundable Waiting List Registration Fee will become your non-refundable joining fee (which covers administration costs including your welcome pack and settling in sessions) (Joining Fee). On accepting a place you will also be asked to pay a place acceptance deposit, which will be deducted from your final invoice (Place Acceptance Fee). 

    If you decide to leave the waiting list, your Waiting List Registration Fee will be refunded in full. Please refer to your nursery fee sheet for the relevant fees, pricing structures, flexibilities and opening hours as these differ between nurseries. The specific site information is set out in the fee sheet pdf attached to your offer letter (as well as on our website (www.nfamilyclub.com/fees) (Fee Sheet). 

     

    How is availability assessed?: Availability is assessed on an ongoing basis taking into account any leavers or room moves. We will inform you if a place becomes available. If your child does not receive a place to start at the requested time, they will remain on the waiting list until a place becomes available or until you request for them to be removed and your Waiting List Registration Fee refunded. 

    How we offer places: Places are offered based on the following order of priority: (1) Existing children looking to increase sessions, (2) Siblings of existing children, (3) Existing children transferring to another location (4) The date of registration to the waiting list, in conjunction with whether your stated preferences matches the available space.

    WHEN A CONTRACT FOR NURSERY SERVICES WILL BE FORMED BETWEEN US

    Offer letter: Once we have completed our admissions procedure as described at section 3 above and are satisfied that we can offer your child a nursery place, we will send you an offer letter that will confirm the details of your child’s nursery place and incorporate these terms. The offer letter will also detail the agreed start date. Once you have received your offer letter we ask that you agree to that letter, these terms by e-signing the parent/guardian agreement. You will also be asked to pay the Place Acceptance Fee and Joining Fee by using our online portal. That Place Acceptance Fee will be deducted from your final month’s invoice. If you are receiving an offer from being registered to the waiting list, at the point you accept a place, your refundable Waiting List Registration Fee will become a non-refundable Joining Fee.

    If you are accepting a place for a nursery which is yet to open, please note that the Joining Fee, and Place Acceptance Fee remain fully refundable until 24 hours after the pre-launch Open Day.  We would need to receive written instructions from you within 24 hours of the Open Day, should you no longer wish to continue with your place. If we do not hear from you within this period we will presume that you are continuing to join at N and standard cancellation terms will apply.

    Acceptance deadline: 

    When you are offered a place at a nursery which is yet to open, you will be given 48 hours to accept the place, otherwise we will offer it to the next family on our waiting list.

    When you are offered a place at an open nursery, you will be invited to tour and following your visit will be given 24 hours to accept the place. Please note that tours must be booked to take place the same week and will be offered dependent on the nursery teams availability. If you do not accept within 24 hours we will offer the place to the next family on our waiting list.

    How to pay: The Joining Fee and Place Acceptance Fee will need to be paid directly into our bank account via our online payment portal (of which you will have received a link when registering). 

    Contract formation: Upon receipt of your Place Acceptance Fee and signed parent/guardian agreement we will confirm if your nursery place sessions are secure (i.e. accepted by us). At this point a contract will be formed between us and you and you will be committed to the start date, terms of the offer letter, the parent/guardian agreement, these terms and the policy documents on our website, which all form part of the agreement between us. 

    What next?: We will be in touch 8 weeks ahead of your child’s start date to set up a convenient time for a virtual ‘meet the family’ visit and to schedule settling in days, which usually take place over 3 sessions in the week prior to the agreed start date. 

    • NURSERY SERVICES 

    Our opening times: Our standard day is 8am to 6pm Monday – Friday.  The nursery may offer extended hours (ranging from 7am to 7pm), however the opening hours specific to your nursery will be stated clearly on the Fee Sheet.  Most N nurseries are open 51 weeks per year however your Fee Sheet will detail what applies to your nursery, and any additional closures.  

    Core plan: We will work with you to agree a nursery plan for your child including which days per week they will be attending nursery with us. 

    We require that: 

    • Your child must attend nursery for a minimum number of full days each week – this will be either 2 or 3 days, depending on the nursery, and will be stated clearly on the nursery Fee Sheet. Please note that we cannot make exceptions to this to offer reduced attendance.
    • Your child must attend either a Monday or Friday each week. 

     

    Plan Exchanges: We do not allow plan exchanges between families or between siblings. 

    Closures: Please note that we are closed on Public/Bank Holidays and INSET days (however, in the event your N is closed between Christmas and New Year you will not be charged for this period). Details regarding closures can be found on your nursery Fee Sheet. You will still be charged for these days. 

    Please refer to your nursery Fee Sheet for information on your Ns opening hours and for information on any periods of closure. 

     

    Our rights to make changes to the nursery services we provide and these terms: We may change the nursery services we provide to reflect changes in relevant laws and regulatory requirements. We may also amend these terms and our Fee Sheets from time to time and if we do so we will notify you before the changes take effect. If you do not agree to any material changes, you may contact us to end the contract with us and receive a refund for nursery services you have paid for but not received.  

    1.   SIBLING PLACES 

    Sibling places: Whilst we prioritise sibling places, we cannot guarantee these. In the event that you are expecting another child, please let us know as early as possible to avoid disappointment.  

    Plans may differ: If we are able to offer a sibling place, we cannot guarantee matching days to the elder sibling’s plan. We try our best to accommodate requests where there is availability. 

    Sibling start dates: In the interest of transparency sibling plans will most commonly be offered in our annual August/September intake. Aside from this availability will depend on notices received from existing families and as a result we cannot predict or guarantee when/if a mid-year place may become available. 

    Discount: There is a discount available if you have two or more siblings in nursery at the same time. The discount is applied to the oldest child. This discount applies for as long as you have two or more children with us. Please refer to your nursery’s Fee Sheet for more information about the discounts available. 

    1.   CHANGES TO YOUR PLAN 

    Amending your plan: Subject to availability:

      • Permanent changes via a plan swap: All of our availability is pre-packaged to balance attendance across the week and create the best experience. With this in mind, should you wish to change your plan you will need to request a ‘plan swap’. Please note both increases and decreases to your plan are not guaranteed as they are dependent on another plan being available for you to ‘swap’ on to. Where a plan swap is possible to increase your attendance we will honour this as early as possible, but for plan swaps to decrease your attendance we request 2 months written notice. 
      • Start dates & deferred starts: Start dates are subject to availability, and offered on a first come first served basis. Once agreed, any deferrals or changes to your start date are subject to availability. If we’re unable to accommodate your deferral request, will we treat it as a cancellation and offer to add you to our waiting list. We cannot accept requests for deferrals less than 3 months prior to the start date as this would fall within our 3 month cancellation notice period, and cancellation fees would be payable.
      • Ad hoc extra days: Dependent on availability, extra days can be booked provided we are notified two weeks before the requested date. We do not accept bookings further ahead than this. 
      • Emergency day swaps: In cases of healthcare or childcare emergencies we can offer up to a maximum of 5 emergency day swaps per year, subject to availability. This day swap is to be used in the same calendar month as the absence. Bank holidays and nursery closures are exempt.  
      • Flexibility: Please refer to your nursery Fee Sheet for further detail on flexible, pay-as-you-go attendance (PAYG).
    • Early drop-offs: In the event your N offers PAYG early drop-offs we ask that you book as far in advance as possible so that we can arrange the appropriate staffing, and no less than 24 hours before. 
    • Late pick-ups: We ask that for late pick ups, where possible, you let us know in advance – although we totally understand that sometimes meetings run over.

    Additional cost: For early drop-offs and late pick-ups, the additional time will be charged on a 15 minute basis at a quarter of your standard hourly rate, on a pay as you go basis. 

    1. YOUR RIGHTS TO CANCEL YOUR CHILD’S NURSERY PLACE 

    14 day right to change your mind under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013

    Exercising your right to change your mind: As our nursery services are bought by you either over the telephone, through exchange of emails or our online portal, you have a legal right to change your mind within 14 days and receive a refund. 

    How long do I have to change my mind?: You have 14 calendar days after we have received your relevant joining fees and signed parent/guardian agreement and we have confirmed your sessions are secure. However, once we have started the nursery services, whilst you will still have a right to cancel during the 14 day period, you must pay us for the services provided up until the time you tell us that you have changed your mind. After the 14 day period our standard cancellation policy will apply (please see the section headed “Your right to cancel our services after your 14 day right to change your mind has expired”).

    Ending the contract because of something we have done or are going to do 

    If you are ending a contract for a reason set out below, our contract with you will end immediately and we will refund you in full for any nursery days which have not been provided and you may also be entitled to compensation. 

    The reasons are:

    • we have told you about an upcoming material change to our nursery services or these terms which you do not agree to;
    • we have told you about an error in our fees and you do not wish to proceed;
    • there is a risk that our nursery services may be significantly delayed because of events outside our control; or
    • you have a legal right to cancel our nursery services because of something we have done wrong.

     

    Your right to cancel our services after your 14 day right to change your mind has expired 

    Cancelling a confirmed place (more than 3 months prior to starting): Should you wish to cancel your child’s place prior to starting, we ask that you inform us as soon as possible in writing. We will refund your Place Acceptance Fee if you cancel your child’s place more than 3 calendar months ahead of your child starting nursery with us. Your Joining Fee will remain non-refundable.

    Cancelling a confirmed place (less than 3 months prior to starting): Should you wish to cancel your child’s place less than 3 calendar months prior to starting, we ask that you inform us as soon as possible in writing. We will not be able to refund either your Place Acceptance Fee or your Joining Fee, and you will be liable for any fees over and above the value of the Place Acceptance Fee, that are payable during the 3 month notice period.

    Cancelling during term: Should you wish to cancel your child’s place during term we require 2 calendar months written notice. This means our contract with you to perform our nursery services will not end until 2 calendar months after the day on which you contact us to cancel your child’s place. You will be responsible for paying the fees during that time. All outstanding fees remaining will need to be paid in full cleared funds. 

    Leaving for reception: For children in their final year with us before leaving for a reception class, we assume that your child’s last day will be at the end of August (31st August or the last scheduled session prior to that date). 

    Any exceptions to this are clearly stated on your nursery Fee Sheet. To bring your child’s leave date forward you must inform us with two month’s written notice.

    If you would like to defer your child’s entry to reception and remain at the nursery for an additional year, we ask that you inform us in writing at the end of the prior school year.

    How to tell us you want to cancel your child’s place at nursery

    How to notify us:  Please let us know by post, email or telephone using the contact details for the relevant nursery.  These can be found on our website (www.nfamilyclub.com).  You may use the model cancellation form at the end of these terms, although you do not have to. 

    Refunding any fees owed

    How we will refund you.  We will refund you the fees you have paid, by the method and card you used for payment. 

    When your refund will be made. We will make any refunds due to you as soon as possible. If you are exercising your right to change your mind then your refund will be made within 14 days of your telling us you have changed your mind.

    1. OUR RIGHTS TO CANCEL YOUR CHILD’S NURSERY PLACE  

    We may cancel your child’s nursery place and end the contract with you if you break it.  

    We may end the contract at any time by writing to you if:

    • you do not make any payment to us when it is due and you fail to make payment by the third week of the month following that unpaid invoice;
    • you do not, within a reasonable time of us asking for it, provide us with information about your child that is necessary for us to provide adequate nursery care to your child; 
    • you knowingly provide any false or inaccurate information about your child or their circumstances as part of our admissions procedure or during the course of your child’s nursery care at N; or
    • you or your child’s behaviour is deemed threatening, abusive or violent. 

     

    We may also withdraw your child’s nursery place and end our contract with you if your child’s circumstances change.  As explained at section 3 (Status of your child’s offer and ongoing place at N) above, your child’s place at N is discretionary and subject to review.  Should your child’s circumstances change and/or should we receive information (whether directly or indirectly) to suggest that your child’s circumstances have changed or will change during the course of your child’s nursery care at N, which mean that we are or will no longer be able to provide adequate nursery care to your child for any reason, we may end our contract with you and withdraw your child’s place at N.  Where this is the case, we will try to provide you with at least one (1) months’ notice of our intentions but this may not always be possible in circumstances beyond our reasonable control and so cannot be guaranteed.  If we do withdraw your child’s place at N, we will refund you for any nursery services you have paid for but not received.

    1. FEES 

    Our fees: We will notify you of the relevant fees in the offer letter we send to you and in the Fee Sheet. Our fees are calculated on the basis of the weekly charge for the sessions booked, multiplied by the number of weeks of the year that we are open and then divided by 12 (months) to create a monthly charge. Your child’s fee rate will automatically change to the “over 3” rate – cited on the Fee Sheet – from the 1st of the month following their third birthday. Fees include all meals, snacks, formula for infants, nappies and day trips. 

    We provide multi-day discounts: Please refer to your nursery’s Fee Sheet for more information about the discounts available. 

    Flexible attendance: If your nursery offers flexible attendance, extra days, or hours are charged on a pro-rata basis. For early drop-offs and late pick-ups, the additional time will be charged on a 15 minute basis at a quarter of your standard hourly rate. Please refer to your nursery Fee Sheet for further detail on flexible, pay-as-you-go attendance (PAYG).

    Fee increases: Fee increases are based on a review of our running costs. You will always be notified ahead of any change and have the opportunity to cancel your child’s place with us if you do not agree to the fee increase. You will need to inform us of your decision to cancel by the date set out in the notice and your place with us will come to an end at the end of the 2 months’ notice period. Please refer to your nursery’s Fee Sheet for further information. 

    Refunds: In the event a refund is due this will be processed as soon as possible via the method and card you used for payment (unless you are exercising your 14 day right to cancel, in which case refund will be processed within 14 days of notification). Please note funds will take 5-10 working days to reach your account.

     

    Funded hours: 

    • Please refer to the Fee Sheet and the additional funding terms that are attached to the back of these terms for further detail on how this is applied.
    • All 3-year-old children are eligible for 15 funded hours of funding from the term following their third birthday.  Since all children are eligible, this will be automatically applied to your invoice and you do not need to take any action unless asked to by a member of our team. 
    • Please note the number of funded hours claimable is capped in relation to the number of days you attend nursery. Families eligible for the 30 hour funding, but who attend on 2 day plans, will only be entitled to claim 20 hours of funding.
    •  PAYMENT

    Payment deadlines: Payment is due prior to the sessions that are being invoiced and must be paid by Direct Debit. See the Fee Sheet for further details on payment deadlines. 

    Methods of payment accepted: We also accept payments from the Tax-Free Childcare scheme and from all major childcare voucher providers. If your invoice is paid in full using tax free childcare you will not be charged by Direct Debit. If you use another payment method we will charge a £25 administration fee per payment.

    Incorrect invoice: If you think an invoice is wrong please contact us promptly to let us know. You will not have to pay any interest until the dispute is resolved. 

    1. LATE PAYMENT 

    Payment plan: We encourage you to communicate with us if you are having difficulty paying your fees as it may be possible to set up a payment plan to support you.

    Charge interest: If you do not make payment to us by the due date we may charge interest to you on the overdue amount at the HSBC bank rate +2% from the due date until the date of actual payment of the overdue amount.

    Suspend entry: If an outstanding balance runs into the third week of the month following an unpaid invoice without agreement being reached with you then we will be forced to suspend your child’s entry to nursery. This would remain the case until an agreement is put in place.

    Agent: Please note we use a third party agency to recover any unpaid fees.

    1. NURSERY CLOSURE 

    We are not responsible for delays outside our control: In exceptional circumstances we may have to close nursery because of events outside our control (for example transport strikes, severe adverse weather, acts of terrorism etc). If this does happen then we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know and we will take steps to minimise the effect of such a closure. Provided we do this we will not be liable for delays caused by the event. If however there is a risk of closure for long periods of time we will contact you to discuss fees.

    • POLICIES 

    Policies: Child protection and welfare is our highest priority. As such, we have a number of policies and procedures in place (including around illness and visitors) which are available on our website at https://nfamilyclub.com/policies/. Please take them time to review those policies as they form part of these terms. If you have any issues accessing those policies please do let us know and we will provide you with paper copies.

    How we may use your personal information:  We will only use your personal information as set out in our privacy policy, found at https://nfamilyclub.com. By signing the parent/guardian agreement that accompanies our terms, you confirm that you agree to the collection and processing of personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.

    • WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE NURSERY SERVICES

    You have rights if there is something wrong with the nursery services. We honour our legal duty to provide you with nursery services that meet all requirements imposed by law, including providing the nursery services with reasonable skill and care.  For detailed information about your rights, please visit the Citizens Advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk. Nothing in these terms will affect your legal rights.

    How to tell us about problems: If you have any questions or complaints about your child’s time at nursery, please contact us on 020 3865 7402. Alternatively, please speak to one of the team at your chosen nursery. Please see our complaints policy available on our website at https://nfamilyclub.com/policies/.

    • OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE SUFFERED BY YOU

    We are responsible to you for foreseeable loss and damage caused by us: If we fail to comply with these terms, we are responsible for loss or damage you suffer that is a foreseeable result of our breaking this contract or our failing to use reasonable care and skill, but we are not responsible for any loss or damage that is not foreseeable. Loss or damage is foreseeable if either it is obvious that it will happen or if, at the time the contract was made, both we and you knew it might happen, for example, if you discussed it with us when registering.

    We do not exclude or limit in any way our liability to you where it would be unlawful to do so: 

    This includes liability for:

    • death or personal injury caused by our negligence or the negligence of our employees, agents or subcontractors; 
    • for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; and
    • for breach of your legal rights in relation to the nursery care we provide to your child.

     

    1. OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS 

    Nobody else has any rights under this contract. This contract is between you and us. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms.

    If a court finds part of this contract illegal, the rest will continue in force. Each of the paragraphs of these terms operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.

    Even if we delay in enforcing this contract, we can still enforce it later. If we do not insist immediately that you do anything you are required to do under these terms, or if we delay in taking steps against you in respect of your breaking this contract, that will not mean that you do not have to do those things and it will not prevent us taking steps against you at a later date.

    Which laws apply to this contract and where you may bring legal proceedings: These terms are governed by English law and you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the nursery care we provide in the English courts. If you live in Scotland you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the nursery care we provide in either the Scottish or the English courts. If you live in Northern Ireland you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the nursery care we provide in either the Northern Irish or the English courts.

     

    Model Cancellation Form

    (Complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from your contract with us)

    To [COMPANY’S NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND, WHERE AVAILABLE, FAX NUMBER AND E-MAIL ADDRESS]

    I/We [*] hereby give notice that I/We [*] cancel my/our [*] contract of sale of the following goods [*]/for the supply of the following service [*],

    Ordered on [*]/received on [*],

    Name of consumer(s),

    Address of consumer(s),

    Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper),

    Date

     

    Funded Hours Additional Terms

     

    The below additional terms apply if you are eligible and choose to use government funded hours to support with the payment of your nursery fees.  

     

    Important terms to consider when using funded hours: 

     

    1. Acceptance of Placement:

    By accepting a funded place for your child at N, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these additional funded hours terms (which apply in addition to, and form part of, our general terms set out above).

     

    1. Accepted Early Years Funding:

    N accepts funding provided by the Government, including the provision for 15 hours or 30 hours of childcare support for eligible children. Eligible parents utilising this funding must adhere to the terms outlined herein.

     

    1. 15 Hours Childcare Allocation:

    The 15 hours of childcare support are allocated in accordance with government guidelines. N operates 51 weeks per year. The 15 hour funding is therefore stretched across this period meaning 11.18 hours is available per week. Any additional childcare hours will be subject to the private standard fees and associated costs outlined by N.

     

    1. 30 Hours Childcare Allocation:

    The 30 hours of childcare support are allocated in accordance with government guidelines. N operates 51 weeks per year. The 30 hour funding is therefore stretched across this period, meaning 22.35 hours is available per week. Any additional childcare hours will be subject to the private standard fees and associated costs outlined by N.

     

    1. Parental Responsibilities:

    You are responsible for providing accurate information required for both early years funding eligibility and the allocation of the 15 or 30 hours childcare. You must notify N promptly of any changes in circumstances affecting funding or eligibility for childcare support. 

     

    1. Billing and Payment:

    N will invoice you for any additional fees not covered by the early years funding, including fees associated with additional childcare hours beyond the 15 or 30 hours covered and wider associated costs.

     

    1. Funding Changes: In the event of changes to the funding structure or regulations N reserves the right to adjust fees accordingly. You will be notified in advance of any changes and will have the right to cancel your child’s place. You will need to provide 2 months’ written notice of your decision to cancel, and you will be liable for all fees payable during the 2 months’ notice period.

     

    1. Withdrawal from funding: We will notify you in advance if, for any reason, N withdraws from the funded hours scheme, and you will have the right to cancel your child’s place. You will need to provide 2 months’ written notice of your decision to cancel, and you will be liable for all fees payable during the 2 months’ notice period.

     

  • Company information and how to contact us

    • INFORMATION ABOUT US AND HOW TO CONTACT US

    Who we are: We are N Family Club, a group of companies registered in England and Wales. Depending on which nursery your child attends will determine which entity from the list below you will be contracting with. 

    Nursery Company Name  Registered Office  Company Number
    Defoe Road – Stoke Newington and

    Mare Street – London Fields

    N is for Nursery Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 10401127
    Woodchurch Road – West Hampstead N Family Woodchurch Road Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 12084714
    Tulse Hill – Brixton N Family Tulse Hill Road Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 11935095
    Church Street – Stoke Newington N Family Church Street Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 12145550
    Queen’s Road -Twickenham N Family Twickenham Ltd. 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 12214296
    Olympic Park – Stratford N Family Chobham Manor Limited 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 12340109
    Bradley Close – Angel N Family Bradley Close Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 12886046
    Atkins Road – Balham N Family Atkins Road Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 12840649
    Hanover House – Tunbridge Wells N Family Hanover House Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 13305092
    Highgate High Street – Highgate N Family Highgate Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 13305047
    Leighton Road – Whetstone N Family Whetstone Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 13559533
    Rectory Road – Hackney Downs N Family Rectory Road Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 13305236
    Dudden Hill Lane – Dollis Hill N Family DH Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 13678805
    Station Road – Redhill N Family Redhill Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 13683652
    Cromwell Road – Cambridge N Family Club Cambridge Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 13987729
    Leighton Road – Kentish Town N Family Club Leighton Road Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 12586497
    Hambledon House – Godalming N Family Club 9 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 14127701
    Bravington Road – Maida Vale N Family Club 8 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 14145651
    Walton Road – Aylesbury N Family Club 12 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 14146601
    Acre Road – Kingston N Family Club 7 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 14145551
    Bushey Hall Road – Bushey N Family Bushey Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 13304995
    Craven Road – Reading N Family Club 5 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 13873002
    London Street – Chertsey N Family Club 13 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC21 3QT 14599005
    Court Road – Maidenhead N Family Club 10 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 14146607
    Holloway Road – Leyton N is for Nursery Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 10401127
    Grove Road – Walthamstow N Family Club 14 Ltd 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT. 14616748

     

    How to contact us:  You can always pop in to your chosen nursery and speak to one of the team or alternatively contact us by telephone on or write to us at N Family Club – 

    Support Office, 1st floor, Charlotte House, 47-49 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3QT 

    How we may contact you: If we have to contact you we will do so by telephone or by writing to you at the email address you provided to us when registering with us. 

  • Privacy and cookie policies

    You can read our full online privacy policy here and our full cookie policy here.