Nursery
FAQs
We hope you find the answer to your query in the text below. If we cannot answer your question via the Internet please do not hesitate to contact us.
Who is eligible to use the Nursery?
Any parent who is a registered University of Portmouth student, studying six or more hours per week, or a member of University staff may apply for a Nursery place for their child.
How much does the Nursery cost?
From 17 September 2012, the price for one half-day session is:
Students' Children
| Children | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Butterflies | 6 months to 2 years | £13.24 |
| Bumblebees | Approx. 2 to 3 years | £12.83 |
| Ladybirds | Approx. 3 to 5 years | £12.78 |
Staff's Children
| Children | Age | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Butterflies | 6 months to 2 years | £16.03 |
| Bumblebees | Approx. 2 to 3 years | £15.63 |
| Ladybirds | Approx. 3 to 5 years | £15.24 |
Will there be a place for my child when I need it?
A place on a University course does not guarantee a place at the Nursery. Students' courses must be six hours or more per week for a student to be eligible for a Nursery place.
Three waiting lists are maintained, one for each of the children's age groups. When an application is received, the child will be placed on the relevant waiting list and moved to the next age group when appropriate.
Applications are priorities as follows:
- Siblings of students' children already attending the Nursery, or having a confirmed place at the Nursery
- Children of full-time undergraduates and FE/Access students
- Children of full-time Post graduate students
- Siblings of University staff's children already attending or having a confirmed place at the Nursery.
- Children of part-time students
- Children of University staff and part-time students employed by the University.
Multiple applications in the same category are then prioritised by the date they were received at the Nursery.
The Nursery Managers are responsible for maintaining the waiting lists according to the priorities above, regardless of children's or parents' ethnic origin, gender, age, ability, or sexual orientation.
Are single parents given priority for Nursery places
No. The priority system is set out as above.
Can I get financial help with the Nursery fees?
The Student Finance Centre is able to advise on loans, grants, bursaries, tax credits, housing benefits, income support and budgeting. To contact the Student Finance Centre please telephone (023) 9384 3014 or visit them at the Nuffield Centre, St Michael's Road.
Are there set times to drop off and collect my child?
Parents may drop off and collect their child at any time during their allocated session, although for the children's benefit we ask that parents try to avoid delivering their child during the busy lunchtime.
What activities does the Nursery provide?
The Nursery curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation stage framework for children aged birth to five years old and the High/Scope 'Key Experiences'. The High/Scope learning environment is carefully organised to widen the children's opportunities for choice and independence. With a high level of adult support and encouragement, the children work and play in small and large groups to enhance their learning experience.
For more information on High/Scope, please go to www.highscope.org
We encourage the children to be active by providing a wide variety of physical activities indoors and outdoors. The Nursery has a large and stimulating outdoor play space with grassy areas, trees, a growing area, a play den, a climbing frame and safety surfacing.
Has the Nursery had an Ofsted inspection?
The Nursery was inspected in September 2010 and judged the Nursery as providing a 'Good' level of childcare and education with seven outstanding judgements. Comments by the inspector included:
"Excellent arrangements are in place to safeguard children's welfare."
"The nursery environment is exceptionally well organised to provide a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere conducive to learning."
"Extremely effective systems are in place to support children with English as an additional language and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities."
"Children are extremely happy and confident in the supportive and inclusive atmosphere of the nursery."
"Children demonstrate and extremely strong sense of security and of feeling safe in the nursery through the confident manner in which they play and the pride in which they share their achievements."
"Enthusiastic leadership inspires an extremely strong commitment towards meeting high expectations set across all areas of the nursery."
For the full Ofsted report please go to: www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report and search for 'University of Portsmouth Nursery' (URN 143572).
How do I apply for a place?
Download an application form or contact the Nursery to request an application form. When you complete and return the Nursery application form, your child will be added to the waiting list.