Frequently asked questions

Here you can find answers to our most common questions, including what we have been doing to ensure a COVID-19 secure nursery that also maintains a fun and safe learning environment for all children in our care as well as our general business as usual guidance.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Nursery on 01782 294981 or at nursery@staffs.ac.uk.

What if my child is ill?

Firstly, we want to support you and your family as much as possible and we understand that children often get things like coughs, colds and other childhood illnesses.

If you feel that your child is well enough to cope with the nursery day, we will endeavour to support their care and well-being. We can administer some medications such as those prescribed by a doctor.

On occasions your child may need to have time off nursery to recover and to limit the spread of infection. We follow the Public Health Agency guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings, with regards to exclusionary periods. In addition to being available online, a copy will be given to you in your welcome pack.

My child has dietary requirements

We are proud to hold the ‘Food for Life’ healthy eating award which ensures a well-balanced diet is provided for your child. Our menus are shared with parents and individual dietary requirements are catered for.

My child is just a fussy eater, can I bring my own food?

We offer a wide variety of food through our 4 weekly menus, offering food of different styles and cultures, during breakfast, lunch and light tea. Fresh fruit and vegetable are also available throughout the day. Therefore, we do not allow packed lunches or own food to be brought into the nursery and will work with you and your child to support and encourage them to eat well and to develop a positive relationship with food.

Do I pay if I am away on holiday?

Yes. All absences due to holidays or sickness will need to be paid in full. Bank holidays and nursery closures are not charged.

Can I change my booking?

Yes. If you wish to increase your booking this can be done immediately if there are sessions available. Any booking reductions or cancellations must be done in writing giving a minimum of one calendar months’ notice.

What will I need to bring?

This will vary depending on your child’s age and stage of development. The staff within your child’s room will discuss this with you before you start.

Your child will need suitable clothing to be able to enjoy and participate in the full nursery day. So please do not bring your child in their best clothes and we encourage spare clothes to be left on their peg. Our nursery day includes time outdoors in all weather. So, please remember to think about whether things like wellies, or sun cream are needed.

I breastfeed, how does the nursery support this?

We welcome parents to come to breast feed their child during their time at nursery. We have a parent’s room available if you prefer a private space. We can also store expressed milk if needed.

Can I park to drop off/collect my child?

The hotel next to the nursery has a car park with timed usage. This allows 10 minutes free parking for you to drop off or pick up your child. If you feel you’re are going to be in the nursery for longer please go into the hotel reception and enter your registration number.

Further information

If you have any queries or wish to discuss please do not hesitate to contact us via our email nursery@staffs.ac.uk , Sue (Nursery Manager) on 01782 294495 / 01782 294981 or Amanda (Head of Childcare & Family Services) on: 01782 294973.

For more information on how the University is responding to COVID-19 across our campuses please visit our Coronavirus advice pages.

For the latest public guidance, advice and information on COVID-19 in the UK please refer to the below websites and resources.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021