attendance, punctuality and absence
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we know that good attendance and punctuality are key to children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
In the early years, every day matters. Regular attendance helps children to build secure routines, strong relationships and confidence, supporting them to feel settled, safe and ready to learn.
Attendance
We encourage all children to attend regularly so they can fully benefit from the rich experiences we provide. Consistent attendance supports children to:
- Build friendships and develop social skills
- Engage in meaningful learning opportunities
- Make strong progress from their starting points
- Feel a sense of belonging within their setting
We work closely with families to support good attendance and will always approach conversations with care, understanding and support.
Punctuality
Arriving on time helps children to start their day calmly and confidently. It ensures they:
- Settle quickly into routines
- Do not miss important parts of the day
- Feel Secure and ready to learn alongside their peers
We kindly ask families to support children in arriving and being collected promptly in line with their agreed sessions.
Absence
If your child is unable to attend, we ask that you inform us as soon as possible, providing a reason for their absence.
We understand that children may be absent due to illness or exceptional circumstances. Where attendance becomes a concern, we will work in partnership with families to:
- Understand any barriers to attendance
- Offer support and guidance
- Promote positive attendance moving forward
Working Together
Our aim is to ensure every child has the best possible start to their education. By working together, we can support children to attend regularly, arrive on time and feel happy, secure and ready to thrive.
sir James Knott nursery school and nest chargeable extras
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we are committed to providing high-quality early education and care within our funded entitlement. Alongside this, we offer a small number of optional, chargeable extras to enhance children’s experiences and support families’ childcare needs.
Chargeable extras may include:
🍽️ Hot lunches and teatime meals, freshly prepared and carefully planned to meet children’s needs and dietary requirements.
⏰ Extended hours, such as breakfast and teatime provision, where applicable.
🎉 Special events or enrichment activities, where these go beyond our early education offer.
All chargeable extras are entirely optional and are clearly outlined in advance so families can make informed choices. We are committed to transparency and ensure that no child is disadvantaged if families choose not to access additional services.
If you would like further information about current charges or available options, please speak to a member of the team or contact the school office. We are always happy to discuss how we can best support your child and family.
equality, diversity and inclusion
Public Sector Equality Duty and Equality Objectives
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we are fully committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our provision. We recognise our responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and actively fulfil our duties as a public body.
We are committed to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) by ensuring that we:
- Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not
- Foster good relations between different groups within our community
Equality and inclusion are embedded within our ethos, curriculum and daily practice. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child and family feels valued, respected and supported to Achieve, Belong and Thrive.
Our Approach
We ensure equality is promoted through:
- An inclusive curriculum that reflects and celebrates diversity
- Early identification and support for children with additional needs
- Strong partnerships with families and external professionals
- High expectations for all children, regardless of background or starting point
- A commitment to removing barriers to learning and participation
Equality Objectives
Our current equality objectives are to:
- Ensure all children have equal access to high-quality early education, regardless of need or background
- Continue to close gaps in achievement and support strong progress for all groups of learners
- Promote children’s understanding of difference, respect and inclusion through our curriculum and interactions
- Strengthen engagement with families to ensure all voices are heard and valued
Compliance and Review
We regularly review our policies, procedures and practice to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010. Equality information and objectives are reviewed and updated in line with statutory requirements.
Through our inclusive ethos and reflective practice, we aim to create a community where diversity is celebrated and every individual is respected and supported to thrive.
complaints
At Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest, we are committed to providing the highest quality care and education for all children. We value the strong relationships we build with our families and believe that open, honest communication is key to ensuring the best outcomes for every child.
We recognise that, on occasion, concerns or complaints may arise. When they do, we encourage parents and carers to share these with us so that we can listen, respond and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
Our Approach
We aim to:
- Listen carefully to any concerns raised
- Take all complaints seriously and respond promptly
- Work in partnership with families to find a positive resolution
- Learn from feedback to continually improve our practice
In the early years, we understand the importance of timely communication and reassurance, ensuring that concerns are addressed sensitively and appropriately.
How to Raise a Concern
In the first instance, we encourage parents and carers to speak directly with a member of staff or a senior leader. Most concerns can be resolved quickly through informal discussion and collaboration.
- Managed fairly and consistently
- Investigated thoroughly
- Responded to within clear timescales
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
We view feedback as an opportunity to reflect and strengthen our provision. Leaders and governors ensure that any complaints are used to inform improvements and maintain high standards across Sir James Knott Nursery School and the Nest.
Further Information
Our full Complaints Policy is available on request or via our website.