Sunbeams Childrens Day Care and Buddies Out of School Hours Care, Parkstone

Sunbeams Quick Guide

We have produced answers to some of the questions you may have about Sunbeams and Buddies.

How do I register?

If you would like to register your child we suggest that you call us to make an appointment for a visit first. We always like to make sure you have had an opportunity to see the setting first hand before deciding. If you have already visited previously, e-mail us or call for a registration form,or download it here.

Will I have to pay a deposit?

Yes, there is a £25 non-refundable deposit to secure your childs place with us.

When/How do I pay?

Fees are due monthly in advance and can be paid by cash, cheque or BACS.
Our bank details are: Sunbeams Day Care Ltd       A/C no. 26035162         Sort code 54-21-30
You will be given an invoice at the end of the month for the following months fees. A few parents pay weekly and this is fine as long as you are in credit and not arrears.

How do you settle in my child?

All children are individual, as are all parents. What works for one family may not work for another. So we will discuss with you the best way to go about it with your child. Usually we will arrange for a settling in visit where you stay with your child for about an hour and a half. The next visit we will usually ask you to bring them in, settle them and then give a kiss goodbye. Depending on how they will cope you may leave your child for a short while or a couple of hours. If a child is finding it particularly difficult we may extend the number of settling in sessions and length of time you leave them. We will always call you to come back if they need you. Rest assured we will liaise with you about all aspects of settling in.

What meal options are available?

The majority of our children have a healthy packed lunch from home – we can give you ideas for lunches in our welcome pack. Some of our full time children order hot meals through the school system. These are available some or every day of the week and are on a 4 week menu rotation. They consist of a main meal and a dessert and are very good value at £2.50 per day.

How do I access the nursery education funding?

When all children register at Sunbeams you will be asked to complete a funding contract, you keep a copy, so do we and the third copy goes to the borough. Once your child is eligible for the funding we will automatically be paid by the borough. Changes to the sessions they attend may affect the claim and so have to be thought through in advance. As we are open 50 weeks a year you will be asked if you want to access us term time only or full time, as this will have an effect on your claim.

Do you accept childcare vouchers?

We are registered with several different voucher schemes, and so if your employer has offered this to you let us know the name of the voucher company and we can give you the information you need. If we are not registered with that particular company we will register to enable you to pay in this way.

What do I do if my child is ill?

By law we must keep an accurate record of children’s attendance. If your child is absent for any reason, please call and let us know the reason why. If your child is ill there are certain exclusion times which may apply, 48 hrs for diarrhoea and vomiting, 7-10 days for swine flu, but please clarify with us when reporting your childs absence.

Sunbeams - Where every child is valued