The Way We Work

King Square Community Nursery was founded in 1970 and is Finsbury’s longest established nursery offering early years education to babies and young children aged 3 months to 5 Years 48/49 weeks of the year. King Square are committed to providing children with the best care and security in a fun, educational and loving environment. We have recently extended our nursery due to the childcare demand in the community and are based over two buildings. Our head office and 0-2 provision is based at King Square Community Nursery at Rahere house and our 3 – 5 year provision is based at King Square Community Nursery at Toffee Park. We now cater for over 100 families.

We follow the government’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework which sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth up to 5 years of age. All children at King Square Nursery are encouraged to learn through play, our planning covers all areas of the EYFS and is designed to meet children’s individual needs.

Key Person

Each child is allocated their own key person to enable them to feel safe, secure, cared for within our setting. This person also keeps an online learning journal (Tapestry) of the child’s progress during their time with us. Tapestry is an easy to use and secure online learning journal helping staff and families celebrate their children’s learning and development. Parents and Carers are able to view their child’s progress, the activities provided for them, and how much fun they are having, whilst also uploading their own comments and media to share with their key person. The key person uses observation to identify the child’s learning requirements and ensure that they provide simulation activities and effective learning goals to meet each child’s individual needs.

Daily Routine

King Square breaks at 10.00am and 3.00pm providing a snack and a drink

Time
Morning Snack Time
10.00 am
Lunch
12.00 pm
Afternoon Snack Time
3.00 pm
Tea Time
5.00 pm

King Square Community Nurseries Hours

Time
Morning
9.00 am - 12.00 pm
Afternoon
1.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Core Day
9.00 am - 3.00 pm
Extended Day
8.00 am - 6.00 pm

Settling in

The first day is always strange for your child, it may be exciting, or possibly frightening, so we ask you to stay with your child for as long as is necessary. It may take a couple of weeks.

Whatever the length of time it takes, it will be worth it to make sure your child feels secure and happy.

Children who have not socialised much outside the family are not going to want to stay in a strange environment very readily. They will need to get to know us with you close at hand. Together we will work out a procedure that best suits the needs of your child.

Nursery Education Grant, Fees & Childcare Tax Credit

Children are eligible for a Nursery Education Grant (15 hours per week free nursery education – term time only) from the beginning of the term after their 3rd birthday. Your fees will be adjusted when your child becomes eligible. If your child is attending more than one nursery or pre-school the grant will be divided accordingly. 

Free Childcare for 2 years old

Your child could be eligible for 15 hours free childcare if any of the following apply: you receive benefits; you get Working Tax Credit and earn no more than £16,190 or receive Universal credits and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax. Please visit your local children’s centre, call the Family Information Service, or see https://www.islington.gov.uk/children-and-families/benefits-and-financial-support/free-early-learning website.

30 Hours Free Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

Your child could be eligible for 30 hours free childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year (during school term time). Your eligibility depends on: if you are working; your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one); your child’s age and circumstances; your immigration status. You can get 30 hours free childcare at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare. For more information or to apply please visit https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare

Fees

Fees vary according to your family financial income. You will be asked to provide proof of income upon which you will be assessed. Fees are paid weekly in advance for 49 weeks a year; including when a child is absent. Non payment of fees may result in the loss of your child’s place. Fees are paid on the day the child starts and thereafter every Monday. Special arrangements can be made for monthly payments by standing order.

A deposit of two weeks fees is taken in advance when a child is given a place. Two weeks notice of leaving must be given or the deposit will be forfeited in lieu of the notice.

Fees include a donation for the nursery. These donations have allowed us to incorporated two professional local young men’s talents into our weekly curriculum to provide a Mini Football programme and a Drama Session. Also included is breakfast, two snacks and tea if applicable. Donations are not mandatory, if you wish to have your donation taken off your weekly fee please speak to the office.

Childcare Tax

Credit

Many parents will be eligible to claim up to 85% of their Childcare costs from the Childcare element of Working Tax Credits and Universal Credits. King Square is registered with Ofsted and Islington Council as an approved Childcare provider. If you think you are eligible please telephone the Help line between 8am and 8pm on 0845 300 3900 and they will arrange to send you the correct forms for completion or advise you further.

When your child leaves nursery you will no longer be eligible for the Childcare element, and you are required to inform the Inland Revenue of your change in circumstances. We will also be obliged to inform them that you are no longer paying us for Childcare.

Close Menu