In August 2023, questionnaires were emailed to all our parents. We received 13 responses back. The data has now been collated and the results are displayed below. The questionnaire is a developed document which has evolved over the past few years with new questions being added and some taken away.
The questionnaire is split into sections which are Management, Staff, and Nursery.
In the Management section, majority of parents noted that managers were approachable, listened to the views of parents, gave good sound advice, resolved issues raised and gave praise for their manners, openness and friendliness. Comments were made such as:
- Any questions I have had were dealt with
- Yes I did and management were quick to resolve the issue. They looked into this thoroughly and apologised as well as explaining how they were going to try better next time to ensure the issue didn’t arise again.
- Not really had any major issues.
- We’ve spoken to Suzanne a few times about various things (funding etc) and each time the issues or queries have been resolved quickly and courteously.
In the section entitled Staff, all parents noted that staff are approachable, have no concerns with staff within individual rooms, that staff treat children and parents with dignity and are respectful and caring. Comments were made such as:
- ‘Absolutely! Heartwarming to see how much the staff care for all children
- ‘Oh they are always going out of their way to ensure everyone feels happy and comfortable parents included’
- Yes 100%
Most parents wanted to comment in the section about the accurate information being passed on at hand over time about the child’s day. Examples of comments made were:
- Hand overs have greatly improved since I raised a few issues, which were dealt with professionally and quickly.
- I don’t need a repeat of what’s in the learning journal. I’d rather hear the stuff you can’t capture in the journal, like the funny moments, or things that made my child smile. Other than that, I’m keen to get out so we can go home.
- They are amazing; explain everything which happens during the day! Great service
- Handover is always good
- Personally, I don’t often get to be the parent at the end of the day so can’t comment really but, on the times, I have there’s never been an issue.
- We really enjoy the hand over at the end of the day especially in the summer when the kids are playing in the garden. It’s nice to see them in the nursery environment and their reaction when you arrive. Again, we have no recommendations for improvements.
- Generally fine, sometimes this can feel a little hurried.
- Very comfortable
- Handover is short and sweet, which is ideal, especially given all the information already provided in the learning journal. No improvements suggested
‘In the Nursery section, all parents feel their child enjoys their time at nursery; there is a suitable range of activities and experiences for all children. Most parents are happy with the feedback given through pick up and drop offs and consultations. Parents enjoy face-to-face consultations. A few parents asking for 15 minutes. Some comments suggesting new ideas are:
- There’s quite a lot of free play. I’d like to see more educational activities planned in advance, for example noise making, messy play, learning about the world. Sometimes weeks go by and it seems all my child has done is play with toys.
- Would be great to get the outdoor adventure running again
- i am happy with a chat at pick up arranged at a set time as it can be hectic at this time of day.
- 10 min phone call is perfect. I prefer this to in-person meetings.
- Happy with 10-minute calls unless there is an issue with behaviour or milestones then I’d like this to be in person.
- Happy with a phone call or a consultation to be honest. It can be difficult to speak when dropping off or collecting so nice to speak every so often.
- Parent consultations or phone call. 10 minutes is fine if there aren’t any issues but perhaps 15 minutes would be better.
- Parental consultations, great way to go into our child environment and see any arts and crafts which they have completed. No issue with 10min but do feel longer is required in order to get a sufficient update and ask any questions.
Under the section regarding our menu and snack menu, most parents commented that they think the menu is great
- I feel the meal and snacks are varied and tasty and my child enjoys it all!
- The menu is fantastic. I don’t think it needs changing more regularly.
- It’s a good variety and I think how often it’s changed is fine.
- I personally would like to see more home cooked meals things like sandwiches and Quorn dippers are not something I’d generally feed my child or expect to see so much rotation off in a child care setting.
- Food is great and my child seems to enjoy it. Only thing we notice is because my child is only in on a Tuesday, the menu is often the same on that day each week. Appreciate it’s difficult to cater for everyone but my only suggestion would be to rotate it a bit more if possible.
- We love the variety offered and we’re pretty sure N eats more at nursery than she does at home! Perhaps more savoury options for snacks would be a welcome change although we have no complaints about the current offering!
- Very happy with the snacks and lunch on offer. No strong preference on how regularly this is changed.
From all the results, a plan of points for action has been devised to ensure parents suggestions have been acted upon.
| Point for action | Nursery response | Date implemented |
| Food/menu | Allow parental involvement with options in choosing the food for the menu. Look into a variety of savoury snacks for snacks, not always fruit based. More homemade foods to be added to the menu. The 3 weekly menu cycle, changed from Oct 23 to ensure all children have a variety of choice and options. | October/November 2023 |
| Improve communication with parents | As part of our development plan, we will be improving our communication and developing ways to engage with families further and gain your views more through surveys, floor books, social events etc. Approachability of managers: Happy to be emailed at any time, we have an open-door policy, so can ask to speak to manager/deputy at any time. Managers are available at parent evenings to engage adhoc with parents or ask for a specific time if wanted. | September/October 2023 |
| Parental consultations. | Continue with these twice per year. Allowing parents, the option of a call or in person consultation at a later date if can’t make parental consultation date. We have introduced 15 minutes time slots as most parents felt a bit more time would be appreciated. | October 2023 |
| Outdoor adventures/ trips to local community | We plan to restart our outdoor adventures at Seahorse, this is a priority with the senior team and in discussion with team at present (possibly spring). We will be introducing walks/ visits into our weekly programme as soon as possible and increase quality time outdoors for all. | |
| Learning based experiences | We will give an update on social media of what happening in each room/garden weekly. Invite parents in for a stay & play session. Looking at options of “guidance on play” to share with parents. Look at new and innovative experiences with the children ,research new play practices. Share knowledge and practice on loose parts and send out information to parents and implement within all rooms. | October 2023 |