Little Lemon’sCHILDMINDINGParent FAQs
A few things
you may be wondering.
Clear answers about daily care, fees, funded places and what to expect at Little Lemon’s.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions.
Tap a question to open the answer. For anything personal to your child or circumstances, please get in touch.
What ages do you care for?+
I welcome babies and young children, including babies under 9 months. My main focus is children under 5, and school-age holiday places may sometimes be available.
What are your opening hours?+
Little Lemon’s is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am–6:00pm. All-year and term-time-only arrangements may be available.
Do you accept funded childcare?+
Yes. I offer eligible funded childcare from 9 months, support for eligible 2-year-olds, and 3- and 4-year-old funding. Funding is offered over 38 term-time weeks and is not stretched. Read the funding information.
Do you charge for consumables with funded hours?+
No. There is no compulsory consumables fee or top-up charge for funded hours, and families do not have to buy private hours to access an agreed funded place.
What food and other items do parents provide?+
Parents normally provide packed lunches or main meals, formula or specialist milk, nappies, wipes and spare clothing. I provide breakfast for early arrivals, healthy morning or afternoon snacks and drinking water.
How does settling-in work?+
Settling-in is flexible and led by your child’s needs. We can arrange visits or meet-ups before care begins, and build up time gradually where that will help your child feel secure.
How will I hear about my child’s day?+
We will have a daily handover, with regular information and updates shared securely through BabyDays. I will contact you promptly about anything important rather than waiting until collection.
What happens if my child is unwell?+
Children must be well enough to take part in the normal day. They need to be fever-free for at least 48 hours without fever-reducing medicine, and must stay at home for at least 48 hours after the final episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. Other illnesses are handled using current health guidance and the Illness and Exclusion Policy.
What outings do children go on?+
Children may enjoy local walks, parks, woodland, the splash park, community activities and occasional soft play. Travel is normally on foot, with a buggy, reins or hand-holding used according to each child’s age and needs.
Is Little Lemon’s nut-free?+
The home is not completely nut-free, but nuts are not used during childcare hours and parents must not include nuts in packed lunches.
What happens when Little Lemon’s is closed?+
No private fee is charged when I am ill, unavailable or closed. Bank holidays are also closed and not charged. I normally plan six closure weeks each year and give families the dates as early as possible.
Are fees charged if my child is absent?+
Contracted private fees remain payable when a child is ill, absent or on holiday while Little Lemon’s is open. Funded absences are recorded and managed under Hertfordshire funding rules.
Can I get another copy of the Parent Handbook?+
Yes. Printed spare copies will be available from Little Lemon’s, and you can open or download the Parent Handbook here whenever you need it.
How do I enquire about a place?+
Email hello@littlelemonschildminding.co.uk with your child’s age, the days and hours you need, and your hoped-for start date.
Still wondering?
Every family is different.
If your question isn’t answered here, send me a message and I’ll be happy to talk it through.