What Happens When You Book a Nursery Visit
We know that choosing the right nursery is a big decision, and we’re here to help you feel confident and informed. At Walmgate Day Nursery, we welcome you to come and explore our nurturing, creative environment first-hand. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our team, explore our rooms, and ask any questions you may have. We're always happy to chat and show you what makes our nursery special.
What to Expect on Your Visit
A Warm Welcome
We begin every visit with a smile. You’ll be greeted by our Nursery Manager, Lucy, or a senior member of the team who will take time to understand what’s important to your family. Whether you’re brand new to nursery life or returning with a sibling, we’re here to answer your questions, explain our values, and help you feel instantly at ease.
Explore Our Nursery Rooms
Take a guided tour through our baby, toddler, and preschool rooms, each designed with care to support play, exploration, and development. You’ll see real learning in action — from messy play and sensory corners to imaginative role play and early literacy activities. Our spaces are calm, creative, and purposefully set up for children to thrive at every stage.
Outdoor Play and Local Adventures
Fresh air and movement are part of daily life at Walmgate. You’ll visit our outdoor area where children explore, play, and enjoy hands-on experiences. We’ll also show you our Kiddibus, which lets even the smallest children go on safe, fun walks around the local area — building confidence and a sense of adventure from the very start.
Routines, Meals and Day-to-Day Care
We’ll talk through what a typical day looks like, from mealtimes and naps to how we support your child’s routine and care needs. You’ll learn about our home-cooked, nutritious meals, and how we adapt food and care to suit individual needs — whether your child is weaning, has dietary requirements, or just needs a quiet moment with a comforter.
Come With Questions – And Your Child!
We love meeting the whole family, so feel free to bring your child along. It’s a great way to see how they respond to our environment and gives us a chance to start building those early bonds. There’s also plenty of time for you to ask anything – from practical queries to big-picture concerns. We’re here to help you feel confident and reassured.
Nursery Visits – Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your nursery visit. We understand that visiting a nursery is a big step, and you’ll likely have lots of questions – from practical details to what to expect on the day. This FAQ section is here to guide you through every stage of the process, so you feel fully informed, reassured, and ready to make the most of your visit to Walmgate Day Nursery.
❓ Before Your Visit
We’re open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm all year round (excluding bank holidays and the Christmas/New Year period).
Our standard opening time is 8:00 am. If you require an earlier start, please let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss what’s possible.
Please visit our Pricing section or view our latest Parent Brochure for full details on session costs, sibling discounts, and full-time rates.
We accept all government-supported childcare funding, including:
- 15 & 30 hours of funded childcare for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds
- Tax-Free Childcare
- Universal Credit & Student Childcare Grants
For more info, visit childcarechoices.gov.uk or speak to us for guidance.
➡️ You can also check our Free Places page for details on eligibility and upcoming changes to funding from September 2025.
❓ During Your Visit
We follow legal staff-to-child ratios:
1:3 for babies (0–2 years)
1:5 for toddlers (2–3 years)
1:8 for preschoolers (3–5 years)
We also ensure each child has a Key Person, and our team includes qualified practitioners from Level 2 to Degree level. Apprentices support the team under supervision.
As well as a child key person, they also have a buddy who works closely with your child if the key person isn’t in. Lucy, our nursery manager works across all rooms with the aim of getting to know each child well.
Yes. All room-based staff are paediatric first aid trained and complete regular training in safeguarding, child development and health & safety.
Yes! Children enjoy daily access to our outdoor area and regular walks using our Kiddibus – especially in the baby room. We love exploring the local area and engaging with nature whenever possible.
➡️ Follow us on social media to see regular photos of the children enjoying outdoor play and activities!
Activities vary by age but always follow the EYFS framework and your child’s interests using a creative, child-led approach. Activities include:
- Sensory play, messy play and treasure baskets
- Outdoor exploration and group time
- Role play, arts & crafts, stories and mark making
- Letters & sounds and early maths in preschool
Absolutely. We supply healthy meals, with varying menu, made for children's needs. View an example menu in our Parent Brochure.
Our menu rotates seasonally and always includes a balance of healthy meals. A sample menu is available in our Parent Brochure, and we cater for all dietary needs including vegetarian, allergies and religious restrictions.
We’ll contact you immediately if your child becomes unwell. They’ll be cared for and comforted until you arrive. We follow NHS and Public Health guidelines on exclusions for illnesses.
Yes. Each child is assigned a Key Person to build close relationships and ensure continuity of care. Rooms work as tight-knit teams, so all staff are familiar with your child’s needs.
Yes, we use Nursery-in-a-Box with the Parent Admin app for:
- Receive daily updates and photos
- Track meals, naps and learning moments
- Communicate with staff
- View and pay invoices
Invoices are sent via the app and can be paid online using card or bank transfer. You can also use Tax-Free Childcare or other government schemes to help with payments.
Parents can bring in a labelled tub of formula and we can let them know when it is running low.
We support your child’s weaning in close partnership with you. We provide healthy, freshly prepared meals suited to each child’s weaning stage.
In the baby room, children sleep in our calm, quiet sleep area, with individual cots or mats and their own bedding. We follow your sleep routines from home. If required, toddlers can sleep on sleep mats in the cosy area. All our staff are trained in safe sleeping.
We focus on building independence, curiosity and life skills. Children take part in group times, pre-literacy/numeracy games, and social-emotional learning.
➡️ Read more: Preparing Your Child for Starting School
❓ After Your Visit – Next Steps
We love hearing from families! You’ll be offered a feedback form, or you can email or call to share your impressions.
Complete our enrolment form (a £100 registration fee applies).
Meet your child’s key person and complete care routines
We’ll go through dietary needs, routines, and settling sessions
➡️ Download our Parent Brochure for full registration details.
We offer three flexible settling sessions:
- Session 1: You and your child visit together, meet the team, and go through routines.
- Sessions 2 & 3: Your child spends time with their Key Person while you step away.We adapt the sessions to each child’s individual needs.
Please pack a labelled bag with:
- Spare clothes
- Nappies and wipes (if needed)
- Water bottle
- Seasonal items: coat, sunhat, wellies, gloves
We’ll discuss any comforters, sleep routines or dietary needs during your induction.
These are discussed during your registration visit and settling-in sessions. Your Key Person will work closely with you to maintain consistency with home routines.
Yes! ➡️ Read our article: Preparing for First Day at Nursery
Ready to Book a Visit?
📅 Schedule your tour today
Use our quick online form, or contact us directly:
📍 Walmgate Day Nursery, 34 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TJ
☎️ 01904 733833
📧 admin@walmgatedaynursery.co.uk