Question 1

Where is the Kindergarten?

Accepted Answer

We are based on private farm land in the village of White Castle Nr Llantilio Crosenny.  The Kindergarten is approximately 15mins drive from Abergavenny (8 miles) and 20 minutes drive from Raglan (9 miles) and Monmouth (10miles).

Google Map Link

Question 2

What age do you take children from?

Accepted Answer

Places are available for children aged 2 -5.

2 year olds
We have a  maximum of 4 places per day available for children aged 2.
  
3-5 year olds
The majority of places are available for children in their preschool year.

Children can join kindergarten from the intake before their 3rd birthday (2 years 6 months +)

Question 3

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

We open Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday 9.30am - 2.30pm during TERM TIME ONLY.
We follow Monmouthshire Term Dates:
  
From September 2023
Extended hours available by arrangement. 
Early Drop Off: 9.00am - 9.30am
Late Collection: 2.30 - 3.00pm

2023
Autumn 1: Tues 5th Sept - Thurs 27th Oct
Autumn 2: Tues 7th Nov - Thurs 21st Dec

2024
Spring 1: Tues 9th Jan - Thurs 8th Feb
Spring 2: Tues 20th Feb - Thurs 21st March

Summer 1: Tues 9th April - Thurs 23rd May
Summer 2: Tues 4th June - Thurs 18th July

Question 4

How many days does my child need to attend?

Accepted Answer

We ask that your child attends for a minimum of 2 days a week to ease settling, form friendships and get the maximum benefit from our unique setting.
Priority is given to families looking to enrol their child for 3 days.

Question 5

When can my child start?

Accepted Answer

Enrolment opens twice a year.  Our main intake is in September with an additional intake in April.  From time to time places may become available mid term - if for example a family moves away from the area.  Please note that 2 year olds will not be enrolled during the winter months - Dec/Jan/Feb.

Question 6

What are the fees?

Accepted Answer

From April 2025

Waiting List: £30
Enrolment Pack: £125

Day Rate: £50.00
Core Hours: 9.30am - 2.30pm Tues/Weds/Thurs
 
Extended hours  - must be pre booked

Early Drop Off: £5.50 
9am - 9.30am

Late Collection: £5.50 
2.30pm - 3.00pm

Question 7

Do we have to join the waiting list?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not have to join the waiting list, however, places are offered first to those families that have joined.  It is important to note that joining the waiting list does not automatically gaurantee a place for your child. We keep our waiting list numbers low to give you the very best chance of securing one. 
Join the waiting list here.

Question 8

Can I supply my own waterproofs?

Accepted Answer

We have carefully researched and chosen waterproofs that are comfortable, warm, hardwearing and stand up to lots of rain and mud!  As practitioners, your child's safety and wellbeing is our priority.  We choose to supply the waterproofs so that we know all children are safeguarded equally.

Question 9

Do you provide food?

Accepted Answer

We understand that young children can be quite particular about their food or may have specific dietary requirements.  It is important that they eat well to maintain their energy and so we ask parents to provide a packed lunch and water.
 
We provide a healthy mid morning snack and free under 5s milk or water.  We are able to cater for children with specific dietary requirements.

Question 10

What do you do when it rains?

Accepted Answer

Play!  We want to encourage children to embrace all kinds of weather.  We believe that with the right clothes and attitude we can have just as much fun - whatever the weather!
For those not so keen on playing in the rain our Treehouse provides shelter.

Question 11

What do you do when the weather is really bad?

Accepted Answer

We are not a survival school and take the welfare of your child very seriously.  There may be occasions when the weather is deemed too extreme (high winds / thunder storms) to be on site.  In such instances we will close the Kindergarten and carry out our session from a local indoor venue - Raglan Farm Park.

Question 12

Where will my child go to the toilet?

Accepted Answer

We have purpose built compost toilets with sinks and running water for handwashing.  We also have 2 camp toilets and portable sinks that can be set up in various locations around the site.

Question 13

My child wears nappies is this ok?

Accepted Answer

We will work with parents to support each child according to their individual stage of development.  We have nappy changing facilities on site.  Parents are required to provide their preferred choice of nappy.

Question 14

What are your staff ratios?

Accepted Answer

We are registered to care for a maximum of 12 children at any one time.  We have 3 members of staff and our ratio is 1:4.

Question 15

Are you Ofsted / Estyn registered?

Accepted Answer

We are registered with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) to provide Day Care for a maximum of 12 children.  Our registration number is W15/00001645

Question 16

Do you offer hours as part of the Childcare Offer for Wales?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer hours under the Childcare Offer for Wales scheme.
 
Tax Free Childcare
KIN Nature Kindergarten is registered with Tax Free Childcare - an online government service  to help working parents with the cost of their childcare. For every £8 a parent pays into their childcare account, HMRC will pay an extra £2 up to a maximum of £2000 every year for each child. Parents are then able to pay KIN Nature Kindergarten for childcare directly from their childcare accounts.
Please visit www.childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk for further details
 
Childcare Voucher Scheme
We accept Childcare Vouchers, please ask us for our childcare provider reference number.
*This scheme closed to new applicants in Oct 2018
 
Universal Credit
You may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs if you are in receipt of Universal Credit.