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    About Us

    Our Nursery

    Fees

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    Parents

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  • Our Philosophy

    At Dukes and Duchesses we are committed to children and families. We hold them in mind in everything we do. We believe that children are curious, capable beings who learn and grow through play.

    For 9 years we have held the philosophy that it is crucial to work in close partnership with parents, and provide a well trained and professional workforce who understand child development and are committed to providing a quality learning experience. This philosophy is reflected in our daily practice, and in the enjoyment and achievement of the children who attend the Nursery.

  • History

    The nursery was opened in October 2003 by Liz Ludden, a qualified teacher and a mum to four girls. The aim was to establish high quality childcare in the heart of the city centre. Many of the staff still remain at the nursery and have gone on to have their own children. The nursery has seen many developments over the year including the addition of a sensory studio and the redevelopment of the outdoor area.

    We constantly invest in the nursery in terms of resources and training to ensure that we keep moving forward. Unlike large chain nurseries the owner of the nursery is a member of staff and this means that quality is a high priority.

  • Staff

    All our staff are fully qualified to at least NVQ level 3, and many have trained to degree and post graduate level. We have an early year's teacher and several members of staff hold Early year's professional status.

    We place a high emphasis on staff training and development as we believe that our most valuable resource is our staff.

    Many of our staff have been at the nursery since it opened in 2003 and some now have now have their own children.

    All staff hold a current paediatric first aid certificate and all staff are checked for suitability and hold a full CRB.

    Staff supervision and appraisal is on-going to ensure that we are able to provide the best care and education possible.

  • Ofsted

    We are very proud of our Ofsted Reports which we believe capture the main essence of the nursery. We will always seek to improve wherever we can so as to ensure that the children of the nursery reap the full benefits.

    The nursery is a member of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) who offer an agenda and awards for constant improvement.

    Download a copy of our Ofsted report (pdf 127kb)

  • Testimonials

    "My little boy has settled in nursery really quickly. The staff were so friendly and helpful. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere in all the rooms. My little boy has made so much progress since he started nursery and is so social and confident since he started. The staff are really knowledgeable about child development and base all their planning around the children's interest and individual needs."

    "As a first time parent I have learnt so much from the staff here. I've picked up tips on food and play and Scarlett always comes home happy and singing the songs they've learnt. Meal times have helped experiment with different foods and I am glad I chose to put her in nursery."

    "Dukes and Duchesses is highly rated and does not fail my expectations, I would whole highly recommend this nursery to anybody who is looking for an excellent nursery all the staff are trained to the highest level."

    "Oliver has thrived since starting Dukes and Duchesses. I honestly wouldn't put my children in any other nursery and would highly recommend it. I am very happy with the way in which Travis is being looked after in nursery. I feel that he has come on in leaps and bounds. Thank you for the way you are with him."

    "Dukes and Duchesses I would highly recommend, my son has come on so much since he has attended nursery. Excellent care with lots of activities which he enjoys."

    "Jack has been at the nursery for three months and from day one has always settled straightaway and is happy/excited when he arrives. This we believe is down to the staff that are always friendly, warm and make Jack feel confident and secure with them. We never have to worry that he isn't being looked after."

    "Our children wake up at the weekend and ask if they can go to nursery!!!! That tells us all we need to know about how happy and secure they feel. Thank you for all your support."

    "'Home away from home' it's been great to have my three children loved, cared and nurtured by such a passionate and dedicated team over the past six years - Thank You!"

    "Since starting nursery our son's social life has developed so much. He is confident, takes part in different activities and talks about the other children and staff away from nursery."

    "Both of my children have attended Dukes and Duchesses. I am always confident when I leave that they are safe and happy. I am amazed at how much Jack has come on he knows a new song every day. It is a fantastic nursery that continually improves and develops. Thank You."

    "I had been to a different nursery before I came to Dukes and Duchesses and had moved due to changing jobs and it was the best decision I have ever made. The staff are always friendly and positive and the equipment is always changing so I know that he has a range of toys to play with. There always seems to be investment in the nursery and they are always striving to improve things for the children."

  • Hours

    • Monday 7.30 - 6.00
    • Tuesday 7.30 - 6.00
    • Wednesday 7.30 - 6.00
    • Thursday 7.30 - 6.00
    • Friday 7.30 - 6.00
    • The nursery is open for 51 weeks per year - we are closed for 1 week over Christmas.

  • The Sensory Room

    A state of the art sensory room allows the children to relax or be stimulated by a range of lights, textures and smells. This area also allows the children to work with their key-person in small groups to develop and inspire their creative and imaginative development.

  • Food and Nutrition

    The sharing of refreshments can play an important part in the social life of the nursery as well as reinforcing children's understanding of the importance of healthy eating. We aim to provide a well balanced and varied menu, which takes into account the dietary requirements of individual children. Fresh Fruit and vegetables are sourced locally and delivered daily, and additionally we use the nursery garden to plant and grow produce.

    The menu has been planned in consultation with John Moores University and the Liverpool Women's hospital to ensure that the balance of nutrition is correct. The nursery has an onsite chef who plays an integral role in discussing menus and healthy eating with the children.

    We have been given 5* star grading by Liverpool city council for our food preparation and hygiene provision.

    • The nursery will ensure that:
    • All meals and snacks provided are nutritious, avoiding large quantities of fat, sugar, salt, additives, preservatives and colourings.
    • Children's medical and personal dietary requirements are respected.
    • Menus are planned in advance and food offered is fresh, wholesome and balanced.
    • A multi-cultural diet is offered to ensure that children from all backgrounds encounter familiar tastes and that all children have the opportunity also to try unfamiliar foods.
    • The dietary rules of religious groups and also of vegetarians/vegans are known and met in appropriate ways.
    • Any alternative meal offered due to dietary requirements will look the same as the main meal on offer.
    • Fresh filtered drinking water will be provided throughout the day.
    • Meals and snacks provided will contain protein for growth, carbohydrate for energy, essential minerals and vitamins in raw foods, salads and fruits.
    • All fresh produce will be sourced locally.
    • Children will be encouraged to grow their own produce and use them to prepare snacks.

  • Learning Environment

    "Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and carers." (EYFS 2012)

    The nursery seeks to provide stimulating resources which are relevant to the children's cultures and communities. We seek to use natural and sustainable resources where possible to encourage the children to develop their natural impulse to explore.

    Five separate stimulating rooms for the 0-12mths, 12-18 mths, 18mths -2yrs, 2-3's and a preschool room ensure that each child can develop at his/her own pace and realize their own potential. Staff are able to observe children and plan a range of activities to suit their individual stage of development.

    All staff are CRB checked and qualified, many are undertaking additional qualifications at degree level. We place a high priority on staff training and development Research shows that children make significantly more progress in a setting that is graduate lead.

    A safe and secure drop off facility off the main road, although during peak periods of the day we ask you to be patient when using the facility so that you can have peace of mind as you tackle the car seat.

    Access to all areas of IT ( Information Technology ) from an early age mean that children are confident in this area. We now have state of the art SMART interactive white boards that enable the children to 'interact with age appropriate computer software' (EYFS, 2008) to encourage children to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the world. The setting has an up to date IT policy which is available on request.

    The children benefit from local trips out using specially designed kinder vans. These six-seated prams/buses mean that the children can be safely taken on local visits to shops, museums, and libraries and around the local area.

    All rooms are secure with age appropriate furniture. A CCTV security system is fitted in all areas of the building and all staff members are extremely security conscious. Your child's safety and well-being is of up most importance to us.

  • FAQ

    As a parent what can I expect from Dukes and Duchesses?

    As a Family run business we pride ourselves on our quality of service. Your child, and their learning, development and welfare are our number one priority.
    Your child will be assigned a key-person; they will be the person who is responsible for their care on a day-to-day basis.
    Each day you will be given either verbal or written feedback (whichever you would prefer). Staff will carry out daily and weekly observations on your child and will use these as a basis for planning activities based upon their interests and their stage of development. All observations will be filed in their development files which is available at all times for you to read. Each month you will receive a newsletter which will be posted to you along with your invoice. This will keep you up to date with what's going on in and around the nursery. It also helps us to celebrate birthdays and achievements.
    Twice a year you will be invited to an informal meeting with your child's key worker. This is a chance to review the development file and celebrate the progress they have made in the last six months. Many of the staff are parents themselves so they are aware of the huge responibity that choosing the right environment for your child can bring.

    What Qualifications do the staff have?

    The staff have a range of qualifications. We have a fulltime qualified teacher with Early Years Professional status, an additional graduate, NNEB and NVQ level 3. Over 90% of our staff hold a professional qualification, staff that are still working towards their qualification do not have key person responsibility and are not left alone with the children. We work very closely with the colleges to support trainees.
    In addition over 80% of staff holds a paediatric first aid certificate, ensuring that your child will be safe hands in event of an accident. Staff also hold certificates in health and safety, food hygiene, equal opportunities, child protection, and special needs.

    Do you have any advice for parents with financial difficulties?

    We are aware of the huge financial burden that childcare costs can provide. Staff have a good knowledge of what help you may be entitled to.
    Help with childcare costs is available from a range of different sources. The following covers parents who are very young, those who are students those who are lone parents, those who are entering training or work, and those already in work who want to use childcare.

    • - Child tax credit and the childcare element of working tax credits
    • - N.E.G funding for 3 and 4 year olds
    • - New deal childcare support
    • - Employers support towards childcare costs (nursery vouchers)

    We aim to cater for parents' lifestyles - call us if you have any other questions.

    What happens regarding pre-admission visits?

    Once your child is registered with us and a start date has been agreed we encourage you to visit us as many times as you feel is necessary. Please feel free to visit as many times as you want. We like you to spend some time with us before your child starts that way you can meet the staff and they can get to know you and your child. After that we invite you to leave your child for some time as it really helps if you can invest time into settling your child before you begin.

    Would I be notified if any of the nursery children were diagnosied as having an infectious disease?

    A notice will be displayed on the parents board and all necessary precautions taken.

    How long is your waiting list?

    This varies with your requirements and we can tell you the situation by telephone or during pre-registration visit.

    How do you cater for children who have special dietary needs?

    All our meals are cooked on site using fresh ingredients. There is always a vegetarian option available. We ensure that the vegetarian option always looks similar to the main meal available, that way children do not notice the difference. If your child has a special dietary requirement please let us know, we cater for most individual needs effortlessly.

    How many times will my child be taken on outings?

    We are ideally placed in the heart of the city centre; so with parents consent we try to take the children out as much as possible. Typical visits include, libraries, museums, art galleries, ferry trips , festivals, shows, activity centres and parks. Our main form of transport is in our 6 seated prams which means that the children are safe as they travel to and from locations

    How do I pay?

    Initially you will pay deposit, equivalent to 1 week's fees, this is refundable from your last week of fees, provided that you give us 4 weeks notice. All fees are payable monthly by standing order, card, or cash. If your fees are not settled before the end of the month your child's place will be suspended.

    Do I have to pay when my child is off due to sickness or on bank holidays?

    Unfortunately in common with most nurseries in the area we charge full rate, as we still have to pay staff and keep your place open. We offer two weeks at 50% discount to cover sickness or holidays. This is already calculated into your fees which is worked out a weekly rate x 51weeks ÷ 12 month.

    I have been asked to work more hours than I originally intended is that a problem?

    Ask and we will do our best to accommodate you.

    You will have many other questions so please ask away..... you can telephone on 0151 709 1186 or email us at info@dukesandduchesses.co.uk

  • Fees

    All our fees are fully inclusive of nappies, wipes, formula feeds and meals. We only use high quality branded products to ensure that children are comfortable.

    Daily rates are as follows:

    Under 2
    £42 per day
    £200 for a full week

    Over 2
    £41 per day
    £190 for a full week

    The fees that are charged by the nursery are reviewed every year in October. The nursery constantly strives to reduce waste in all areas as a means of keeping the nursery fees at a reasonable level. The nursery offers discounts for siblings which can be discussed at your visit.

  • Funding

    All three and four year olds in England are entitled to a free early learning place. If you are a working parent, lone parent or a student you may be entitled to extra help with the costs of early learning and childcare.

    Early learning places for three and four year olds

    All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). For more information about free nursery education in your area, contact your Family Information Service (FIS). The FIS provides information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people's services available within their area.


    Help for working parents

    If you have a child, you may be able to get Child Tax Credit to help with the cost of looking after them. If you are on a low income, you may also qualify for Working Tax Credit. This could mean getting back up to 70 per cent of your childcare costs - up to certain limits. The limits are £122.50 a week for one child and £210 a week for two or more children. You need to use a registered or approved childcare provider.


    Help for lone parents

    Lone parents who are out of work can get help through a government programme called New Deal for Lone Parents. Further information is available through your local Jobcentre Plus office.


    Help for students

    If you're in further education you may be able to get extra financial help. This could come through the Care to Learn Scheme (for students under 20) or through Learner Support Funds. There's also a scheme providing help with childcare costs for sixth form students aged 20 or over.
    As a higher education student, you may be eligible for extra help on top of any standard student loans or grants you get. This could include a bursary, Child Tax Credit, Childcare Grant or help from the Access to Learning Fund.
    Money may also be available through educational trusts or charities. Ask your student welfare adviser or LA for advice.

    • - Care to learn (education and learning section)
    • - Learner Support Funds (education and learning section)

    Help from employers

    Some employers offer a childcare allowance or vouchers as part of a 'salary sacrifice' scheme. It is worth asking your line manager, personnel or human resources department whether your employer runs a scheme like this.

    • Employer support towards childcare costs
    • Tax and National Insurance Contributions on employer-supported childcare

  • Parents

    Working Together

    Successful relationships between parents and nursery can have long lasting and beneficial effects on a child's learning and well being.

    Relationships become partnerships when there is a two way communication and parents and practitioners really listen to each other.

    Each child will be assigned a key person, this will be the person who has overall responsibility for your child's care, well being and development.

    They will also be assigned a co-key worker to support the child during holiday periods and shift changes.

    We ask that parents share developments and interests with us to enable us to plan experiences based on your child's experiences at home.

    Meeting Individual Needs

    We encourage children to be in touch with their own needs and the needs of other children and adults sharing their space. Above all we want to listen to parents and treat each child as an individual, recognising that what works for one child does not necessarily work for another.

    We recognise that each child is unique and develop at different rates and have different strengths and abilities. Our staff are trained to support specific needs and we work closely with other professionals to access additional support should the need arise.

  • Get in touch

    Dukes and Duchesses
    Dukes Terrace, Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 4JS

    Tel: 0151 709 1186
    Email: info@dukesandduchesses.co.uk

    View Map

  • Outdoor Area

    A secure outdoor play area with a safety surface has been designed by an award winning designer to enable the children to access all areas of the curriculum. Children are provided with all in one waterproof suits and wellingtons which means that they can access the outdoor area whatever the weather! At Dukes and Duchesses one of our goals is for children to become confident by being able to pursue their own interests by moving freely in the outdoor areas and between the different areas provided.

  • Application Form

    Please download our application form here

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