Nursery Configuration
Setting up and configuring nurseries, signatures, local authority settings, and custom agreement terms
Nursery Management Overview
Each nursery in the system has its own configuration including contact details, local authority settings, authorised signatory, and optional custom terms. Access nursery management via Admin > Nurseries (Head Office only).
Adding a New Nursery
- Go to Admin > Nurseries
- Click 'Add Nursery'
- Complete the required fields:
- Name - The nursery's display name
- Address - Full postal address
- Contact Details - Phone number and email
- Configure additional settings (see below)
- Click 'Save'
Basic Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Display name (must be unique) |
| Address | Line 1, Line 2, Town, County, Postcode |
| Phone Number | Main contact number |
| Main contact email | |
| Active Status | Toggle to enable/disable the nursery |
Local Authority Settings
Configure your local authority details for code verification:
- Local Authority Name - Your LA name (e.g., 'Manchester City Council')
- Code Verification URL - Direct link to your LA's Provider Portal for verifying 30-hour and 2-year-old eligibility codes
The verification URL appears as a clickable link in the Review screen, allowing staff to quickly access the LA portal when verifying codes.
Authorised Signatory Configuration
The authorised signatory is the person who signs funding agreements on behalf of the nursery. Their signature appears on the signed PDF agreement.
Setting Up the Signatory
- Navigate to the nursery's Edit page
- Scroll to the Signatory Settings section
- Enter the Authorised Signatory Name (e.g., 'Jane Smith')
- Enter the Authorised Signatory Title (e.g., 'Nursery Manager', 'Owner', 'Director')
- Save the nursery
Uploading a Signature
- Go to Admin > Nurseries and click on the nursery
- Click 'Manage Signature'
- Choose one of two options:
- Upload Image: Upload a signature image file (PNG, JPEG, GIF, or WebP, max 500KB)
- Draw Signature: Use the signature pad to draw directly in the browser
- Enter/confirm the signatory name and title
- Click 'Save Signature'
Tip: For best results, use a PNG image with a transparent background. The signature will appear on a white background in the PDF.
Custom Agreement Terms
Add nursery-specific or local authority-specific terms that appear in the GOV PDF agreement form.
Configuring Custom Terms
- Navigate to the nursery's Edit page
- Scroll to the Custom Agreement Terms section
- Check 'Include Custom Terms in Agreement'
- Optionally enter a Custom Title (defaults to 'Additional Terms and Conditions')
- Enter your terms in the text area - this can include:
- Local authority specific requirements
- Nursery policies parents must acknowledge
- Additional consent statements
- Fee collection notices
- Click 'Save'
When enabled, custom terms appear as Step 6 in the GOV PDF form. The Declaration section then becomes Step 7.
Viewing Nursery Details
The nursery details page shows:
- All configured settings
- Number of active children registered
- Number of staff assigned
- Submission counts (pending, approved)
- List of recent children added
- List of assigned employees with roles
Activating/Deactivating Nurseries
- Click 'Deactivate' on an active nursery to hide it from dropdowns and prevent new submissions
- Deactivated nurseries retain all historical data
- Click 'Activate' to re-enable a nursery
Deleting a Nursery
Nurseries can only be deleted if they have:
- No children registered
- No staff assigned
- No funding submissions
If a nursery has any associated data, you must deactivate it instead.
Important: Changes to custom terms or signatory details only affect new submissions. Previously signed agreements retain their original content.