Fees and Funding

What are your fees?

Our fees vary depending on the age of your child and the sessions you require. We offer full-day, morning, and afternoon sessions. For a detailed breakdown of our current fees, please contact us directly or download our fees document [insert link to document].

Do you offer the government's free childcare funding?

Yes, we participate in the government's funded hours scheme. This includes the 15 and 30 hours of free childcare for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. The number of hours your child is entitled to will depend on your individual circumstances.

How does the 15/30 hours of free childcare work?

Once your child is eligible, we will ask you to provide a funding code (if applicable) and sign a form at the start of each term. The funding is applied directly to your invoice, reducing your total fees. For example, if you claim 15 funded hours, the cost of those hours is deducted from your bill.

What happens if I use more than my funded hours?

Any hours your child attends beyond their funded entitlement will be charged at our standard hourly rate. We will provide a clear breakdown on your invoice so you can see exactly how the funding has been applied and what additional costs you have incurred.

Do you accept Tax-Free Childcare?

Yes, we accept payments through the government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme. You can pay into your childcare account, and for every £8 you pay in, the government adds an additional £2 (up to £500 every three months). You can then use the money in this account to pay for your child's fees at our preschool.

Can I use my funded hours and Tax-Free Childcare at the same time?

Yes, you can. You can use your Tax-Free Childcare account to pay for any hours that are not covered by the government's 15 or 30 funded hours scheme.

What are the 'extras' or additional charges I should be aware of?

Our fees typical cover all core activities. However, there may be charges for optional activities or services not covered by government funding, such as special snacks, outings and photographs. We will always inform you of any additional costs upfront.

When do I need to pay my fees?

Fees are typically invoiced on a [monthly/termly] basis and are due by a specific date. You will be provided with a detailed invoice that outlines the due date and accepted payment methods.

Applying

How do I apply for a place at your preschool?

To apply, please download and complete our application form [insert link to form]. Once complete, please email the form to us at [insert email address]. We recommend applying as soon as possible, as spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

When should I apply?

We accept applications at any time. It's best to apply well in advance of the academic year you require, as our waiting list can fill up quickly, especially for popular sessions. We are currently accepting applications for our waiting lists for September 2026 and 2027.

Can I apply for a place for a future academic year?

Yes, we are happy to accept applications for our waiting list for future academic years, even if it is several years away. This ensures your child is on the list as early as possible.

Does applying guarantee my child a place?

No, completing an application form places your child on our waiting list and does not commit you to accepting a place. We will contact you to offer a place when one becomes available.

When will I hear back about my application?

For places starting in September 2026, we will contact successful applicants by email between January and March of that year. For all other future academic years, we will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.

Can I visit the preschool before I apply?

Due to the high volume of interest, we are currently unable to offer visits until we are in a position to offer you a place. We understand this is an important decision, and we will be pleased to arrange a visit as part of the offer process.

What happens if my contact details change after I apply?

It is very important that you keep us updated with any changes to your telephone number or email address. Please email us at [insert email address] with your child's name and updated details so we can contact you when a space becomes available.

Starting Preschool

What is the settling-in process?

Our settling-in process is designed to help your child feel comfortable and secure in their new environment. We will work with you to create a personalized plan, which usually involves a series of short visits with a parent/carer, gradually increasing in length. This allows your child to get to know their key person and the preschool routine at their own pace.

Who will be my child's key person?

Every child is assigned a key person who is responsible for their individual care, development, and well-being. This key person will be your main point of contact, providing you with regular updates on your child's progress and daily activities.

What should my child wear to preschool?

We recommend that children wear comfortable, practical clothing that they can move and play in easily. Please also ensure they have a spare set of clothes in their bag, as they might get messy during creative or outdoor play. It's a good idea to label all of your child's belongings to prevent them from getting lost.

What should I pack for my child's day?

Please pack a bag with a spare set of clothes and any personal comfort items your child may need. If your child is still in nappies, please provide a supply of nappies, wipes, and nappy cream.

How do you communicate with parents?

We believe in open and regular communication. You will receive daily updates from your child's key person, and we also use an online platform to share photos, observations, and progress reports. We are always available for a chat at drop-off and pick-up times, and we can arrange meetings to discuss your child's development in more detail.

Do you provide meals and snacks?

We cater to all dietary requirements and allergies. Please inform us of any specific needs when you complete your child’s registration forms.

How do you handle allergies or medical conditions?

We take all allergies and medical conditions very seriously. We will work closely with you to create a detailed care plan, ensuring all staff members are aware of your child’s needs and are trained on how to respond in an emergency. All medication must be provided by the parent and will be stored securely.

Other

Do you offer creche faciities?No