Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can my child start?
As a pre-school we are permitted to accept children aged 2 years and 9 months old. Should they turn 2 years 9 months in June, July or August they may start in the Autumn term.
2. How much is the hourly rate for Pre-School?
This is £7.00 per hour for children under 3.
This is £5.50 per hour for children 3 years and over
3. What are the Term Dates?
The Preschool Term Dates are listed on our key dates section on our website.
4. What does my child wear?
At St. Peter’s pre-school all children will have a new pre-school sweatshirt and book bag on commencement, for a voluntary contribution of £30. More sweatshirts, polo shirts and T-shirts are available to order at minimal costs. If you choose not to use the uniform we do advise you to send children in clothes, which are easily washed and not too new, as this will allow the child the freedom to explore and experiment with all activities and materials, including the messy ones! Shoes should also be practical as the range of activities for the day could include playing outdoors, or the use of climbing equipment. We also try to promote independence, so wearing simple clothing which children can manage themselves when going to the toilet or getting ready to go outdoors will aid this.
5. Does my child have to be toilet trained before starting?
At present, we have available a changing mat in which we change the children in the main toilets with a screen to protect their privacy. We accept children in pull ups but we try and encourage the children to use the toilet facilities themselves in line with their parents guidance.
6. What if my child has an allergy?
If a child within the pre-school has a nut allergy, we ask all parents to make sure their children don’t bring any food containing nuts. If your child has any other allergies please inform us.
7. Do you support children with Special Needs?
Each child is able to progress at her/his own rate in all areas of development, and this is true for children with and without disabilities or learning difficulties. We are experienced in working in close liaison with professionals across a range of special needs. If you would like to discuss the group’s ability to meet your own child’s special needs, please talk to the pre-school manager. Our full special needs policy is available to view at pre-school.
8. Who looks after the children?
We have a dedicated team of fully qualified staff that work throughout the week and a Key Leader will be assigned to your child. Occasionally, we will have College and/or work experience students into pre-school at the request of local education facilities. College students are there to observe and take notes for their courses, they will always be on a childcare related course. The students will have been checked and cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service, and they will not have one to one contact with the children, nor would be left in a position of responsibility.
9. What are your policies and procedures?
All our policies and procedures are designed to ensure the safety, welfare and experiences of all children and families within the pre-school. They are available to be viewed on request. All of the staff and children should be treated with respect, and as a pre-school we will not tolerate bad behaviour or abusive language towards them. In any such cases, this will lead to exclusion from the pre-school. Our policies and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis and comments and suggestions from parents are always welcome.
10. What happens if my child needs to leave?
Should for any reason you wish your child to leave pre-school before school age, we will require at least a half terms notice.
11. Will my child automatically qualify to attend St Peter's primary school, if they go to St Peter's pre-school?
Pre-School is completely separate to the Primary School, and by attending pre-School it does not mean that your child will automatically qualify to attend St Peters Primary School in Reception.
12. What types of funding do we accept?
We currently take 15hrs -3/4 year olds
30hrs - 3/4 year olds
15hrs - 2 year funding