FAQ's

Do I have to do a minimum of session?

No, you do can as many or as little as you want.

Can my child stay all day?

We open at 9.00 am and close at 4.00 pm, and our sessions are split up into morning sessions, 9.00 am to 12.00 pm and 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm, with a lunch club from 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm.  Depending on spaces we accept children for whatever combination works best for you.  You may wish your child to only attend in the morning, the morning with lunch, all day or just the afternoon, or a combination of all.

I want to pick my child up at 3.00 pm every day, can I only pay for the hours she’s there?

No, we charge for a full session and are unable to charge an hourly rate.

Do I have to pay if he/she (the child) doesn’t come?

Yes, we contract you to certain sessions, so in effect you are paying for the space.  However, lunch club is paid on a pay as you attend basis, so you only pay when your child attends.

What if the pre-school is closed on the day my child usually attends?

If we are unable to open, and provide a service, for example staff sickness, snow, or covid, we do not charge.

When do I have to pay my fees?

You will sign a contract agreeing fees are to be paid in advance, it’s up to you if you pay weekly, monthly, or even termly.

Do you accept card payments?

No, unfortunately we do have the resources to accept payment by card. We ask that all fees are paid directly into our bank account, please do remember to add your child’s name as the reference so we know whose payment it is.

Do you accept the 2 year offer? 

Do you accept the 3 and 4 year funding?

Do you accept the 30 hours funding?

Do you accept tax free credits?

Yes we do, more information about these funding options can be found here

Does my child have to attend the same sessions every week?

It is vitally important to ensure we have the correct number of staff members for children; therefore we ask you to sign a contract for the session you wish your child to attend.  If you need them to come in for an extra session, we will require 24 hours’ notice to ensure we have the space.

I have other children who start school at the same time, what can I do?

We have lots of children whose siblings attend local schools, and we appreciate that it is sometimes impossible to get your children here at 9.00 am.  We are not insured to accept your child earlier than 9.00 but our door is usually closed at about 9.15 am.  If you arrive after that time ring the bell and a staff member will open the door

What about picking up?

Again, we have children with siblings who leave school at different times.  We close at 4.00 pm and all children must be collected by then, but if you wish to collect your child earlier ring the doorbell and a staff member will bring your child to you.

Do I have to provide a lunch if my child stays for lunch club?

Yes, please make sure your child’s name is clearly marked on the lunch box.

Can you reheat food for my child?

No, unfortunately we do not have the resources to reheat food, however, if you want your child to have warm food feel free to use a thermos flask and the staff will ensure your child has help opening it and serving it.

What sort of things shall I put in my child’s lunch box?

We ask the parents to try to provide as healthy lunch as possible, and try not to include food high in sugar, salt or fats.  To reduce the risk of choking we ask parents to cut grapes, cherry tomatoes, olives and blue berries into quarters, and to avoid nuts or products containing nuts because of children who have allergies.

I have an appointment and won’t be able to pick my child up at 12.00 pm, can she stay to lunch?

Yes, we don’t contract for lunch club, and we only charge if your child attends, so on that day just bring in a packed lunch, remember to put your child’s name on it, and pay £4.50, there is no need to book.

Can I visit to see what the pre-school is like?

Absolutely.  We always advise parents to come in, with their child, to see us and to ask any questions they may have.  We feel it is important that parents see us during a normal day, so we don’t make appointments for visits, we ask parents to come by unannounced, just ring the doorbell.

Do you offer snack, and how much is it?

We provide a snack of toast, crackers, or rice cakes, fruit and milk or water during the morning and afternoon sessions.  We don’t charge extra for snack.

My child must be given medication on a regular basis; can you do that?

We can give medicine to children if it is provided in the original container, with a dispensing label attached with the name of the child, the date, and the dosage.  Before we administer medication, we must have written authorisation to do so from parents.

What should my child wear?

We recommend comfortable weather appropriate clothes.  Your child will probably be on their feet for most of the session therefore it is important they wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.  We encourage messy play, so we advise children are not dressed in their best clothes.  Please put your child’s name on all their belongings.

Do I need to bring nappies?

Yes, however, we supply wipes, and nappy sacks.  If you want us to use your own wipes, we can do that to.

Do I need to bring sun cream?

No, if you are happy for us to apply ours then we will use that.

Do children attending your pre-school qualify for priority admission to St. Paulinus Primary School?

No, although we share the same name, attendance at the pre school will in no way boost your Childs chances of admission to St Paulinus Primary School.