You can apply for a place with us anytime before your child is three years of age (we do not take children younger than three). Some parents put their child’s name onto our waiting list from birth, especially if they have had siblings with us before. If you would like to get a feel for our preschool you can have a look around in our virtual tour to find out what to do when children start and what fun is waiting for them. Please get in touch if you would like a look around to see if we are the right setting for your family.
If you decide you want to send your child with us would you please inform us of your child care preference on the form provided. We will endeavour to give you the times and days you require however this may not always be possible. Please tick the boxes you wish your child to attend. The pre-school is open term time only.
All children aged 3 and 4 years receive 15 hours free term time places the term after their third birthday, we have starting terms in September and January (not Easter). You can use your funding between 9am – 3pm. We are open (up to 10 hours per day Monday- Thursday). We open at 7:45am until 6pm (we close at 5pm Fridays) during term time. If you require a breakfast session before 9am or a tea time session after 3pm these are to be paid for separately and not included in your funding entitlement.
Children who live with two working parents/carers or a working single parent/carer may be entitled up to 30 hours free childcare, check the Childcare Choices website to see if you qualify. If you do not qualify for the 30 hours but still require more than 15 hours, extra hours can be paid for if available. You can share this funding with another preschool/nursery if you wish.
If your child is a little nervous about starting they can listen to Mrs Wood reading a story about starting school/preschool, you can find it here. This is Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton (2008) published by Harper Collins Publishers. It is a story about feeling nervous about starting school but it’s fantastic in the end.
*Please be aware that by joining us you will not automatically get a place in Whickham Parochial Primary School. You will need to apply for a school place separately.