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Our Ethos
We are a warm, welcoming Pre-School, with a cosy and homely environment. We have natural authentic resources and calming neutral colours. We strive to provide fun, exciting and stimulating learning opportunities and allow children freedom to explore. Our outdoor space encourages exploration, independence and builds resilience. We aim to encourage a love of the outdoors, wildlife and the natural world. We want children to feel a sense of belonging and we are responsive to their needs.
Opening times
We are open 38 weeks of the year during term time. We follow Sidegate Primary term dates as closely as possible.
Our opening hours are 8am - 4pm
Morning sessions
8.00 - 12 noon or 1pm
8.30 - 12 noon or 1pm
9.00 - 12 noon or 1pm
All day
8.00 - 3pm or 4pm
8.30 - 3pm or 4pm
9.00 - 3pm or 4pm
Afternoons
1pm - 4pm
Lunch is part of the morning sessions that end at 1pm
Funded hours can be accessed through any combination of these sessions.
Children need to bring a healthy packed lunch, if staying.
The decision to close the Pre-School due to bad weather or if there is an emergency maintenance issue is not taken lightly and will only happen if it is deemed unsafe. Parents will be contacted in the event of this becoming necessary.
Funding and Fees
All three and four-year-olds are entitled to fifteen hours of funded education a week with a 'registered provider'.
Three year olds are automatically able to access 15 hours of funding the term after their third birthday.
Eligible three and four year olds may also be able to access an additional 15 hours of funding. Please check www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for the eligibility criteria.
Some 2 year olds may be eligible for a Golden Ticket .Please check www.suffolk.gov.uk/two for the eligibility criteria.
Under the government funding scheme from April 2024 eligible 2 year olds may also be entitled to 15 hours funding. Please check www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to see if your child is eligible.
Eligible 2 year olds under the funding scheme will automatically receive 30 hours funding the term after they turn three.
There is also a voluntary consumable charge of 50p per session for funded children. If you do not wish to pay for these consumables, for example because you wish to provide your own, we would ask that you make the Pre-School aware so next steps can be discussed.
In addition to your child's government funded hours, you can also pay fees for additional hours, subject to availability.
Our current fees are:-
2 year olds £7.36
3&4 year olds £6.93
Parents are invoiced monthly for any fees and consumable charges.
Easy Fundraising
We have our very own cause page where you can sign up and start collecting free funds for us whenever you shop online.