What age can my child start at Ladybird Pre-School?
Children can attend Ladybird from the term after their 2nd birthday.
When are sessions run at Ladybird Forest Pre-School?
We run morning and afternoon sessions from Mondays to Fridays during term-time. Morning sessions are from 8.45am to 11.45 am, and afternoon sessions are from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. We also run a Lunch Club from 11.45am to 12.15pm which allows your child to attend all day. In addition, we have a Breakfast Club which runs from 7.45am to 8.45am and an After Pre-School Club Monday – Thursday from 3.15pm to 6.00pm and until 4pm on Fridays. We serve a hot tea Monday – Thursday at 4.00pm..
Do I provide any snacks or drinks for my child?
We provide the children with a healthy snack each day. Milk and water are provided as a drink. Please let the team know if your child is allergic to cow’s milk and we will provide an alternative.
We ask your child to bring in a named water bottle each day.
What are Ladybird’s fees?
Your child may be eligible for funding for 3 & 4 year olds, or funding for 2 year olds. For more information, please contact admin@ladybirdpre-school.org.uk.
For children who are not eligible for funding or who exceed their allocated funded hours, fees will apply. Our fees from Sept 24 are set out below:
You will also be asked to make a contribution of £1.00 per funded hour, to cover the cost of consumables and extras not covered by funding. This contribution allows us to provide healthy daily snacks (including fresh fruit and vegetables), maintain and resource the Forest School, provide and maintain indoor and outdoor play equipment, resources for activities, and arrange termly outings or visitors to the setting.
How do I apply for a place for my child at Ladybird Forest Pre-School?
To join our waiting list, you are welcome to download the ‘Application to join Ladybird’ form, which you can find under the ‘Administration’ section of the website. Alternatively please contact the Administration Manager at admin@ladybirdpre-school.org.uk or call 01525 406703. Our waiting list is ordered by date of birth, with priority given to funded 3- and 4-year olds followed by funded 2-year olds, followed by non-funded 2-year olds. Our Admissions Policy can be found here https://ladybirdpre-school.org.uk/policies/.
How can I help my child settle into Ladybird Forest Pre-School?
All new children will be offered a home visit before they start at Ladybird. This will give you and your child the opportunity to meet your child’s Key Person and for them to get to know your child. You will also be offered a visit to the setting before your child starts. Should you wish to do so, you are welcome to stay for part of your child’s first session.
Does my child have to be toilet trained to attend Ladybird Forest Pre-School?
At Ladybirds we welcome children who are in nappies or pull-ups and are undergoing potty training. If your child is wearing nappies/pull-ups please bring some in a bag along with some spare clothes. We are very happy to work alongside parents/carers who are potty training their children. If your child is used to using a potty, you are welcome to bring it in for him/her or use the pre-school potty. Our toilets are low-level child-sized ones, to help children go to the toilet independently. Please remember to dress your child in clothes that he/she can open easily when using the toilets.