FAQs

The answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:

• Welcome

  • Children are all different and we take this into account when a child starts at our Pre-School.  Some children settle very quickly, walking in happily, ready for adventure.

    Others may be a little more unsure.

    When your child starts on their first day, we encourage all parents or carers where possible to come into the playroom to meet their child’s Key Person and settle them until after Register Time has finished.  We find that children settle into Pre-School life much more quickly if parents / carers leave at this point on their first day, allowing them to get used to being with the staff and their new friends, then being encouraged in independently each morning following this.

    Some children are happier than others at being left at this point and we will of course work with you and advise you if your child was to become upset.

    Staff at our Pre-School have many years of experience of working with anxious children so please rest assured that if you do leave your child with us and they are upset, we will work out magic and have them having fun very quickly.

    If a child really wasn’t happy after their parent had gone, we of course wouldn’t let a child be very upset for long and would contact you to discuss next steps.

    During the Coronavirus Pandemic, we may not be able to allow parents or carers into the building depending on the levels of the virus locally or nationally and we will always follow guidance from the Department of Education and our local Council.

• Location

  • Our Pre-School building is on the field on Bolling Road next to Ben Rhydding Primary School and is accessed along a path opposite the Primary School side entrance on ‘Lower’ Manley Road.

    We sadly don’t have a letterbox so items can only be dropped off when Pre-School is open.

• Session Times

  • Monday to Wednesday 8am to 4.30pm

    Thursday & Friday 9am to 3pm

    Please note the ‘wrap around’ care – Little Caterpillars Club, on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesdays is 8-9am and 3-4.30pm and must be booked in advance.

    Children can attend half days till noon or from noon

    Lunch is part of the afternoon session and children sit down at 12 noon to eat their home-made packed lunches.

• Chidrens Allergies and Dietary Needs

  • We are able to accommodate children with allergies, dietary or additional needs. Please indicate on the information form if this applies to your child – we will be in touch before they start to discuss their needs, and if necessary arrange a home visit and/or specific training to ensure that everything is in place before your child starts.

• Children In Nappies or 'Pull Ups'

  • We are able to accommodate children in nappies or ‘pull ups’. Playgroup staff will change children if required using wipes/nappies supplied from home. If you would rather change your child, then we will call you if required. Changing will be carried out in the children’s toilet area.

• Toys and Comforters

  • Children can bring a favourite toy or comforter to playgroup – let staff know what it is and what it is called.  We do discourage use of dummies/mouth soothers while in the playroom and will work with children to put it in their bags unless they are particularly upset.  We can discuss this with you when they start.

    During the Coronavirus pandemic, we do suggest that toys from home should only be brought in if your child cannot be parted from them.

• Session Costs

  • For non funded children, a three hour session costs £18. Additional hours such as lunch club or Little Caterpillars Club (before and after Pre-School normal hours) is charged at the same hourly rate equivalent of £6 per hour.

    The free 15 hours or up to 30 hour Early Education Funding supplied by Bradford Council begins the term after your child’s 3rd Birthday. In some cases, dependent on circumstances and subject to availability, families can access the Early Education Funding for 2 year olds. For further information see ‘Early Education Fund’ in ‘About Us’.

    Please note that due to significant cuts from the local Council over the last few years along with rising running costs, Pre-school have no choice but to include a voluntary charge for snack & consumables of £1 per funded hour to ensure the Pre-School can continue as a viable not-for-profit charity.

    For example if you are claiming the free Early Education Funding with us for 3 sessions per week (so 9 hours), you will receive an invoice for £9 per week. Please speak to a member of staff if you need further information.

     

• Enjoy the Playgroup

  • Please feel free to discuss any of the above or any other concerns with Playgroup staff – we want your child to enjoy their time at playgroup!