We have a very busy time at Pre School and children are engaged in lots of stimulating and interesting play activities both indoors and out. We also like to celebrate lots of different events, celebrations and of course all of our achievements and progress as unique learners. We also have plenty of opportunities to mix with our older peers in school which is a great opportunity to help us during our transition from pre school to primary school. Here are just a few examples of what we get up to during our day!
Welcome to St Bees Pre-School.
We have a welcoming, vibrant and lively Pre School room with our very own secure outdoor area. The Pre School has it's own entrance, cloakroom area, toilets and changing facilities. Pre School children are welcomed as part of the whole school community, enjoying sharing school lunches with their older peers as well as joining in with whole school events and special occasions. Our early years practitioners are well qualified and experienced to ensure that each individual child's needs are met in a caring, nurturing and enabling environment during their stay with us.
St Bees Pre School is equipped with furniture and resources appropriate to children's ages and stages of development. We have "free flow" access to our own secure outdoor area. All children are encouraged to become active explorers, develop positive relationships and become more independent as they play and learn together through play. We firmly believe that play is the "business" of all children!
We are currently open term time only , Monday to Friday from 8.45 am until 3.30 pm. Our morning session runs from 8.45 am until 11.45 am. Lunch care from 11.45 am until 12.30 pm and the afternoon session from 12.30pm until 3.30 pm. Pre School children can also attend Breakfast Club from 7.30 am and After School Club until 5.30 pm- please speak to Miss Millburn who is the Before and After School Club Manager.
Admissions
We welcome children into St Bees Pre School the term children turn 2 years old up until the age that children are to continue their learning in their Reception Year in Primary School. We will do all we can to allocate places to accommodate the needs and circumstances of individual families. Once a child's place is confirmed we will organise and develop a "Settling in" plan with you and your child's allocated Key Pey Person to ensure that the transition from home to Pre School is a positive experience.
Fees
Some children from the age of 2 years may be eligible for free childcare. Your family must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Allowance
- Child Tax Credit/ Working Tax Credit/ Universal Credit with an annual gross income no more than £16,190 as assessed by HMRC
- The child is looked after by the Local Authority
If you think you may be eligible for free child care then you can apply for this online at www.cumbria.gov or if you require help to apply for this then please ask where staff will be happy to assist you.
For children aged 3 and 4 years old:
- All children are currently entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week from the first term after their 3rd birthday.
- For some families, this may increase to 30 hours from September 2017. Parents can apply for this entitlement if they are working in paid employment, are self employed or have a zero hour contract and earn or expect to earn the equivalent to 16 hours at National Minimum/ Living Wage rate and that either parent does not exceed an income of more than £100,000 per annum
- Parents can find out more information and apply for up to 30 hours free childcare as well as tax free childcare (for working families with children under 12 years and under 17 years if disabled) online at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Further information regarding all matters in relation to childcare and the providers available in Cumbria can be sought through Cumbria County Council's Children Family Information Service Tel: 03457 125 737 or Email: childrens.information@cumbria.gov.uk
Fees can be paid by child care vouchers through your employer voucher schemes, by bank transfers, direct debits/ standing order as well as by cash or cheque. Our current costs are:
Additional Session £15 (Morning or Afternoon Sessions)
Lunchtime Session £3.75. Parents have the options to book a hot meal or provide a healthy packed lunch (no nuts and no kiwi fruit).
Snack is provided during morning and afternoon sessions at an additional cost of 35p per session, payable at the pre school.
All fees must be paid promptly and in full as arranged. All sessions must be booked due to limitation of available places as well as adhering to strict adult: child ratios. All booked sessions are chargeable whether children attend or not. Please refer to our Fees Policy which is available to view at the Pre School at any time.
Uniform
St Bees Pre School have a uniform which is available from myclothing.com . There are a number of uniform items available online that you can select, simply click and collect from the local Whitehaven store or have them delivered directly to your home. A leaflet will be included in your welcome pack. As we encourage children to learn to become independent in their self care skills, it is advisable that they should wear jogging bottoms/ elasticated trousers/ pants to help them (no belts or difficult fastenings such as clasps) when using toilet facilities. All nappies/ wipes if needed are to be supplied by parents.
If you would like more information about St Bees Pre School or would like to arrange a visit please contact us on
01946 822392 or email cspedding@stbeesvillage.cumbria.sch.uk
