Preschool

Our Preschool

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive school, and we welcome all children, whatever their needs. If a child has specific needs we work closely with outside agencies and parents to agree a plan to ensure every child makes the best possible progress. Working closely with parents is the key to our high achievements, and to securing the emotional well-being and happiness of our children. We believe that every child should have the best possible start to their education and are committed to promoting and maintaining high standards.

Every preschool-age child is entitled to 15 hours funded childcare (which is equivalent to 5 free “sessions” a week). These “sessions” can be taken in different combinations:

5 mornings a week or
5 afternoons a week or
2.5 whole days a week or
a mix of afternoon/ morning sessions.

Unfortunately, due to staffing we are unable to offer the 30-hour funding, however the additional 15 hours funding are offered with our Dawn till Dusk before and after school club.

Parents are sometimes able to buy additional sessions at £5 per hour. These additional sessions are subject to availability, but we try to accommodate your needs if we are able.

*Sessions can become fully booked quite quickly so we advise that you book your sessions as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Our sessions comprise:

Morning Session 8.50am-12pm
Afternoon Session 12pm-3.20pm (includes the lunch hour so please provide either a packed lunch for your child, or purchase school lunches at £2.53)

If your child is staying for the whole day, they can pre-order hot school lunches for an additional £2.53.

Occasionally, parents may wish to extend their morning session to include lunch (from 8.50am – 1pm), at an additional £5 for the hour, and optionally £2.53 if ordering a hot lunch.

Applying for a Preschool place

Children are able to join our very popular preschool at the beginning of the September following their third birthday. Our intake includes children from outside our catchment area, subject to places being available. We have a waiting list for children from birth as our sessions are taken up very quickly, sometimes a year or more in advance. Our sessions are available on a first come, first served basis, so the earlier a place is requested, the better. Even if our preschool sessions are full, you will still be able to apply for a place for your child when they start Reception.

To apply for a place, please contact Ms Helen Barron, Office Manager on 01525 402377, or office@thomasjohnsonschool.co.uk.