Frequently Asked Questions

 

📅 Is the Preschool open all year round?

No, Magdalene Preschool is open term time only. You can view our term dates on the Term Dates page.

 

🧺 Do I need to provide anything for my child?

Yes, we ask parents to bring the following daily essentials:

• Nappies and wipes (if your child is not toilet trained)

• Spare clothes and underwear

• A labelled water bottle

• A healthy packed lunch (if your child attends Lunch Club)

• Sun hat and sunscreen during summer months

All items must be clearly labelled with your child’s name.

 

🥪 Is lunch provided?

Children attending Lunch Club (12pm–1pm) must bring a healthy packed lunch from home.
Please note that Lunch Club is only available for children aged 3 and over.

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🥜 Is the Preschool nut-free?

Yes, we are a nut-free setting and are happy to accommodate children with allergies and dietary needs. Please inform us of any allergies during registration.

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🧠 What is ‘Planning in the Moment’?

We follow a ‘Planning in the Moment’ approach, which means children lead their own learning through play. Our skilled practitioners observe and respond to children’s interests and needs as they arise, creating rich, meaningful learning experiences.

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🧑‍🏫 How does the Preschool support school readiness?

We work closely with children and their families to ensure a smooth transition to school. Our curriculum encourages independence, confidence, communication, and social development through play and routine.

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🌳 Do children play outside?

Yes! We are proud to offer free-flow access to the garden all day, every day, throughout the year—whatever the weather!

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🕘 What are your session times and packages?

We offer flexible sessions to support families’ needs:

• Morning session: 9:00am – 12:00pm

• Afternoon session: 12:00pm – 3:00pm

• Lunch Club: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (£6.50, ages 3+)

• Early drop-off: 8:30am – 9:00am (£6.50)

 

Sessions are priced at:

• £25 per session for 2-year-olds

• £20 per session for 3- and 4-year-olds

We offer both government-funded and fee-paying places.

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🌅 Do you offer early drop-off?

Yes! We offer early drop-off from 8:30am – 9:00am for a small fee of £6.50. This must be booked in advance.

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🌟 What is the Focus Child of the Week?

Each child is given a dedicated focus week once per half term. Parents will receive a short form ahead of time to share any new interests, hobbies, or events at home, as well as areas they'd like us to focus on.

During that week, practitioners observe and document your child’s learning using Tapestry. A follow-up call is then arranged to review their progress and set goals for the next half term.

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📱 What is Tapestry?

Tapestry is our secure online platform used to share:

• Observations and learning progress

• Care diaries

• General updates and reminders

• Photos and special moments

Parents can also contribute from home, making it a collaborative and engaging experience.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Does my child have a key worker?

Yes, each child is assigned a dedicated key worker, who will build a strong, trusting relationship with your child and be your main point of contact.

While key workers offer continuity, all staff contribute to your child’s care and development throughout their time with us.

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🍎 Are snacks provided?

Yes, we provide a variety of healthy snacks each morning, which rotate weekly.

To help cover costs and keep fees low, we ask for a £40 annual donation from each family.

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🚑 What happens if my child has an accident or becomes unwell at Preschool?

If your child has a minor accident (such as a bump or graze), a trained first aider will treat them and record the details. You will be informed at pick-up and asked to sign the accident form.

If your child becomes unwell or sustains a more serious injury, we will contact you immediately using the emergency contact details you provided.

We always act in the best interest of the child’s safety and wellbeing, and follow all relevant first aid and safeguarding procedures.

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🤒 What happens if my child is unwell and can’t attend?

If your child is unwell, please call us before 9:00am and let us know their expected return date.

Please note: No refunds are given for missed sessions due to illness.

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✈️ Can I take my child out of Preschool for a holiday?

Yes, children may be taken out for holidays during term time. Please give us advance notice.
However, no refunds are given for sessions missed due to holidays.

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📄 What is the notice period for leaving the Preschool?

We require one full month’s written notice to withdraw your child.
If this notice period falls fully or partly within a holiday, up to 4 weeks’ fees will still be charged.

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💳 How and when are payments made?

Fees are invoiced half-termly, and full payment must be made by the end of the half term prior. If you have any concerns about fees, please speak to us as soon as possible.

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🧾 I’ve just received my 11-digit code for government-funded hours – when is it valid from and to?

Government-funded childcare codes are valid for a specific funding term and must be renewed every 3 months.

To ensure your child receives funding, your code must be verified before the term starts:

• For funding to begin in September, the code must be valid by 31st August

• For January, by 31st December

• For April, by 31st March

You’ll receive reminders to reconfirm your eligibility every three months. If your code expires or is not reconfirmed in time, you may be charged for your child’s place until funding is re-approved.

If you're unsure about your code or renewal date, please speak to a member of our team—we’re happy to help.

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🎓 My child has just turned 3 — are they entitled to a 15-hour funded place?

Yes, most 3-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of government-funded childcare per week, starting the term after their third birthday.

Here's when funding begins based on your child's birthday:

• Born between 1st September – 31st December → funding starts from January

• Born between 1st January – 31st March → funding starts from April

• Born between 1st April – 31st August → funding starts from September

Funding is available for 38 weeks per year (term time only). You do not need to apply if you're only using the universal 15 hours — we’ll handle the application through our setting. Just speak to a member of the team when your child becomes eligible.