The pre-school, closely linked to our main school, offers a rich and varied educational experience that nurtures each child’s development. Children participate in weekly activities such as muddy day sessions in our dedicated muddy area, cooking, yoga and music, all designed to spark curiosity and support holistic growth. Each child is supported by a dedicated key person who carefully monitors their progress and plans engaging, tailored activities to enhance learning across all areas.
Built For Discovery
The dedicated outdoor learning spaces, including our muddy play area, adventure playground and eco garden, are a real strength of our provision and allow children to drive their own learning and develop their self confidence in an environment that promotes challenge and discovery.
The pre-school boasts a spacious and stimulating environment, including a large covered outdoor area and endless opportunities for exploration within the school's 14 acres. Children enjoy interacting with resident animals such as ducks, goats and sheep, fostering a sense of wonder and connection with nature. They also benefit from access to a range of school facilities, including twice-weekly sessions in the sports hall with specialist PE teachers, to promote physical development and teamwork. Lunchtime takes place in the school’s dining hall, where children eat in their key groups and build social skills in a relaxed, communal setting.
From the spring term, the older pre-school children begin phonics sessions with the Reception teachers, helping to build early literacy skills and ensure a smooth, confident transition into the main school.
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Opening Hours
The Pre-School offers provision from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm (after-school club may run until 6.00pm depending on demand), Monday to Friday, over three terms Autumn, Spring and Summer. We are closed half terms, Christmas, Easter, Summer holidays and all Bank holidays. The Pre-School offers an all year round provision for children moving through from Rocking Horse Nursery only, excluding all public holidays, and a Christmas closure.
Pre-School Fees
The pre-school accepts all forms of Funded Early Education Entitlement (FEEE). Parents who qualify for funding will have this deducted from their invoice. A maximum of 6 hours per day can be claimed when accessing 30 hours of funding and a maximum of 3 hours of funding per day can be claimed for those accessing 15 hours funding. Due to our opening hours additional charges do apply and these can be found below. Funding applies over 38 weeks of the years only (we do not offer stretched funding) and the terms dates can be found on the Essex Early Years website:-
Parents or carers must provide the setting with their eligibility code and national insurance number when completing the FEEE funding form. Funding cannot be claimed with
Session Times and Fees
| Full Day | 8.30am-3.30pm | £82 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 8.30am - 12.30pm | £43 |
| Afternoon | 12.30-3.30pm | £39 |
| Breakfast Club | 7.30-8.30am | £8.50 |
| After School Club | 3.30-5.30pm | £16 |
Additional charges apply for all funded sessions
| Full Day | 30 hours | |
| 8.30am-3.30pm | 2-3 year olds | 3-4 year olds |
| Meals,drinks and snacks (all food is cooked fresh on site, all allergies and dietary requirements are catered for) | £6 | £6 |
| Consumables (cooking and messy play ingredients, wipes, suncream) | £10 | £12 |
| Additional services ( including additional hours, phonics lessons, PE lessons, music sessions trips etc) | £17 | £32 |
| Total | £33 | £50 |
| Half Day: 8.30am-12.30pm | 2-3year olds | 3-4 year olds |
| Meals, drinks and snacks (all food is cooked fresh on site, all allergies and dietary requirements are catered for) | £3 | £3 |
| Consumables (cooking and messy play ingredients, wipes, suncream) | £8 | £10 |
| Additional services ( including additional hours, phonics lessons, PE lessons, music sessions, trips etc) | £9 | £12 |
| Total | £20 | £25 |
Early Years Entitlement Funding
Children will be entitled to 15 or 30 hours’ Early Years Entitlement Funding from the term after their third birthday up to and including the term in which they turn 5. This entitlement will be deducted from fees. We offer a limited number of funded only places each academic year.
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