Preschool: Frequently Asked Questions

When can my child start Pre-School?
We accept children from 2 to school starting age, with priority given to children living within Aston-on-Trent and those closest to school starting age.

Does my child need to be Potty Trained to attend Pre-School?
No, but we ask that you send in a supply of nappies / pull ups / pants and wipes, but wherever your child is in the potty training process or if it hasn't even begun, we are happy to have them in Pre-School.

What days are you open?
We open Monday - Friday 7.30am - 6pm in term time. Preschool runs from 9.05am - 3.05pm and our wraparound care is available outside of these hours.
Preschool sessions are split into: Mornings (9.05am - 12.05pm), Lunch Club (12.05pm - 1.05pm) and Afternoons (1.05pm - 3.05pm).

What is Lunch Club?
Lunch Club runs straight after Pre-School and is optional. It finishes at 1:05pm.
The first half of Lunch Club is free play with a different activity every day, lunch is eaten at 12:30pm.
You’ll need to provide your child with a healthy, packed lunch and staff sit with the children whilst they eat. Please note we are a nut-free preschool.
You can use your funding to pay for Lunch Club.

What about Breakfast Club?
Pre-School children can attend Breakfast Club if there is space for them. We have 10 spaces each day for under 5s.
Doors open at 7.30am.
Breakfast is provided.
Breakfast club is £9 per child per session.

What time of year is best to apply for Pre-School?
Applications to join Pre-school can be made at any time for any child under school age. All applications must be made in via the website HERE. We usually have the best choice of places in September when our eldest children have just moved up to school.  The later in the academic year it is, the more likely we are to be full.

What happens after I apply?
We will confirm that we have received your application by email.
If a place is immediately available and your child is over two, we will ring you to see if you wish to start and then invite you to visit Pre-School.
If no places are available or your child is not yet two, your child will be added to our waiting list. Please note that a place on the waiting list does not guarantee a place at Pre-school, although we will endeavour to offer places to as many eligible children as possible.

The start date I requested is approaching, will you contact me?
We will contact you during the half term before your requested start date and arrange an induction/taster morning, if we have space.  This is a chance to meet the staff and ask questions.  This is also an opportunity for your child to have a play for 1 to 2 hours whilst you stay with them.  We will also talk through our paperwork and how Pre-School is run.

Can I visit Pre-School before I apply?
Yes, If you wish to visit Pre-school before applying but you must make an appointment you can book it online HERE or please call our mobile 07890 748179 and chat to our staff and they will book you into the diary.

Can I claim funding?

  • Currently all children qualify for 15 hours (or 5 morning sessions) from the term following their third birthday.

  • Some 3 and 4 year old are entitled to an extra 15 hours if both parents are working visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to check.

  • Some children may qualify from the term following their second birthday, if their families are in receipt of certain benefits. Again check at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

  • All this funding can be claimed with any registered childcare provider, or split between two. Pre-school is always pleased to claim sessions for you, so please ask Debbie for details of how to go about it.

  • We can also claim the Early Years Pupil Premium for children aged 3 and 4, should your child be eligible. Please ask Debbie for details.

What are your fees?
CLICK HERE to view our fee and funding details.
Breakfast Club £9 (Ad-hoc £9.50)
4.30pm After School Club £9 (Ad-hoc £9.50)
6pm After School Club £11 (Ad-hoc £11.50)

How often will I be invoiced?
An invoice will be issued at the end of each month. This will have all the sessions which you have registered for that month. Plus any extras you have attended since the previous invoice. You can pay by Tax Free Childcare, Childcare Voucher, BACS, Cheque or Cash that is in an envelope. If you need to arrange a payment plan please talk to Debbie.

Would you like to know anything else?
Please email astonontrentpreschooloffice@gmail.com and we will try and help.