St Mary's CatholicPre School
At our Pre-School we provide a happy and safe learning environment with exciting, play based educational activities for children aged from 2 years old.
We also provide wrap-around sessions for 3 and 4 year olds who attend our Nursery. We are registered to take up to 24 children per session. Although we are attached to a Catholic primary school, there is no religious requirement to attend our Pre-School.
In the Pre-School we have a play based curriculum which incorporates the children’s interests alongside exciting topics. We work hard to develop the prime areas of the Early Years Curriculum which include: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Physical Development as well as planning stimulating activities which link to the rest of the Early Years Curriculum.
Take a look at our Pre-School Class Page to see some pictures of a few of the things we've been up to lately.
Sessions are available from Monday to Friday during term time and run as follows:
| Morning: | 8.45am until 11.45am (3 hours) |
| Afternoon: | 12.30pm until 3.30pm (3 hours) |
| All Day | 8.45am until 3.30pm (including lunch period) (6 hours 45 mins) |
| Wrap-Around - Morning | 8.45am until 12.30pm (including lunch period) (3 hours 45 mins) |
| Wrap-Around - Afternoon | 11.45am until 3.30pm (including lunch period) (3 hours 45 mins) |
The Breakfast and After School Clubs, which run from 8.00am to 8.45am and 3.30pm to 5.30pm are available to all children, from Nursery upwards and considered for Pre-Schoolers on an individual basis. (Please note: all applications for Breakfast Club and After School Club need to be approved by the Headteacher).
Further information on extended care can be found here.
Session Pricing
Our fees are as follows:
| Morning or Afternoon | - £16.00 |
| All Day | - £35.00 |
| Wrap-Around Morning or Afternoon | - £20.00 |
| Breakfast and After School Club | - £4.50 per hour |
Fees are calculated and invoiced each half-term and we are happy to accept weekly payments. Breakfast and After School Club can be used on an ad-hoc basis and payments can be made with each booking.
We accept Tax Free Childcare for both Pre-School and Breakfast and After School Club.
2 Year Funding
Funding for up to 15 hours per week is available for parents in receipt of certain benefits, and to working parents meeting specific criteria.
Funding for families in receipt of government assistance starts from the term following your child’s 2nd birthday. Working Parent funding starts from the term after your child turns 9 months old – this funding can thus be used during the term your child turns 2. Working parent funding starts from the term after being granted and must be renewed every 3 months.
To find out if you are eligible, and to apply, please take a look at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
If required, additional hours can be purchased at the above rates.
30 Hours Funding
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week free childcare which can be used in our Nursery. If parents are working, they may be entitled to an additional 15 hours per week which can be used in our Pre-School for Wrap-Around sessions. Please take a look at the Child Care Choices website for more information and to apply for funding.
Nursery Wrap-Around Booking In Form
Pre-School Admissions
If you would like to apply for a place, or to find out more information, please contact the school on 01582 602420. We are always happy to welcome parents and children for a visit, to have a look round and have a chat with out Pre-School Manager.
You can find more information about our Admissions Policy and fees, and can download an application form here:
Speech and Language Therapy Self-Referral
Referring into the service:
If your child is in pre-school or younger and you are worried about their speech, language and communication development you can complete a Pre-School Advice Request Form.
Please note it must be a parent or carer for the child who fills this form in.
You will then be sent a link to book a video or telephone appointment with a Speech and Language Therapist to talk about your concerns and what you would like help with.
Please note that interpreters are available for families who do not speak English.
We also offer a wide range of free information videos here: https://childspeechbedfordshire.nhs.uk/training/videos/
We also offer training workshops for parents and professionals which can be found here: https://childspeechbedfordshire.nhs.uk/training/
If you are concerned about your child’s eating and drinking skills, please complete our Feeding Referral Form
Some of the lovely things that our parents and children have said about us...
"Thank you for making my year at Pre-School so great! I can't wait for next year!"
"Thank you so much for looking after and teaching our children lots of new and fun things. They settled well and this is due to you all being so kind, caring and thoughtful to their needs."
"My daughter has had a lovely time in Pre-School with yourself and many others. She is going to miss you lots. You are the loveliest teacher and you do a fab job!"
"It takes a big heart to help shape little minds. Thanks for being the best teacher ever!"
"Thank you for all that you have done both for me and with me this year. I have enjoyed every moment! I'm looking forward to coming back after the holiday."
"To all the staff in Pre-School, thank you so much for making my time in Pre-School so much fun. I'm going to miss you when I go up to Nursery!"
