Pre-School FAQs
We know that parents often have questions in the lead up to their child starting Pre-School. We hope the answers to our most ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ will be useful for you. More information can be found in our Pre-School Information booklet.
About Cheadle Hulme Pre-School
How many children do you have at Cheadle Hulme Pre-School?
We have a capacity of 32 pupils per day. The children access both our indoor and outdoor spaces daily and have regular access to school facilities such as the library, sports hall, big playground and studio.
Where is Cheadle Hulme Pre-School?
We are located on the left hand side of the Cheadle Hulme Primary School building and have our own entrance/exit.
How will you make sure my child settles into the Pre-School?
To ensure your children have the smoothest transition possible, we invite parents and children to come and visit us prior to starting to see the environment and meet the team. Before the children start doing full days we offer a number of shorter settling in sessions to allow them to become familiar with the setting.
My child isn’t fully toilet trained, will they be able to come to Pre-School?
Yes. We understand that all children are unique and are ready to take control of their health and self-care at different stages. We ask that you start the process before joining our Pre-School and we will support development.
My child has allergies. Will they be safe at Pre-School?
Pre-School should be informed of any allergies so contingency plans can be made to keep any allergens away from the child. We strive to ensure that every child is safe while at Pre-School so we will prepare separate snacks in keeping with the child’s diet. Lunches are ordered by parents and carers through the school caterers app where you can input dietary requirements. We are adaptable to most situations so just let us know and we can adapt to your child’s needs.
Pre-School Hours
What hours will my child be able to access Pre-School?
The Pre-School operates between the hours of 8.45am – 3.15pm. If your child is attending full time, they will be in Pre-School for 32.5 hours per week. If you need a longer day rather than just core Pre-School hours, we offer a Kids Club that operates in our school hall from 7.30am – 8.45am and 3.15pm – 6.00pm each day.
Funding
I think I may be entitled to the 30 hour entitlement but I am not sure, how can I find out?
Parents can log onto https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk or through the Childcare Calculator at https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator. If you are eligible for the 30 hours or for tax free childcare you will be directed to the digital childcare service to apply. Parents can apply for the 30 hours and tax free childcare at the same time via this system. If your child attends Pre-School full time, there will be an additional charge for the 2.5 hours that go beyond the funded hours you may be eligible for.
My child is only entitled to the 15 hours free funding, do I apply for this in the same way?
No, parents do not need to apply through the digital service for the 15 hour funding. The Local Authority will be able to let you know if you are eligible.
My child is already with a provider for their 30-hour entitlement. Am I able to split this funding across two providers?
Yes. If we can accommodate the sessions you require you are able to split this across a maximum of two sites. You would need to specify which setting is being classed as the one providing the 15 hour universal entitlement and which setting is delivering the extended 15 hours. If you cease to be eligible for the extended 15 hours then you may choose at that point which setting you would continue to take up your child’s universal 15 hours.