Little Bears Information

Your child is at a crucial stage in his/her development with research showing that children learn more rapidly in the first seven years of life than at any other time. It is therefore important that the children are given every opportunity to fulfill their potential. As a parent you play a vitally important role. We at Little Bears hope to play our part by offering your child a variety of experiences and activities designed to further their individual development.

We hope that your child discovers that learning can be an enjoyable and worthwhile process.


Key Information

How can I apply?


If you are interested in your child attending Little Bears, you can download our application form here. You can also pop into the School Office and request a school application pack. 🙂

Funding

When will my child be eligible for Free Early Education Entitlement?
The first full term after their third birthday.

My child’s birthday is in the middle of the term, when can he/she start at Little Bears?
If there is space within the nursery your child may start at Nursery as soon as they turn 3. However, you will have to pay for these sessions until the start of the term after they are 3, which is when the Free Early Education Entitlement Funding can be accessed.

How is it calculated?
The entitlement is 15 hours a week (term time only) for all 3 and 4 year olds. The funding is paid directly to Little Bears who apply for funding for your child. The free hours are then automatically deducted from your childcare bill. You may also be entitled to 30 hours free (term time only) funding. This funding is paid directly to Little Bears on your behalf.

How do I find out if I can receive free childcare funding?
15 hours free (term time only) funding is automatically available for every 3 and 4 year old.

To receive 30 hours free (term time only), you must answer yes to the following questions:
1. Do you (and your partner, if you have one) work at least 16 hours a week?
2. Do you earn less than ÂŁ100,000 per year?
3. Is your child currently 3 or 4 years old?
Do you answer yes all of the above questions? Then click here to apply!
What do we do if we are on holiday and do we still need to pay?
Please let the nursery know if your child will be absent for holidays, your child’s key person will be planning activities for your child and it helps them to be aware so they plan effectively for your child’s next learning steps. Sessions must be paid for even if your child is on holiday.

Do I need to let you know if my child will not be attending nursery?
Please contact the nursery to let us know, your child’s key person will be planning activities for your child and it helps them to be aware so they plan effectively for your child’s next learning steps if your child is absent due to ill health it is important we are aware of any communicable diseases.

How much notice do you require if I wish to cancel my child’s place?
One calendar month

How can I help prepare my child for Nursery

Preparing my child

Before your child can settle into the routine of Nursery life, he/she has to confront two obstacles. Firstly he/she must come to terms with leaving you and secondly he/she will be faced with a whole new environment full of other children and unknown adults.

A little advance preparation can make the separation much easier to manage. It is a good idea to encourage your child to make friends with other children who are coming to Nursery. This is particularly easy if your child is currently attending playgroup.

It also helps if you continue to talk about Nursery in a positive manner – keep reminding your child of all the fun activities that will be on offer and all of the new friends that they will make.