How will My child settle in?
Each child is different but please be prepared to stay for the first few sessions. Initially your child may do shorter sessions until they are happy. Please be guided by the staff as they have plenty of experience. Our aim is to work with you and ensure your child is settled and happy.
Fees and Consumable Charges
You will be given an invoice at the beginning of each term. Our preferred method of payment is directly into our bank account displayed on the invoice. We ask that bills are paid promptly in the first week of term. We require notice in writing if you choose to cancel your place. Refunds for any absence (sickness/holidays) will not be given.
Session charges (September 2025) are £22.50 per 3 hour session.
Consumable Charges
Extra charges ((September 2025) for snack 20 pence per day.
Musical Bumps 4x per term £24 on Tuesday mornings.
Charges are voluntary however snack will need to be provided by parents should they wish not to pay. which must include fruit and a grain food such as a cracker or bread stick. Should parents opt out of Musical Bumps it will sadly be withdrawn from the curriculum.
Donations of tissues, wipes, craft materials etc are most welcome.
What do I need to bring?
Please put children in clothes that they can manage themselves with as little support as possible. Please bring a bag with a spare set of clothes incase they get wet for any reason. If your child is in nappies please supply us with nappies and wipes each day. If your child has lunch with us they will need a healthy packed lunch with and ice brick to keep it fresh.
How do I find out how my child is doing?
Your child will be assigned a keyperson who will help to settle your child and continue to plan for their needs at Pre-School. We maintain a record of what they do online which you will have access to through a password protected account. You will be able to comment and add observations of your own to help us work together on your children’s needs. Staff are also available for verbal feedback. If you need to speak to your child’s keyperson please make it known.
What’s the daily Routine?
9.00 am the door is opened and the children are welcomed. Initially they can engage in free play, choosing from a variety of activities both inside and outdoors, covering all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. (EYFS).
10.00 – 11.00 am snack is available for all children. Each day we have key group time, where the children will have a story or do an activity such as ‘show and tell’ with their key person in a small group.
11.50 am the session concludes indoors with everyone together on the mat for singing and rhyme time.
12.00 pm the afternoon session follows a similar routine but for those children staying for lunch, they remain on the mat until all the children have been collected and any new arrivals have joined us. We call the register and then they go back to play until the tables are set, then wash their hands and sit with their friends to eat. When finished, they are able to go back to play inside until everyone is ready and the door to the garden is opened. The session concludes again with singing time.
Do you accept government funding?
Yes, we do.
All children are entitled to 15 hours of childcare the term after their 3rd birthday. You do not need to apply for this.
Further funding is available for working parents (15 hours for 2 year olds, 30 for 3 and up). Please click the link to check eligibility and apply for a code. Sparkles are unable claim this funding without a current code. https://www.gov.uk/check-eligible-free-childcare-if-youre-working?step-by-step-nav=f517cd57-3c18-4bb9-aa8b-1b907e279bf9
Certain benefits also entitle you to 15 hours funded for 2 year olds. Please use this link check eligibility and apply for a code https://localoffer.croydon.gov.uk/kb5/croydon/directory/advice.page?id=HaN4ZO0cokA
Tax free childcare is also available for working parents who are paying for sessions, please follow the link to find out more https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs
For summer term funding children must reach the appropriate age by March 31st even if the spring term finishes in April.