Our Preschool
Here at Chirton School, we are delighted to be able to offer an Early Years Unit which supports children in the most fundamental stage of their learning journey, from ages 2-5. Our oldest pupils, in the Reception Year, are referred to as 'Hope' and the younger ones as 'Pips.' Sometimes we all come together for our learning, whilst at other times, we break off into groups to explore age-appropriate activities.
Our Early Years Unit offers 18 places per session , running 2 sessions a day, 5 days a week, and is open for 2 - 4 year olds.
Children are also invited to join our breakfast club and afterschool club provision that is open to 2-11 year olds.
Opening hours
Breakfast Club - 7.45 - 9.00am
Pre-School - 9.00 - 3.00pm
Afterschool Club - 3.15 - 5.30pm
Funding
Funding forms are completed at the start of each big term, Sept – Dec/Jan - March/April - July. These forms will layout the number of funded weeks/hours in each funding period and what a parent is claiming.
Early years entitlement places must be taken up before the council headcount week and cannot be altered until the start of the next funding period. Once the funding has been submitted, if a parent requires additional hours, this will be chargeable. Hours not funded will be added to Parent mail each term and payment for these are due within two weeks of them being added to the system.
Funded hours are completely free of charge. Parents are not charged for any differences between the funding received from Wiltshire Council and the rate charged by Pre School.
Notice Period
If a child wants to move mid-term, and is funded by Wiltshire Council, then this would not be possible until the next funding term, unless the family meet a criteria set by Wiltshire Council. If a child decides to leave the Pre School and end their sessions, then a two week notice period is required.
Additional charges
Additional charges are asked for any cooked lunches that are required. These are booked and paid for through Lataca.
Parents are asked to provide any required nappies, wipes, and creams.
TD days and bank holidays are not charged. If for any reason the Pre School has to close, parents will not be charged if they would normally be charged for that session. We do not generally charge for additional activities or sessions run by the Preschool. On the very odd occasion we may run a chargeable trip, special event or a workshop, parents will be informed by letter.
Chirton Pre School does not enforce the wearing of school uniform for children but Pre School jumpers are available if desired from Galileo Clothing Ltd, Hopton Industrial Estate, Glenmore Business Centre, Devizes, SN10 2EQ - 01380 724442.
There is no additional charge for enhancements where a child has SEND
Two-Year Funding
This is available for families in England who are receiving some forms of support with 2-year-old children. 15 hours of free early education is available for 38 weeks.
To be able to take up 15 hours of free childcare for your two-year-old you or your child must meet the eligibility criteria. Please visit GOV.UK for further information.
15 hour free funding
This is available for all families in England with 3 and 4-year-old children. This entitles 15 hours of free early education for 38 weeks.
30 hour free funding
This is available for working families in England with 3 and 4-year-old children. 30 hours of free childcare or early education for 38 weeks
Parents eligible for 30 hours must give the preschool their 30-hour code prior to the funding period starting. Eligibility must be re-confirmed every 3 months as prompted by HMRC. Failure to re-confirm will mean the additional funding is not available and parents will be charged for any hour that are accessed over the 15 free hours.
Tax Free Childcare
Chirton Pre School accept Tax free childcare which is available from the Government for working families, in the UK with children under 16 (or under 17 if disabled). The scheme pays 70% of childcare costs, up to a cap.
Further information of available funding is available from Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Additional Funding Available
If a child is eligible for additional funding, this can be applied for via Pre School when completing the termly funding forms.
EYPP
The EYPP gives providers additional funding to support disadvantaged 3 and 4-year-old pupils.
3 and 4-year-olds will be eligible for EYPP if the child meets any of the Government listed criteria. More information on these criteria can be found on Early Years Pupil Premium.
DAF
The DAF is intended to aid access to the free entitlements for disabled children.
Complaints Policy
A copy of the school’s complaints policy is available on the Equamead Learning Trust Website.