Key Information
Please see below some essential information about our First Friends Pre School, but please remember if you have any questions please just ask.
Our opening hours
We have made the decision to align our First Friends Pre School session times to coincide with the school day making it easier for parents with children in multiple classes and to support working parents.
The setting is open from 8.30am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, Term Time Only
Sessions are as follows:
Morning session - 8.30am - 12 noon
Afternoon session - 12 noon - 3.30pm
Extended provision (available for 3 and 4 year olds) - 3.30pm - 4.30pm or 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Please note that attendance at the Pre School does not allow automatic admission into Neroche Primary School
Prices
The fees shown are those from 19th February 2024. To find out our current rates please contact the school directly
Early Years funding entitlement (3 to 4 Year olds)
Universal Entitlement (15 hours per week)
All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to the universal entitlement starting from the term after the child’s third birthday
Extended Entitlement (30 hours per week)
Some working parents are entitled to an extra 15 hours per week on top of their universal entitlement)
Information on eligibility can be found HERE
Further information on Somerset Council Early Years entitlement for parents can be found HERE
Early Years funding entitlement (2 Year olds)
Families with 2-year-olds who meet certain criteria can apply for funding up to a maximum of 15 hours per week. Children become eligible in the fundig period after their second birthday.
Details of what criteria needs to be met can be found HERE
ARE YOU A WORKING PARENT? NEW FROM APRIL 2024 - FUNDING FOR 2 YEAR OLDS. For more information about it and to find out how to apply click here
Tax-Free Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that helps with childcare costs up to a maximum of £2,000 for each eligible child each year (£4,000 if your child is disabled). Tax-Free Childcare is a UK-wide scheme covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can open an online account which you can pay into to cover your cost of childcare, for every 80p you pay in the government will top up your account with an extra 20p. To find out more about this scheme please go to: Tax-Free Childcare
Funding Information
We are pleased to be able to offer a hot meal as an optional extra at £2.60 per day which will include a main meal and a pudding,.
These are able to be booked via the MCAS (Mychildataschool app) in advance. Any Child entitled to Early Years Pupil Premium will be able to access this for free. Please contact the School Office if you require any further information.
Children attending all day, or the afternoon session from 12 noon and who have not ordered a hot meal will require a packed lunch.
Snacks will be provided.
We encourage all parents to provide named water bottles so that they can drink throughout the day.
Meals and Snacks
Pre-school children do not need to wear School Uniform, however we strongly encourage them to wear the First Friends green T-shirt/Jumper which is available from Barrons in Chard. Please note that the children will get messy throughout the day and need to wear sensible shoes that they are able to fasten themselves, no open toes please.
Children will be learning outside in all weathers, so a named waterproof coat is essential every day. It would be useful to also have a spare pair of wellies in the Pre-school and/or a sunhat and suncream on sunny days.
We ask that children have spare clothing, including pants and socks that are named in a named bag, in case of accidents. You are welcome to purchase a First Friends rucksack from Barrons in Chard.