Starting at Stepping Stones
Before your child starts at Pre-school you are welcome to bring him/her along for a visit. This is important as it will help your child to feel secure and at ease here. On the first few sessions you are welcome to stay until your child settles.
Session times and venue
At present we meet in Elberton Village Hall, Elberton Road, Monday to Friday 8.55am. – 2.55pm.
Fees
Current fees are: £6.00 an hour or a Nursery Education Grant for Nursery grant aged children (3+) or £6.50 an hour for 2 year olds. There is an initial registration fee of £25 for two year olds.
Fees are payable at the beginning of each half term. You will be asked to pay for all sessions booked. Exceptions to this will only be permitted in special circumstances
The Free entitlement offer has recently been expanded by the government.
From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours childcare support. By September 2024, eligible working parents of 9 months- 2-year-olds can also access 15 hours childcare support. This means you may be able to claim from the term they turn 2 instead of having to wait until the term after. You are eligible for 30-hour funding for 3- and 4-year-olds if you work 16 hours a week at minimum wage or the equivalent. You are eligible for 15 hours for 2-year-old funding if you work 16 hours a week at minimum wage or the equivalent.
Sweatshirts/T-shirts
We have red Stepping Stones sweatshirts, polo shirts and T-shirts for the staff and children. Please see application form for prices and ordering details.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about anything at Pre-school, please feel free to discuss it with any member of staff, and we will do our best to correct anything you feel is causing concern. Should you wish to speak to someone independent, you can contact Ofsted on 0300 123 1231 or write to them at: Applications, Regulatory and Contact (ARC) Team, Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD
Keyworker System
At Stepping Stones we aim to offer the highest possible quality of experience for both children and adults in the group. Because of this we use the keyworker system. Each keyworker has special responsibilities for a few children. You will know the name of your child's keyworker from the beginning of your involvement at Stepping Stones. Each of our keyworkers is responsible for maintaining development records of their children, by observing, keeping records, monitoring the child's progress and providing play plans. Our keyworker system enables us to ensure a planned curriculum tailored to the needs of each individual child. During their time at Stepping Stones all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace.