Eastchurch CEP Pre-School

Sessions On Offer

To meet the needs of our families we have a range of options available. For those children who are entitled to 15 hours of funded education the main options are as follows:

• 5 morning sessions from Monday to Friday (8.30am to 11.30am)
• 5 afternoon sessions from Monday to Friday (12.30pm to 3.30pm)

However we are able to offer a "pick and mix" option that suits your needs. Just give us a call.

With the introduction of 30 hours of free education, we also offer full time, Monday to Friday (8.30am to 3.30pm). This option includes the lunchtime session for which there is no additional charge. 

For those not eligible for 30 hours there is the option to purchase 'top-up' sessions, which are above and beyond the Universal 15 hours. 

‘15 Hour’ Nursery Provision (Universal)

All three and four year old children are entitled to 15 hours of funded Nursery education each week, from the term following their third birthday. Parents do not need to apply for funding, the school will do this on their behalf.

Rising 3’s Provision

Under the National Childcare Scheme FF2, parents who are in receipt of selected benefits may be eligible for ‘Rising 3’ funding. This allows a child to join the preschool for 15 hours per week, the term OF their third birthday rather than the term AFTER their third birthday. Parents must apply for this funding via www.kent.gov.uk/freefor2 If you think this could be you, please give us a call and we can discuss a bespoke package for your child and your needs.

’30 Hour’ Childcare Provision (Extended)

Eligible parents are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week. To meet the requirements for this funding:

• Both parents must be working (or the sole parent in a lone parent family is working)

• Each parent must earn, on average, a weekly minimum equivalent to 16 hours (National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage) and less than £100k a year.

Parents must apply for this funding via kent.gov.uk/freechildcare

Children will not be able to access the extended 15 hours of childcare on top of the universal 15 hours of "Nursery" funding, until parents receive an 11 digit code confirming they are entitled to the ’30 hour’ provision.

We have a number of ’30 hour’ spaces available. They run from 8.30am to 3.30pm and are allocated using the school's admissions criteria.

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If Eastchurch School and preschool is over-subscribed, applications for entry will be ranked according to the following criteria:

1. a) Looked after and previously looked after children
2. b) A child with an Educational Health Care Plan
3. c) Children who have siblings attending the main School/Nursery when they join
4. d) Nearness of children’s homes/ease of access to the School (‘as the crow flies’)

Admissions Criteria for ‘Rising 3’ Children

Children that are eligible for FF2 funding will be entitled to 15 hours of Nursery education and will be admitted on/after their third birthday. Where there are more applications than places available, children who are entitled to Free for Two will be ranked according to the following criteria:

1. a) Looked after and previously looked after children
2. b) Exceptional social/medical need
3. c) Children who will have a sibling attending the main school at the time of admission
4. d) Nearness of children’s homes/ease of access to the School (‘as the crow flies’)

Once FF2 children are placed on roll in the Nursery, they will be automatically entitled to take up a three year old place, which begins the term after their third birthday.

Procedure for Admission

We will endeavor to inform applicants of the outcome of their application by letter, at least a term before admission. We will only allocate Nursery sessions once it has been determined that a place can be offered in accordance with the admission criteria. If an applicant is offered a place they must confirm acceptance directly with the school by the date stipulated in their offer letter.

Please note, admission to does not guarantee admission to the Reception class. Applications for Reception must be made on a separate application and submitted to Kent County Council by the statutory deadline in order to be considered.

Right to Withdraw a Place

After a place has been offered the Nursery reserves the right to withdraw the place in the following circumstances:

• When a parent has failed to respond to an offer within a reasonable time

• When a parent has failed to notify the school of important changes to the application information

• The admission authority offered the place on the basis of a fraudulent or intentionally misleading application from a parent

• When a parent fails to provide a copy of their child’s birth certificate/passport

• If a child does not attend their allocated Nursery session for 2 consecutive weeks (10 school days), unless previously agreed with the Nursery.