Admissions

Eligibility

Children are eligible to join Little Bears from the start of term after they turn 2 years old and can remain with us until they start primary school.

Sessions

We run sessions Monday to Friday, 9am – 12pm and 12pm – 3pm. Children are welcome to attend any combination of sessions, subject to availability. We require children to attend a minimum of 2 sessions per week or 5 once they are entitled to funding.

Registration

Early registration is advisable. Our supervisor is always happy to discuss individual needs as well as organising settling in sessions for your child once a place is confirmed.

Contact Us

Fees

For children who are not eligible for government funding, our fees are £18.50 per 3-hour session.

All fees are invoiced termly, in advance.

15 Hours Free for 3 and 4-Year-Olds

All 3 to 4-year-olds can get 15 hours of free childcare per week, starting from the term after their 3rd birthday. You do not need to apply for this - we will handle the arrangements when you register your child with us.

30 Hours Free for 2, 3 and 4-Year-Olds

Eligible working parents can get 30 hours of free childcare, through the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme.

• Check if you are eligible
• Apply for an eligibility code

You must provide us with your eligibility code before the start of the term.

Codes need to be renewed every 3 months.

Funding for 2-Year-Olds on Additional Support

Your 2-year-old can get funded early learning if you live in England and get any of the following benefits:

• Income support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit - if your household income is less than £15,400 a year after tax (not including benefit payments)
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

A child can also get free early education and childcare if any of the following apply:

• They’re looked after by a local council
• They have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• They get Disability Living Allowance
• They’ve left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order

A child can also get free early education funding if you’re a non-UK citizen who cannot claim benefits.

See Free early education for 2 year olds on additional forms of support for more information.

If you are entitled to this funding, please contact us so that we can confirm your eligibility and we will ask you to complete a Parental Declaration Form.