FAQ
At what age does the pre-school accept children?
We accept children from the age of 2.5
Are you open all year round?
We are a term-time pre-school. Click (here) for our term calendar.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday to Friday
Morning session 9.30am – 12.30pm
Optional lunch club 12.30pm – 1pm
Tuesday to Thursday
Afternoon session 1pm – 4pm
What is the minimum number of sessions my child can attend?
For 2.5 -3 years old:
Three mornings or three afternoons a week.
For 3-5 years old:
5 sessions (morning or/and afternoon or 3 full days)
Can my child start attending halfway through a school term?
Yes, depending on our occupancy.
Do you accept short term enrolments?
Depending on our occupancy, we can accommodate short term arrangements with prior knowledge.
Do children play outside every day?
Outdoor play is a very important element in a child’s development, so yes, children spend time outside every day regardless of the weather. When the weather permits, we operate a free flow between classroom and the garden.
Can my child start attending halfway through a school term?
Yes, depending on our occupancy.
For how long can my child stay at Seedlings Montessori?
We accept children between the age of 2.5 – 5years old. If you choose to delay Reception for your child, they can stay with us until they are 5 years old.
What time is lunch?
Lunch is between 12.30pm – 1pm
Can my child stay for lunch if they only attend morning sessions?
Yes, you can choose to add lunch club to your child’s morning session and collect your child at 1pm instead of 12.30pm, for a £6.00 charge per club.
Does your pre-school provide lunch?
Catered lunch is not offered. Parents send a packed lunch (nut free). We encourage that lunch is sugar free and healthy.
What snack do you provide during the day?
Snack consists of fresh milk, fruits, vegetables and toast or rice/corn cakes. Children often participate in its preparation. Filtered water is provided at all times.
Occasionally the children cook with their teachers and they enjoy eating the food that they have prepared with so much love and enjoyment.
What if my child has allergies?
We cater to all allergies with prior knowledge.
Can my child have nap at pre-school?
Seedlings Montessori does not have a specified sleeping area or nap time. The children who spend full day session at pre-school have dropped their naps and are busy during the day with varied activities, resources and some extracurricular sessions. However, if a child is feeling tired and could benefit from a short rest, we prepare a makeshift resting arrangement in the book corner with cushions and a blanket.
Does my child need to be potty trained in order to attend?
No, they do not need to be potty trained prior to starting with us. We are a Montessori setting and believe each child follows their own pace and each family chooses what works best for them. When your child is ready, we would work in partnership to support you through this very important transition, offering advice on the readiness of your child as well as dedicating our attention congruently till we achieve independence in the self-care and potty training of your child.
Do you offer any government grants?
We offer the following grants:
– 15 hours per week grant for 3-4 years old children – universal for all parents
This is available if your child is aged between 3 and 4 years and is applicable from the term after their third birthday. The current government funding is for 15 hours per week. Seedlings Montessori will make the application on your behalf and the amount will be deducted from the term fee in advance.
– 30 hours per week grant for 3-4 years old children – for working parents.
This grant provides an additional 15 hours (30 hours in total) and it is means-tested. Information about it, including how to apply, can be found at https://www.gov.uk/get-free-childcare-if-youre-working
Please visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ to see what other help you might be able to get with your childcare costs.
How can I apply for a place for my child?
We encourage you to please book an appointment to come and visit our pre-school here: (link)
If you prefer you can place your child’s name on our waiting list by completing our registration form here: (Registration form link)