Admissions

If you would like to visit us during a session time, meet our staff and see how we run our playgroup then please contact us and we can arrange a suitable date. If you wish to apply for your child, we ask that you complete an application form:

Application Form 2024

If we have no current spaces, we operate a waiting list. This list is arranged in age order so priority will be given to those children starting school first. Once your child has been offered a space, we require a £25 registration fee.

Settling: We understand that it takes children different amounts of time to settle, so please feel free to stay until they feel secure about you leaving. Our staff are always available to help and support you and your child.

Registration Form: At your child’s first session we will receive a Welcome Pack that includes a registration form. We ask that you complete and return to us as quickly as possible as it will contain important contact information and details of any medical issues or allergies that your child may have. We will check this information regularly to stay up to date.

Stepping Stones Playgroup is a term time only setting. We operate 38 weeks of the year between the hours of 8.30am and 3.00pm.

We offer the following sessions:

Morning	8.30 or 9.00am – 12pm (please include a healthy snack)
Afternoon	12pm – 3.00pm (please include a packed lunch)
Full Day	8.30 or 9.00am – 3.00pm (please include a snack and packed lunch)

Term-Dates-2024-2025 Download

Please note that our setting opens as usual during Stoberry Park school inset days.

Our playgroup operates a different fee structure for different age groups. These are reviewed on an annual basis by the Committee with the aim of keeping our fees as affordable as possible, staying competitive but reflecting sustainable operating costs.

Prices are correct as of April 2024:

£6.00 per hour for 2 year olds
£5.25 per hour for 3 and 4 year olds

We will send invoices by email at the beginning of each half term for that period. We ask that they are paid within 7 days of receiving please. Unfortunately fees are non refundable when a child is unwell or on holiday.

Please do always come and talk to the Playgroup Leader if you have any concerns about payment. We would always work with you to resolve any difficulties.

Below is a copy of our Fees Policy, correct as of September 2024. It is essential that you read this before signing your Fees Agreement letter in your Welcome Pack.

10. 13 Fees Policy Download

Check what help you could get with childcare costs using the government calculator.

2 year olds:

We are an approved provider for 2 year old funded places. Further details on all funding options, as well as eligibility criteria, can be found on the Childcare Choices website.

Currently, supported families of two-year-olds can access 15 hours a week of free childcare if they are in receipt of income support benefits, such as Universal Credit, and earn less than £15,400 a year. Parents can apply via the Somerset Council website

The new government extended entitlement offer, where working parents of eligible two-year-olds can now apply for 15 hours a week of funded care and education places is now also available. Parents can apply via the Gov.UK website.

3 and 4 year olds:

All 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for 15 hours of early years funding a week (total of 570 hours a year), up to 38 weeks per year beginning the term after your child’s third birthday. Further information can be found on the Somerset County Council website. All parents of children aged three to four can access this 15 hours of free childcare, it doesn’t matter how much you earn or how many hours you work. Stepping Stones will apply for the funding for you.

Working parents or carers of children aged three to four in England are currently entitled to 30 hours free childcare a week. Eligibility depends on whether you’re working, your income, your child’s age and circumstances and your immigration status. Parents can apply via the Gov.UK website.

Other types of support to consider

Universal Credit for childcare:

Working families claiming Universal Credit can receive even more financial help with their childcare costs.

Support while you study:

Weekly payments or grant if you are at school, sixth form, higher or further education.

Tax-Free Childcare:

Stepping Stones are signed up to the tax-free childcare scheme (which replaced the Childcare Voucher Scheme in October 2018), and will support parents and carers to claim this benefit. The scheme is for working families (including the self employed) in the UK, for every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will pay an extra £2, up to £2000 per child per year.

Find out more on the Childcare Choices website.