{"id":25,"date":"2022-01-18T20:18:58","date_gmt":"2022-01-18T20:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2026-03-23T21:59:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T21:59:54","slug":"general-info","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/?page_id=25","title":{"rendered":"Admissions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/IMG_5355-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/IMG_5355-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/IMG_5355-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/IMG_5355-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/IMG_5355-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/IMG_5355-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/IMG_5355-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">If you would like to visit us, meet our staff and see how we run our preschool 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. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><strong>Settling<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can offer shorter settling in sessions before your child officially starts at playgroup if you feel this is necessary. They are charged at our current hourly rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><strong>Registration Form<\/strong>: At your child&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:10px;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:1px solid transparent;border-bottom:1px solid transparent;border-left:1px solid transparent;background:#ffffff;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;border-left:2px solid #eeeeee;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:#ffffff;font-size:18px;line-height:24px;color:#444444;padding-top:14px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:14px;padding-left:16px;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#444444;background:#ffffff;border-top:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-right:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-bottom:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-left:2px solid #d4d4d4;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#444444;background:#ffffff;border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;border-left:2px solid #0e9cd1;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#444444;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:1px solid transparent;border-bottom:1px solid transparent;border-left:1px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;border-left:2px solid #eeeeee;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-right:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-bottom:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-left:2px solid #d4d4d4;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;border-left:2px solid #0e9cd1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:10px;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:1px solid transparent;border-bottom:1px solid transparent;border-left:1px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;border-left:2px solid #eeeeee;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-right:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-bottom:1px solid #d4d4d4;border-left:2px solid #d4d4d4;}.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;border-right:1px solid #eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #eeeeee;border-left:2px solid #0e9cd1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id25_277bea-74 kt-accordion-has-5-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane25_43840a-37\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Operating Hours<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">Stepping Stones Preschool is a term time only setting. We operate 38 weeks of the year between the hours of <strong>8.30am and 3.00pm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">We offer the following sessions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Morning<\/strong><\/td><td>8.30 or 9.00am &#8211; 12pm (please include a healthy snack)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Afternoon<\/strong><\/td><td>12pm &#8211; 3.00pm (please include a packed lunch)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Full Day<\/strong><\/td><td>8.30 or 9.00am &#8211; 3.00pm (please include a snack and packed lunch)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane25_f54bd7-35\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Term Dates<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">Please note that our setting is usually open during Stoberry Park school inset days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"973\" height=\"589\" src=\"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Termdates-2025-2026-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Termdates-2025-2026-1.jpg 973w, https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Termdates-2025-2026-1-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Termdates-2025-2026-1-768x465.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 973px) 100vw, 973px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-2 kt-pane25_39633f-87\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Fees<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">Our preschool 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 and staying competitive, whilst reflecting sustainable operating costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">Prices are correct as of April 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u00a37.85 <\/strong>per hour for 2 year olds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u00a35.95<\/strong> per hour for 3 and 4 year olds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">Please do always come and talk to the Preschool Leader if you have any concerns about payment. We would always work with you to resolve any difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will receive a copy of our Fees Policy. It is essential that you read this before signing your Fees Agreement letter in your Welcome Pack.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-4 kt-pane25_bbca35-18\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Government Funding<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check what help you could get with childcare costs using the government <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/eligibility-checker\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/eligibility-checker\">eligibility checker<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\"><strong>2 year olds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/\">Best Start in life<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Currently, families in receipt of <em>Early Learning for 2 Year Olds<\/em> can access 15 hours a week of funded childcare if they are in receipt of income support benefits, such as Universal Credit. More information <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/15-and-30-hours-support\/additional-support\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/15-and-30-hours-support\/additional-support\">here<\/a>. You apply via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.somerset.gov.uk\/children-families-and-education\/early-years-and-childcare\/supported-families-funding-for-2-year-olds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Somerset Council<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government extended entitlement offer, where <em>working parents<\/em> of eligible two-year-olds can apply for up to 30 hours a week of funded care and education places is now also available. Parents can apply via\u202fthe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/free-childcare-if-working\/apply-for-free-childcare-if-youre-working\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/free-childcare-if-working\/apply-for-free-childcare-if-youre-working\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gov.UK<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3 and 4 year olds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/15-and-30-hours-support\/universal-offer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/15-and-30-hours-support\/universal-offer\">Universal Offer<\/a>: all 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for <strong>15 hours<\/strong> of early years funding a week (total of 570 hours a year), up to 38 weeks per year beginning the term after your child\u2019s third&nbsp;birthday. Further information can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.somerset.gov.uk\/education-and-families\/early-years-entitlement-information-for-providers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Somerset Council website<\/a>. All parents of children aged three to four can access this 15 hours of funded childcare, it doesn&#8217;t matter how much you earn or how many hours you work. Stepping Stones will apply for the funding for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Working families<\/em>\u202fof children aged three to four in England are currently entitled to an additional 15 hours (total of\u202f30 hours) funded childcare\u202fa week. Eligibility depends on whether you\u2019re working, your income, your child\u2019s age and circumstances and your immigration status. Parents can apply via\u202fthe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/get-free-childcare-if-youre-working\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gov.UK<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Other types of support to consider:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/universal-credit-childcare\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/universal-credit-childcare\">Universal Credit for childcare<\/a><\/strong>: working families claiming Universal Credit with children under 17 can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help-with-childcare-costs\/support-while-you-study\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help-with-childcare-costs\/support-while-you-study\">Support while you study<\/a><\/strong>: weekly payments or a grant if you are at school, sixth form, higher or further education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/tax-free-childcare\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.beststartinlife.gov.uk\/childcare-early-years-education\/tax-free-childcare\">Tax-Free Childcare<\/a><\/strong>: Stepping Stones are signed up to the tax-free childcare scheme and can support parents and carers to claim this benefit. The scheme is for working families (including the self employed) in the UK, for every \u00a38 you pay into an online account, the government will pay an extra \u00a32, up to \u00a32000 per child per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out more on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childcarechoices.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best Start in Life<\/a> website.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you would like to visit us, meet our staff and see how we run our preschool 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. If we have no current spaces, we operate a waiting list.<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/?page_id=25\" class=\"more-link\">Continue Reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Admissions&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-full.php","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=25"}],"version-history":[{"count":90,"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1006,"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25\/revisions\/1006"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/steppingstoneswells.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=25"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}