Noah's Ark Pre-school has never charged for additional services or costs associated with a child's funded hours. Any such costs were absorbed by us as government funding does not reflect the true cost of early years provision.
Unfortunately, it is now necessary to ask for contributions to cover the cost of our high staff ratios,
training & research, snacks & other consumables that will enable us to continue
to give your child an outstanding start on their learning journey.
We ask for a voluntary contribution of £6 per session (paid monthly by standing order)
Please be assured that all payments will be voluntary and we will not discriminate against those families
unable to contribute. Please speak to a member of staff.
Our fees for nonfunded hours from September will be £7.66/hour
(this is in line with 2 year old funding rates - older children are funded at just £5.84/hr)
Please check your funding entitlement https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/
Morning or afternoon sessions for under £23.00! Lunch cover just £3.83!
Starting Age from Two & a Half
Though the government now provides funding for some children from 9 months we believe that they are not developmentally or emotionally ready to leave you until around 30 months. That is when we will offer your child a place in pre-school.
Full Day 9am - 3.30pm
There is no rush to build up your child's time in pre-school - they will be in education until they are 18! So we only usually offer full days in the year before they start in Reception.
Funded Hours
Funded hours are free at the point of delivery and have no strings attached.
All children are entitled to 15 funded hours of childcare & education from the term after they turn 3 years old. Families on certain benefits may also be informed that they too are entitled to up to 15 hours the term after their child is 2 years old.
Working families may be able to access up to 30 funded hours from the term after their child turns 2 years old.
https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/
'Those who need us most'
We can offer up to 15 hours of early learning each week for families in England who get extra support, like those on Universal Credit or children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan.
Early years education can help little ones make friends and play, developing their social and practical skills in a safe place that works alongside what you do at home. This early start can set your child up for a lifetime of learning and success.
You will need your funding code to secure a place.
Check here if you think you are eligible
Other settings are available locally and may be able to offer a range of funded places
Charged Hours
Our rate for paid places is
£7.66 per hour
We cannot always guarantee to be able to offer funded places
If your child is currently attending Noah's Ark you will still be entitled to your funded place in September 2026
Extra charges associated with all places
Any hours taken over and above your funded entitlement will be charged at our current rate.
We also ask for a voluntary
contribution of £6.00 per session
Charge for late collection £10
please try to be on time
to pick up your child as it can also
cause upset & anxiety for them
Snacks & drinks
We provide self service snack throughout the sessions.
Children are encouraged to be independent, making healthy choices, pouring their own drinks, eating whole fruits or chopping their own. They are also learning to be aware of the needs of others & be good role models.
We offer a choice of fruit or cereal every day and sometimes toast, cheese & crackers or occasional seasonal 'treats' such as pancakes or hot cross buns.
We can provide for all children's dietary requirements and are allergy aware.
All staff have level 3 paediatric first aid training which covers choking & anaphylaxis
Lunch time
Some children stay all day or just for lunch at the end of their morning session.
We ensure that children are supervised at snack & mealtimes and that children are within sight and hearing of a member of staff
We all eat our packed lunch together, chatting with friends and sharing what we have been doing during the morning.
We encourage parents to pack a healthy lunch but not to overwhelm their child with quantity or choice
Meat and dairy products begin to deteriorate once removed from the refrigerator and should be kept below 5 degrees. Therefore if your child stays for lunch we recommend that you place a cool block/icepack inside their lunchbox.
Please do not include any products containing nuts.
Nappies & wipes
Please provide nappies, wipes and spare clothes. There will be accidents especially when toilet training so please send your child with plenty of extras.
Other services & support
We try to provide a listening ear, support you with behaviour, speech & language worries, SEND, safeguarding and Early Help for both children & families. Please ask!