What are your opening times?

We are open five days a week, term times only, from Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 3.30pm and on Friday from 9.00am to 12.00pm (1.00pm if staying for Lunch Club). We are closed during bank holidays and half terms.

What is the staff-to-child ratio?

At Parkside Pre-school, we always have a staff-to-child ratio that, as a minimum, adheres to current regulations:

• For children between two to three years of age, it is one adult to four children

• For children aged three and above, it is one adult to eight children.

What qualifications do your staff have?

All our staff have Enhanced DBS clearance and Practitioners hold a minimum of Level 3 in Childcare and a Certificate in Paediatric First Aid.

Do you allow mobile phones in the rooms?

We do not allow personal mobile phones in any of our rooms; all staff must leave their phones in the office when they arrive for work.  Parents/carers must not use their mobile phones when in the building.

If I am delayed picking up my child what happens?

Please contact the pre-school immediately if you are going to arrive late for pick-up. If you have not informed us that you are going to be late and we are unable to contact you or your emergency contacts, we will follow our Uncollected Child Procedure.  There will be a charge of £3 for each 5 minute period after finishing time, if you are late on a second or subsequent occasions without an adequate reason.

How do I pay fees?

You will be invoiced at the start of each half term and can pay fees by BACS or cheque. Any late payments will put your child at risk of losing his/her place.  Exceptionally, arrangements can be made to pay weekly in advance.  See our Pricing Policy  for further details.

Can I get help with childcare costs?

From the term following your child’s third birthday he/she will be eligible for 15 hours of funded education or, for working families, this could be 30 hours.  Many two-year-olds will also be eligible for either 15 or 30 hours of funding, where certain criteria are met.  Working families may also be eligible for Tax-free Childcare.  Information can be found on https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

How do I apply for a place?

You will need to complete an Application to Join the Waiting List  or contact us by phone (Tel: 020 3609 7557). 

Are you part of Parkside Primary School?

No.  We rent our premises from the school but are a charity, managed by trustees who are nominated by our parents.  We have a close working relationship with the school and many of our children move on to their Nursery and some of these children, and others from the Nursery, attend the Pre-school for afternoon sessions in order to access their 30-hour entitlement.