St Paul’s Pre-school Ltd
Conditions of Acceptance
The following Conditions of Acceptance apply to children attending St Paul’s Preschool. They are designed to help the preschool run safely, smoothly and fairly for all children, families and staff.
By accepting a place at St Paul’s Preschool, parents and carers agree to follow these conditions and to work in partnership with the preschool team.
1. Admission and registration
A child’s place at St Paul’s Preschool is confirmed once the registration process has been completed and the preschool has agreed the child’s sessions, start date and any relevant funding arrangements.
Parents and carers must provide accurate information when registering their child. This includes contact details, emergency contacts, medical information, allergy details and collection arrangements.
The preschool must be informed promptly of any changes to this information.
2. Settling in
Every child settles into preschool in their own way. St Paul’s Preschool will work with parents and carers to help each child feel safe, reassured and confident.
Settling-in arrangements may vary depending on the needs of the child. If a child becomes very distressed, staff may contact the parent or carer and ask them to return if necessary.
Parents are encouraged to speak with staff if they have any concerns about how their child is settling.
3. Attendance and session times
Parents and carers are expected to bring children to preschool on time and collect them promptly at the end of their session.
Arriving late or collecting late can unsettle children and affect the smooth running of the preschool. If a parent or carer is delayed, they should contact the preschool as soon as possible.
Current session times and attendance arrangements will be confirmed directly by St Paul’s Preschool.
4. Fees and payment
Fees are payable according to the payment arrangements agreed with St Paul’s Preschool. Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring fees are paid on time.
Where a child receives funded childcare, parents and carers must provide all required funding information, eligibility codes and signed declarations when requested.
Fees may still be payable during periods of absence unless otherwise agreed with the preschool. Parents should speak with the preschool manager if there are any concerns about payment.
5. Government funding
St Paul’s Preschool accepts eligible government childcare funding where applicable.
Parents and carers are responsible for providing the correct information and keeping eligibility details up to date. Funded places are subject to government rules, local authority requirements and preschool availability.
If eligibility changes or funding cannot be confirmed, parents may become responsible for any applicable fees.
6. Late collection
Children must be collected promptly at the end of their session. Where parents or carers are late Children must be collected promptly at the end of their agreed session.
If a child is collected late, St Paul’s Preschool may apply a late collection charge. This helps cover additional staffing and supervision costs.
Late collection charges and procedures will be confirmed by the preschool and may be reviewed from time to time.
7. Collection arrangements and safeguarding
Parents and carers must inform St Paul’s Preschool who is authorised to collect their child.
If someone different will be collecting the child, the preschool must be told in advance. The person collecting may be required to provide the agreed password or other identification before the child is released.
For safeguarding reasons, children will only be released to a known parent, carer or authorised person. Staff will not allow a child to leave with anyone if they are unsure that collection has been properly authorised.
8. Illness and exclusion
Children should not attend preschool if they are unwell or unable to take part in normal preschool activities.
Parents and carers must keep children at home if they have symptoms that may affect other children or staff. In cases of sickness or diarrhoea, children must usually remain away from preschool for at least 48 hours after the final episode.
If a child becomes unwell during the session, staff may contact the parent or carer and ask for the child to be collected.
9. Medical information and medication
Parents and carers must tell St Paul’s Preschool about any medical condition, allergy, dietary need, health concern or medication requirement.
Medication can only be administered where the correct procedures have been followed and suitable written permission has been provided.
Where a child has ongoing medical needs, staff and parents will discuss appropriate arrangements before or during attendance to help keep the child safe and well supported.
10. Clothing and personal belongings
Children should come to preschool in practical clothing suitable for play, outdoor activities, painting, craft and other hands-on learning experiences.
Parents and carers should provide suitable outdoor clothing, footwear and seasonal items such as coats, hats, wellington boots and sun protection where appropriate.
All clothing, bags, bottles and personal belongings should be clearly labelled.
11. Outdoor play
Outdoor play is an important part of early years learning. St Paul’s Preschool encourages children to enjoy outdoor activities as part of the preschool routine.
Parents and carers should ensure children have suitable clothing for the weather so they can take part comfortably and safely.
12. Partnership with parents
St Paul’s Preschool values strong relationships with parents and carers.
Parents are children’s first educators, and we believe children benefit most when families and preschool staff work together. Parents are encouraged to share relevant information, ask questions and discuss any concerns with staff.
Open communication helps us support each child’s learning, confidence and well-being.
13. Learning records and information sharing
St Paul’s Preschool records children’s learning and development to help staff plan suitable activities, monitor progress and support each child’s next steps.
Relevant information may be shared with parents, carers and appropriate professionals where necessary and in line with the preschool’s policies and legal responsibilities.
14. Policies and procedures
Parents and carers agree to follow the preschool’s policies and procedures. These may include policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, illness, behaviour, collection, confidentiality, complaints, fees and data protection.
Policies are reviewed regularly and form part of the expectations for all families attending St Paul’s Preschool.
15. Changes to sessions, fees or procedures
St Paul’s Preschool reserves the right to make reasonable changes to sessions, fees, policies or procedures where needed for operational, legal, staffing, funding or safeguarding reasons.
Parents and carers will be informed of significant changes where appropriate.
16. Withdrawal of a place
St Paul’s Preschool reserves the right to review or withdraw a child’s place where necessary. This may include situations where:
- Fees remain unpaid without agreement
- Required information has not been provided
- Collection arrangements place a child at risk
- Parents or carers repeatedly fail to follow key procedures
- The preschool is unable to meet a child’s needs without further support or agreed arrangements
- Behaviour from adults towards staff, children or other families is inappropriate or unsafe
Where possible, the preschool will aim to resolve concerns through discussion before any final decision is made.
17. Acceptance of terms
By accepting a place at St Paul’s Preschool, parents and carers confirm that they have read, understood and accepted these Conditions of Acceptance.
These conditions help us provide a safe, caring and well-managed preschool environment for every child.