Admissions

At Flutterbies we care for children ages 2-5 years old.

The numbers and ages of children admitted to the setting comply with the legal space requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

We use the following admission criteria, which is applied in the following order of priority:

• Currently looked after children
• A child known by the local authority to have special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND) and whose needs can be best met at the preferred setting
• A vulnerable child with either a Child Protection or a Child in Need Plan, or in receipt of other local authority support 
• Children who have siblings who are already with us
• Children whose parents live within the area.

We operate an inclusion and equality policy and ensure that all children have access to places and services irrespective of their gender, race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation of parents.

​Prior to a child attending the setting, parents must complete and sign a registration form. These forms provide the setting with personal details relating to the child. For example, name, date of birth, address, emergency contact details, parental responsibilities, dietary requirements, collection arrangements, fees and sessions, contact details for parents, doctor’s contact details, health visitor contact details, allergies, parental consent and vaccinations etc.

Funded Childcare 15 & 30 Hours

15 Hours Funded Childcare

All 3 and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to up to 15 hours of funded early education per week, for 38 weeks of the year, from the term following their third birthday until they start school.

There is no income or employment test for the universal 15-hour entitlement.

Some 2-year-olds may also be entitled to 15 funded hours if they meet certain eligibility criteria, including where the child or family receives certain forms of additional support.

Eligibility may include families receiving Universal Credit below the relevant income threshold, children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or Disability Living Allowance, and children who have left care through adoption, special guardianship or a child arrangements order.

For the most up-to-date eligibility information, please check the Government's guidance.

30 Hours Funded Childcare

Eligible working parents can receive up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks of the year.

The 30-hour entitlement is available from the term after your child turns 9 months old until they start school, provided the eligibility criteria are met.

Generally, parents must:

• Be working, starting work, or meet one of the Government's other qualifying circumstances.
• Meet the minimum earnings requirement.
• Have a National Insurance number.
• Neither parent must expect to have an adjusted net income of more than £100,000 in the current tax year.
• Meet the relevant residence/immigration requirements.

The minimum earnings requirement depends on your age and circumstances. The Government currently bases this on earning the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week at the relevant National Minimum or Living Wage. 

Eligibility can be checked here https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/check-youre-eligible

Applying for Funded Childcare

Parents must apply through the Government's online childcare service: GOV.UK – Free Childcare for Working Parents

You will need to set up a childcare account and provide information such as:

• Your National Insurance number (or Unique Taxpayer Reference if self-employed)
• Your employment details
• Your expected income
• Your partner's details, where applicable
• Your child's details

If you are eligible, you will receive an 11-digit eligibility code.

We will ask you to provide us with the following items (we will give you the forms to complete):

• Your National Insurance number
• Completed registration form
• 11-digit eligability code
• Completed Parental Statement of Undertaking (PSOU) form. See here for an example: https://resources.leicestershire.gov.uk/sites/resource/files/field/pdf/2019/3/18/example-yearly-PSOU-form-2019.pdf

We will then check your eligibility and confirm your funded place.

When Should I Apply?

We recommend applying as early as possible. For children becoming eligible for the 30-hour entitlement, the current application deadlines are:

• Child turns 9 months between 1 September – 31 December = Funding starts 1st January.
• Child turns 9 months between 1 January – 31 March = Funding starts 1st April.
• Child turns 9 months between 1 April – 31 August = Funding starts 1st September.

You can apply for the working-parent entitlement from 16 weeks before your child turns 9 months old.

Reconfirmation Requirements

If you receive the 30-hour working-parent entitlement, you must reconfirm your eligibility every 3 months through your Government childcare account.

HMRC will send you reminders when it is time to reconfirm.

You should:

• Sign in to your childcare account.
• Check that your circumstances and details are correct.
• Reconfirm your eligibility.

Provide your renewed 11-digit code to Flutterbies Preschool if requested.

You must reconfirm even if your child has not yet started using their funded hours.

If you do not reconfirm by the required date, your eligibility may lapse and you maybe be charged for your sessions.

Charging Policies

For parents/guardians paying for non-funded sessions. We accept cash, bank transfer or debit/credit card payments. We offer flexible payment arrangements including paying each day on drop off or collection, or paying weekly or monthly. The Pre-School Manager can agree a payment method and frequency that suits you.

We do not charge additional fees for snacks, drinks or resources provided to the child each day. These are included in your funded hours or session fee.

Childcare Options

We offer flexible days, and morning and afternoon sessions at both of our settings. Please discuss the days and sessions you require with the Preschool Manager upon registration. 

What Need To Provide

If your child is doing a full day, please send them with a healthy lunchbox. You can find ideas and guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/

Please send all children with drinking bottle containing water and suitable coat for outdoor play.

Complaints Procedure

Please raise any complaints with the Preschool Manager on drop off or collection. Complaints and feedback will be formally investigated and responded to within 24 hours. You can also use the Contact Us section of our website, or phone or text us.

Data Protection & GDPR

At Flutterbies Preschool, we take privacy seriously. We collect and use personal information only where necessary to provide childcare, education and support for your child, and to meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities.

We keep your information secure, do not sell your personal data, and only share it where legally required or with trusted organisations where necessary to provide our services.

We handle personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

If you have any questions about how we use your information, please contact us.