Key information
At First Steps we are committed in helping children from 9 months – 5 years in developing their skills. We have a team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff and an excellent reputation built up over the years for working in partnership with parents, children and their families.
Hours & Offers
Opening times:
We offer the following types of care between the following times:
Full day care, 1/2 day care, morning care and afternoon care.
We provide care and education for young children between the ages of 9 months to 5 years.
Snack:
All funding accepted and it’s totally FREE!
First Step is a wonderful preschool which offers completely free places for those parents accessing the 15 hours to 30 hours entitlements. We are open term time only and so there are no additional charges. They are all completely FREE.
We offer completely flexible timings so that you can use the 15-30 hours you have received without having to pay for any top ups.
Fees:
| Funding Type | Fees/Charges |
|---|---|
|
30 hours 3 years old funding |
£0 |
|
15 hours 3 years old funding |
£0 |
|
30 hours 2 years old funding |
£0 |
|
15 hours 2 years old funding |
£0 |
Hours:
| Days and Time | Number of hours | Fees/Charges |
|---|---|---|
|
Monday-Friday 8.30am-11.30am |
15 |
£0 |
|
Monday to Friday 12pm-3pm |
15 |
£0 |
|
Monday to Friday 9am-3pm |
30 |
£0 |
|
Monday to Friday 8.30am-2.30pm |
30 |
£0 |
|
Monday to Wednesday 8.30am-1.30pm |
15 |
£0 |
|
Wednesday- Friday 8.30am-1.30pm |
15 |
£0 |
These are just examples we can offer many alternatives if these hours do not suit you. Please provide a snack of a piece of fruit for morning and/or afternoon, also provide a healthy packed lunch if your child is with us over lunchtime. There are no additional charges for staff sitting with the children for lunch it is FREE.
Additional activities included in all funded hours – Free
In addition to the everyday curriculum that all education settings must provide, we also include the following activities at no extra cost and for ALL children.
- Forest Schools- in the local park once a week in small groups
- Yoga- on a daily basis led by one of our team
- Let’s talk together – a communication package that helps to support all children
- Visits to the library
- Visits to the local shops
- Walks to the park and local swimming pool
- In the summer term walks to the local schools to prepare children who are moving on.
For those families unable to access any of the funding, the following charges apply:
We offer flexible hours and prices to meet the needs of all families. Please call us for an individual quote.
What we can offer*:
- Flexible hours between 8:30am and 3:00pm
- Have hours for 2 days – 5 days
- Sibling discounts
*Terms and conditions apply
Fees and Additional Hours
At First Step Playgroup, we aim to make our fees as clear and straightforward as possible.
The charges below apply to fee-paying sessions and additional hours that are not covered by your child’s funded entitlement.
Children aged 9 months to 2 years
Half-day session – 3 hours: £43
Full-day session – 6 hours: £84
Additional hours booked in advance: £15 per hour
Additional hours not booked in advance: £16 per hour
Children aged 2 years
Half-day session – 3 hours: £30
Full-day session – 6 hours: £57
Additional hours booked in advance: £14 per hour
Additional hours not booked in advance: £15 per hour
Children aged 3 years and over
Half-day session – 3 hours: £27
Full-day session – 6 hours: £50
Additional hours booked in advance: £13 per hour
Additional hours not booked in advance: £14 per hour
What does “booked in advance” mean?
To receive the lower additional-hours rate, the extra hours must be requested with at least 48 hours’ notice.
Weekends and holiday periods are not included when calculating the 48-hour notice period.
Extra hours requested with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged at the higher rate and will be subject to availability.
When will my child’s fee rate change?
Your child’s fee rate does not change immediately on their birthday.
The new age-related rate will apply from the start of the following funding term, in line with the funding arrangements used by the London Borough of Hounslow.
For example:
If your child turns 3 in September, their 3-year-old rate will begin from January, rather than from the date of their birthday.
Please speak to a member of the First Step Playgroup team if you are unsure which rate applies to your child or would like to book additional hours.
30 hours entitlement
15 hours 2 year old working parents