Snowdrop, Poppy and Sunflower

When our children reach 2 years 9 months, they move to the pre-school rooms. All rooms naturally progress in their approach to play as your child does but the ethos of learning through play is still strongly maintained.

Dimples is a print rich environment and all children from Bluebell to Sunflower will have been surrounded by labeling, good quality books, mark making resources and opportunities to refine their fine motor skills. All of the latter help to prepare your child and will help to develop the skills necessary for later reading and writing.

Although Ofsted state that there should be a minimum of one adult to every eight children in these rooms, we always plan to work with a ratio of 1:6 as this gives the children and staff a richer learning environment.

Funded Hours.

We are registered with the Department of Education and we offer the 15 free hours of education per week. Children are eligible the term after they have attained their third birthday if taken part of the full or half days. These free hours will reduce the fees for your child but the amount is dependant on how many days your child attends Dimples and how many hours you claim for. There is always an additional fee to pay as we provide meals and we are open in the holidays and your child may attend more than the 15 hours. Please ask for more details.

Minimum Attendance.

Children under the age of 2 years 9 months must attend for a minimum of one full day. Half days are not available. Children over 2 years 9 months must attend for a minimum of two half days. We do not offer half days to younger children as the children in these rooms sleep after lunch and the departure and arrival of children after lunch can effect their routines.

Uniform

All our staff wear a uniform depicting the Dimples logo, which allows for quick identification. These polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces and hats are also available in smaller sizes to fit our children. The uniform is not compulsory in the younger rooms but is worn by all children in our preschool rooms. The children go out to play in all weathers so we also stock padded all-in-one waterproof suits for the younger children and two piece waterproofs for the older children. All of these items are available to order from the office should you wish to purchase them for your child.