Preschool

At Chestnut Park, our Preschool is a joyful, nurturing start to school life. Children learn through purposeful play, rich language experiences, and plenty of outdoor adventure—guided by our HEART values (Honesty, Empathy, Appreciation, Respect, Trust). We work in close partnership with families so every child feels safe, seen, and excited to learn.

Who we are

• Qualified Early Years practitioners with a warm key-person approach

• EYFS curriculum woven through play, story, music, movement, and the outdoors

• Strong focus on early communication, oracy, and early maths

• Calming, well-organised spaces indoors and out, including continuous provision and small-group experiences

• Inclusive for all learners; we adapt provision for individual needs and celebrate every milestone

Session times (from age 2)

We offer flexible sessions with a minimum booking of 15 hours per week. Choose the pattern that fits your family:

• Extended Morning: 08:30 – 12:00

• Morning: 09:00 – 12:00

• Afternoon: 12:00 – 15:00

• Extended Afternoon: 12:00 – 15:30

• All Day: 09:00 – 15:00

• Extended All Day: 08:30 – 15:30

Examples to reach 15 hours:

• Five Mornings (Monday – Friday 09:00–12:00) = 15 hrs

• Three All-Day sessions (e.g., Monday/Wedesday/Friday 09:00–15:00) = 18 hrs

• Mix and match morning/afternoon plus Extended sessions to suit childcare and nap routines

After School Club (wraparound)

• 3–4-year-olds only: 15:30 – 17:15

Our team provides a friendly handover from Preschool sessions into After School Club. Places are subject to availability.

Food, rest and care

• Children staying over lunch (11:30–12:00) bring a healthy packed lunch or can order a hot school dinner.

• We are a nut-aware setting—please avoid nut products.

• We support toileting and self-care with dignity and encouragement; nappies/wipes welcome where needed.

• Quiet spaces are available for children who need a rest.

Inclusion and SEND

Every child belongs. We work closely with families and external professionals to tailor support plans, make reasonable adjustments, and ensure children with SEND thrive. Please let us know anything that helps us care for your child—medical needs, communication systems, sensory preferences, or routines.

Funding and fees

• We accept 15- and 30-hour government funding for eligible families.

• 2-year-old funding accepted where eligible.

• Additional/extended hours and After School Club are chargeable.

• We’ll confirm your funding code and the current fee schedule during enrolment.

Costs:
2-Year-Old 3-hour session: £25.50
2-Year-old 30-minute session: £4.25
3–4-Year-Old 3-hour session: £19.50
3-4-Year-old 30-minute session: £3.25

Lunch:
Children staying in the morning, or all day will either need to bring in a packed lunch (nut free) or purchase a school meal. Lunchtime is 11:30am – 12:00pm. The cost of a school meal is £2.80.

Childcare Choices

The Childcare Choices website explains how to apply for childcare support. Depending on your circumstances, you could be eligible for up to 30 hours of paid childcare per week.

Childcare Choices website 

The school is not able to check whether families are eligible as they need to enter personal information to find out. Please click the link below for the eligibility portal:

Early Years Funding | North Somerset Online Directory (n-somerset.gov.uk)

Uniform

To help children feel a real sense of belonging at Chestnut Park, we encourage preschool children to wear our school uniform, but this is not mandatory as long as clothing is practical and comfortable.

Our uniform consists of:

• Chestnut Park jumper or cardigan (with or without logo)

• Blue polo shirt (with or without logo)

• Black, grey or navy joggers/leggings/trousers or shorts

• Comfortable shoes/trainers that children can put on independently

Uniform items with the school logo can be ordered through our approved supplier. Children do not need to wear all logo items—plain alternatives are welcome for bottoms.

We ask that all clothing is clearly named and that children have spares in their bag in case of accidents or messy play.

What to bring

• Named water bottle, spare clothes (and nappies/wipes if used)

• Weather-ready items: coat, wellies, sun hat, sun cream (seasonal)

• Comforter if needed—we’ll keep it safe

Preschool Application Form

For families ready to apply for a place

The Preschool Application Form should be completed when you wish to formally apply for a nursery place for your child.

This form:

• Allows you to apply for a specific place and sessions

• Collects the detailed information we need to process applications

• Starts our admissions process

Submitting an application does not automatically confirm a place. All applications are considered in line with availability and our admissions criteria, and you will be contacted regarding the outcome.

Please complete this form only once you have been advised to apply or are ready to proceed.

Application Form

Ages 3–4: We are currently full and accepting applications for September 2027 onwards. All applications will be placed on a waiting list, and spaces cannot be guaranteed. 

Ages 2–3: Very limited availability remains for this academic year. Applications for September 2027 onwards are welcome, with a waiting list in place and spaces confirmed up to 6 weeks before start dates.

Documents

• Preschool Admissions Policy

Safeguarding and wellbeing

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Our DSL team and staff follow safer recruitment and the EYFS statutory framework. We prioritise children’s wellbeing, positive behaviour, and strong home–school communication.

Contact:

Chestnut Park School Office
T: 01275 337 440
E: office@chestnutparkschool.org.uk
Office hours: Monday–Friday, term time