Frequently asked questions

• When can my child start attending the group and how many sessions should they have?

  We take children from the age of 2 years. Please contact us to arrange a visit and discuss availability of days.We do not tell you how many sessions your child should have as we consider you as the child's primary carer and teacher. We will discuss this matter with you as each child is individual and what suits one will not suit another.

• Do you accept children who are not toilet trained?

  Yes - under Anti discriminatory regulations this can no longer be considered as a reason for not accepting a child into the group. We would request that whilst your child is toilet training a bag containing a change of clothing plus nappies and wipes is left on their coat peg.

• Do you supply drinks?

  Yes - Our milk bar is open from 9.15am to 10.30am when the children can have milk or water, and a healthy snack. Water is available throughout the morning.

• Do the children play outside?

  Yes - we have a a secure and beautiful outside area adjacent to the building and children play outside everyday.

• What clothing should my child wear?

  Children love to get messy with paint, play dough, glue, water etc so clothes that are not too new and are easily washable are best! Simple clothing that your child is able to manage themselves encourages independence and makes it easier for them when requiring the toilet - dungarees and trousers that have belts are too difficult for a child to remove when they need the toilet. Leggings or tracksuit bottoms are ideal. Long flowy skirts prevent children from taking part in physical activities e.g. using the climbing frame, riding a bike etc.

  For safety reasons jewellery should not be worn as it could get caught in equipment.

  Please ensure adequate outdoor clothing is provided and that clothing is labelled, particularly coats and hats as your child may recognise their own things at home but not at preschool, and so as to avoid upset with identical items.

  Suitable footwear should be worn - Shoes that do up with Velcro are easier for a child to put on and laces often come undone and cause a trip hazard. It is recommended that enclosed shoes are worn to protect toes. Crocs and flip flops are unsafe and should not be worn.

  During hot weather please ensure you apply sun cream to your child before they come to preschool and provide a (labelled) sun hat as we will make the most of the nice weather!

• When should my child not attend preschool?

  When a child is unwell, the best place for them to be is at home with an adult as they will be unable to cope with the mornings activities and if the illness is contagious it will put others at risk. If your child has suffered from a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting they should not attend the preschool for at least 48 hours after the last attack to prevent spread of the infection. In the case of contagious illnesses e.g. chickenpox, conjunctivitis etc, a child should not attend the preschool until they are no longer contagious.

  Please could you telephone to inform us if your child will not be attending due to illness.

• How can I be involved in my child's time with you?

  Your child's key person will keep you informed about your child’s progress through observations on Tapestry, parents’ evenings, and regular conversations (at Jigsaw we have an open- door policy).

  We also regularly organise ‘ stay and play ‘ sessions, when parents can spend the morning with us and participate in the activities, and we always invite parents to join us in our nature walks and outings.

• Do you accept funded children?

  Yes, we accept all types of funding. (As per September 2025)

  1. 1AM2 funded 2 year olds: 15 hours
  2. Working family 2 year olds: 30 hours
  3. Universal 3-4 year old funding: 15 hours
  4. Working family 3-4 year olds: 30 hours

  To access a funded place, we just require a copy of your child’s birth certificate as ‘proof of age’, then complete a Bromley Council Parent Contract, along with your funding code. Access to universal funding, does not require a code, but still needs a birth certificate and the completion of a Parent Contract. Please check on government website childcarechoices.gov.uk to check the type of funding you are eligible for and note that all codes are applicable the term after they are applied for.

• Do you accept unfunded children?

  Yes we charge unfunded children at our private session rate, please contact us for details.

• Do you charge extra for consumables?

  No, there is no charge for consumables but we do request that you supply nappies, wipes, nappy sacks and sun cream, if required.