How Our Waiting List Works

We welcome enquiries throughout the year and maintain a waiting list for each age group. Whenever a place becomes available, we contact families on our waiting list to discuss their childcare requirements and whether we have a suitable space.

Although September remains our busiest intake, places do become available at other times of the year as children move on to school, increase their attendance or family circumstances change.

Joining our waiting list gives you the best opportunity to be considered as soon as a suitable place becomes available.

When Can I Visit?

We'd love to show you around Jack and Gill Childcare and Forest School.

Once you've enquired, we'll arrange a visit at a convenient time, subject to availability and the smooth running of the nursery. This gives you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our nursery environment and learn more about our unique approach to nature-based early years education.

If we don't have an immediate vacancy, you're still very welcome to visit and join our waiting list for future places.

Fees

Private (Non-Funded) Childcare

Our private daily rate is £90 per day, which includes our full nursery provision and access to our Forest School programme where applicable.

Funding

Government-Funded Childcare

We offer funded childcare for eligible children from 9 months to school age, with funding stretched across our 50-week year.

Eligible families may be entitled to:

• 15 funded hours per week
• 30 funded hours per week (for eligible working families)

Funding is subject to government eligibility criteria and must be applied for through the Childcare Choices scheme. Parents are responsible for renewing their eligibility code every three months to continue receiving funded childcare.

As we are open for 50 weeks of the year, funded hours are stretched across the year, allowing families to benefit from reduced fees over a longer period rather than receiving all funded hours during term time only.

Flexible Childcare

We understand that family life doesn't always go to plan. Wherever possible, we will try to accommodate additional sessions or changes to your usual attendance, subject to availability.

Priority for additional sessions is given to children who already attend Jack and Gill Childcare and Forest School.

Fees and Payments

• Fees are invoiced monthly in advance.
• Payment is due on the last day of each month for the following month's childcare.
• Additional sessions are payable in advance.
• Late payment charges may apply in accordance with our Fees and Payments Policy.

Absence

Fees remain payable during periods of illness, holidays or any other absence, as your child's place is reserved exclusively for them.

Late Collection

Children collected after their agreed collection time will incur a late collection charge in accordance with our Fees and Payments Policy.

• Early Bird Care (7:30am–8:00am), including breakfast – £8
• Healthy Snack Package (Optional) – £2 per day
• Afternoon Tea (Optional) – £4 per day
• Enhanced outdoor learning experiences and excursions (Optional) – £3 per excursion
• Specialist enrichment activities, such as French lessons or visiting workshops – charged only if booked
• Educational visits, where applicable (for example transport or entrance fees)
• Additional childcare hours beyond a child's funded entitlement
• Replacement of lost or damaged nursery property, where appropriate

All optional extras are clearly itemised on invoices, and parents are informed of any charges in advance. Parents may choose whether to purchase any optional extras, and alternatives are available where required.

Funded childcare remains free at the point of delivery, with no compulsory charges attached to funded hours.

We are on the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme. Please ask for more details.

Outdoor clothing

What Should My Child Wear?

Children spend time outdoors in all seasons, so suitable clothing is essential to help them stay comfortable, safe and able to enjoy every adventure.

A full kit list will be provided when your child joins us, but the guide below will help you get started.

Footwear

• Every day: Sturdy, well-fitting shoes suitable for active play.
• Wet weather: Waterproof wellington boots.
• Winter: Warm, waterproof snow boots are ideal.
• Dry weather: Trainers or sturdy outdoor shoes.
• Please note: Open-toed sandals, flip-flops and Crocs are not suitable.

Clothing

We recommend that children wear clothing that can get muddy and is suitable for outdoor exploration.

Throughout the Year

• Long trousers or leggings.
• Long-sleeved tops to help protect against scratches, stings and sun exposure.
• Socks that provide good coverage.

During Colder Weather

Layering is the best way to keep children warm whilst allowing them to move freely.

We recommend:

• Thermal base layers.
• Two pairs of socks (a thin pair underneath a thicker pair).
• Waterproof trousers (lined waterproofs are particularly effective in winter).
• A warm waterproof coat.
• Two pairs of gloves or mittens (one spare pair is always useful).
• A warm woollen hat.

Please attach gloves to coats using clips or elastic to help prevent them from being lost.

Please note: Although ski suits are very warm, they can restrict children's movement and are not ideal for active outdoor play.

During Hot Weather

• A named sun hat or cap.
• Sun cream applied before arrival.
• A named bottle of sun cream for reapplication throughout the day.
• Lightweight clothing that still provides good protection from the sun where possible.

A Little Advice

Children will get muddy, wet and wonderfully involved in their adventures, so we recommend sending them in clothes that you're happy for them to explore in!

We're always happy to recommend tried-and-tested outdoor clothing brands once your child joins Jack and Gill Childcare and Forest School.

Our clothing guidance is tailored to each child's age and the activities they take part in, so younger children won't need the same equipment as our older Forest School explorers.

Waiting List Form

If you’d like to join our waiting list, please contact us here:  Join our Waiting List