Pre-School at Tiddlypeeps Forest School

We’re so excited to offer pre-school care at our beautiful forest school site — a place where children can explore, discover, and connect with the natural world.
Our sessions are led by a dedicated team who nurture curiosity, independence, and a love of learning through play and adventure outdoors.

Our Sessions

We welcome children aged 2½ to 5 years for full-day forest sessions, Monday to Thursday, term time only, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Because of the nature of forest school, we offer full-day sessions to give children time and space to follow their interests, explore freely, and immerse themselves in their woodland learning.

Children bring a packed lunch each day. Drinks and snacks are provided.

 
Fees

Registration Fee

To register your child at Tiddlypeeps Pre-School, we ask for a non-refundable fee of £50.
This includes a brand-new pair of Didriksons high-quality waterproof trousers to help your child stay comfortable outdoors in all weathers.
You’ll receive your new-starter information pack before your child’s first day with us.


Tiddlypeeps Fees (2½ – 3 years)

From April 2025, our daily rate is £40 per day for our five-hour session (9:30 am – 2:30 pm).
This includes morning drink and snack, plus a range of rich, nature-based learning experiences.
You can choose from one to four days per week.

Muddypeeps Fees (3 – 4 years)

From April 2025, our daily rate is £37 per day for a five-hour session (9:30 am – 2:30 pm).
This also includes morning drink and snack, along with a variety of enrichment activities.
You can choose from one to four days per week.

Wraparound Care

For families who need a little extra time, we offer optional wraparound sessions:

Morning: 9:00 am – 9:30 am

Afternoon: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Wraparound care is charged at £8 per session and sits outside of funded hours.


Government Funding

Government funding is available for all eligible children:
• 15 hours per week for all 3- and 4-year-olds (from the term after their third birthday)
• 30 hours per week for eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years
• 2-year-old funding for eligible families

Further details on funding and childcare support can be found at 👉 www.beststartinlife.gov.uk

Please see FAQ about funding below. 
 

Payment Information

Fees are invoiced monthly in advance and are payable by the 1st of each month.
A full outline of how children can access DfE-funded places at our provision is available upon request.


Funding FAQ – Tiddlypeeps Forest School

1. Is my child’s funded place completely free?

Yes. All government-funded early education hours (15 or 30 hours, and funded 2-year-old places) are free to you as a parent. You do not have to pay anything to access your child’s funded place.

2. Can you charge for anything related to funded hours?

No. We cannot charge for anything that is required for your child to take up their funded place.
However, the government does allow providers to offer optional extras such as snacks, meals, consumables, or enrichment activities — and parents can choose whether to pay for these.

3. Why do you ask for a voluntary contribution?

Government funding does not cover the full cost of providing our forest-school-based, outdoor learning environment.
Our optional voluntary contribution helps us to provide:
• enhanced staffing ratios
• daily snacks and drinks
• consumables such as sun cream, natural materials, and craft items
• enrichment activities and resources that go beyond the basic EYFS requirements

These contributions help us maintain the high-quality experiences that make Tiddlypeeps special.

4. Do I have to pay the voluntary contribution?

No. Contributions are entirely voluntary.
Choosing not to contribute will not affect your child’s place or the quality of care they receive. Your child will always be fully included in all activities.

5. Will my child be treated differently if I cannot contribute?

Absolutely not. Every child is valued equally. No child will ever be excluded from activities or opportunities because a family chooses not to, or is unable to, make a voluntary contribution.

6. Can I split my funded hours between Tiddlypeeps and another setting?

Yes. Funded hours can be shared between settings, as long as both settings agree and there is availability.

7. Can my child use funded hours alongside privately paid hours?
Yes. You can choose to book additional paid hours if you wish, but these are completely separate from your funded entitlement and not a condition of accessing a free place. Private hours are charged at our hourly rate. Please contact us for more information.

8.  Do I have to pay the £50 registration fee?

No. The registration fee is optional for families accessing funded-only hours.
It includes a pair of Didriksons waterproof trousers and a new starter pack, but choosing not to purchase this package will not affect your child’s funded place or their ability to join us.

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9. What if I still have questions about funding?
We’re always happy to explain how funding works and help you understand your options. Please speak to our manager if you’d like more information.

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