We can look after up to 20 children per session, aged 2-4. Our class sizes will always be dependent on the age range of the children and the composition of staff available.  We keep to the ratios of 1:4 (1 adult to 4 children) for two year olds and 1:8 for 3 & 4 year olds.

Your first point of contact for Admissions should be Helen Morris, our Manager, please email or telephone 01865 341805 between 10am and 2pm. Helen will be happy to arrange a time for you to come in and see our welcoming and thriving Pre-school. Once you have had a visit you can download and complete an ‘Application to join’ form below, or please ask Helen for a paper copy.

We run sessions Monday to Friday inclusive during the normal academic term, our term dates can be found here. Children are welcome to join us for half day or full day sessions. Half day sessions can include an optional lunch club.

Fees

From 1st September 2025

Early morning drop off (starting 1st September 2025)

8.45-9am – £2.50

3/4 year olds – £6.50 per hour

There is a £25 deposit required to reserve your child’s space. Invoices are sent out termly.

We also accept childcare vouchers in either full or part payment.

Assistance with payment plans is available for families in genuine financial hardship, please contact Helen or our Treasurer at treasurer@dorchesterpreschool.co.uk in the first instance.

If your first choice of sessions is not available, we will always try to work with you to find a compromise solution.

3/4 YEAR OLD FUNDING

Funding is available for up to 30 hours a week for term times, the term after their third birthday.  All children will receive 15 hours the term after they turn 3, no code is needed. To claim the 30 hours funding, parents need to go to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to check their eligibility and apply for a code. This code, along with your NI number and DOB needs to be given to Pre-School for it to be validated, once validated hours can then be confirmed.

Each term you will be asked to sign a parent declaration form to confirm eligibility. 

2 YEAR OLD FUNDING

30 hours working parent funding is available for 2 year olds, to apply please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to check your eligibility and apply for a code. This code, along with your NI number and DOB needs to be given to Pre-School for it to be validated, once validated hours can then be confirmed.

Funding may be available for your 2 year old if you are on a low income or meet certain criteria, please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk and you will be given a code, please then pass this on to Pre-School and hours can be confirmed.

Each term you will be asked to sign a parent declaration form to confirm eligibility. 

CHILD FREE TAX CARE

You can get Tax-Free Childcare if are working or claiming certain benefits, you’ll need to set up an online childcare account for your child. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider. You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 15 or 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both. Check if you’re eligible: Tax-Free Childcare – GOV.UK

Forms available on request from Helen Morris: manager@dorchesterpreschool.co.uk  

Once we have received your application to join we will contact you regarding which sessions are available and forward you the Enrolment form, Terms & conditions, GDPR & consent forms together with a Parent Pack and Parent Questionnaire.

Please note – invoices are sent termly and a full terms notice is required for cancellation of any hours or place.