Our services
A place for every stage.
We provide a full range of services to fit your family: from one year old wobblers to after-school for children up to 12.
Wobblers & Toddlers
At Scamps & Scholars your child is our primary concern. Over the years we have built up broad experience in making sure that young children are cared for, and free to develop, in a comfortable, safe and social environment.
Leaving your child can be hard. We work with you over a settling-in period, which can take up to two weeks for our youngest children, so that your child feels happy and secure. We learn about their daily routine, their mealtimes, their sleep and all the little things that make them who they are.
At a glance
- A comfortable, safe and social place to learn and grow
- Settling-in plan built around your child's routine, mealtimes and sleep
- Dedicated sleep room and age-appropriate daily routines
- New tastes and textures introduced gradually, from spoon to finger food to cutlery
Free Preschool
Preschool starts at around three years of age. Our trained preschool educators develop each child’s reading, writing and numeracy through an extensive curriculum and development programme, and they look at the whole child too: social development, caring for others and a range of life skills.
We are registered for the ECCE scheme, which covers the sessional three-hour morning session. Placements for the following September are normally offered each April and May.
At a glance
- Reading, writing and numeracy introduced through play
- Social, caring and everyday life skills
- Outdoor, covered and experiential play areas
- A smooth transition to primary school
After-school
Children are collected from local schools by our staff and given a hot meal and an afternoon activity programme, in an environment that suits their age, is well equipped and offers a diverse range of things to do.
At a glance
- Collection from local schools by our staff
- A hot, freshly cooked meal
- Afternoon activity programme with a diverse range of activities
- Bus drop-off and collection procedures you can read in full
Good to know
Questions parents often ask
Can I put my child on the waiting list?
Yes. Parents are welcome to add a child's name to our waiting list during pregnancy or at any time after. Complete the waiting list application form and we will add your child's details to our database. A place on the waiting list does not automatically mean a place at the centre.
When are places offered?
We normally take on placements each April and May for the following September. To secure an available place you may need to pay the appropriate deposit and complete the waiting list application form. The deposit can be refunded when the place is taken up, or left on your child's account against fees or other expenses. We need 60 days' notice to cancel a place, or the deposit is not refunded.
How are fees paid?
Fees are payable weekly or monthly in advance, and are charged for the time booked rather than the time used. Fees may also apply over bank holidays. Our Parent Statement sets out the current fees.
Which funding schemes do you take part in?
We are registered for the ECCE scheme (free preschool), which covers the sessional three-hour morning session. We also take part in the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the CCSP Saver programme. Our Fees page has the details and our calendars show how each scheme runs through the year.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes. If more than one child attends, the oldest sibling receives a 10% discount, and the second oldest receives a 5% discount if a third child is also in attendance.
What are your opening hours?
We are open 50 weeks of the year, from 7.30am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday. We close on all bank holidays, normally on Christmas Eve and the week between Christmas and New Year, and for a week in August, usually around the Puck Fair Festival.
Can I visit the centre?
You are always welcome. We operate an open-door policy and encourage parents and guardians to drop in at any time.
Will my child have a settling-in period?
Yes. We will do everything we can to make the transition smooth for you and your child. We work with you over a settling-in period, which can take up to two weeks for our younger children. During it we learn about your child's routine, mealtimes, sleep patterns and all the little things that are special to them.
What are your staff-to-child ratios?
We follow the 2016 Childcare Regulations strictly. Wobblers (1 to 2 years) have 5 children to every staff member, 2 to 3 year olds have 6 to 1, and 3 to 5 year olds have 8 to 1. For sessional preschool the regulation is 11 children to 1 staff member.
Is the food prepared on the premises?
Yes. We have a fully equipped kitchen and qualified staff who prepare freshly cooked meals and snacks every day. We use fresh meat and vegetables, add no salt, artificial flavourings or colourings, and our stock is homemade. Weekly menus are posted on our notice boards in the centre.
Come and say hello.
Ring us during business hours and we will happily explain what we do and what we can do for your family. Or pop in: our door is always open.