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About Us

Welcome to Initial Steps

We provide Pre-schools in Chavey Down and Warfield for local residents using use the Statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Book Corner
Drawing table
Home corner
Imaginative play
Investigation unit
Outside
Outside (1)
Outside (2) (1)
Outside (2)
Outside (3)
Outside (4)
Outside
Outside (1)
Paint area
Playdough table
Role play
Sensory area
Small world
Under 2 area
Small world area
Painting area
Painting area (1)
Numeracy area
Investigation
2 Year old area

Term Dates

Pre-School Calendar

Spring Term 2026

Monday 5th January  – Friday 27th March
(Half term 16th February to 20th February)

Summer Term 2026

Monday 13th April – Wednesday 22nd July
(Half term 25th May – 29th May)
(Bank Holiday 4th May)

Autum Term 2026

Tuesday 1st September – Thursday 17th December
Children Party Friday 18th December
(Half Term Monday 26th October- Friday 30th October)

Spring Term 2027

Starts Monday 4th January- Thursday 25th March
(Half term Monday 15th February- Friday 19th February)

Summer Term 2027

Monday 12th April – Wednesday 21st July
(Half term Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June)
(Bank Holiday 3rd May)

Expert People

Funding & Fees

We offer government-funded childcare hours and flexible paid sessions. Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of what’s included and any additional costs.

Government Funding: 15 & 30 Hours

Who can receive funding?

  • 15 hours: from the term after your child turns 2 or 3 (eligibility applies)

  • 30 hours: from the term after your child turns 3 (eligibility applies)

How funding works

  • Funding can only be used between 9:00am – 3:00pm

  • 15 hours = 6 sessions

  • 30 hours = 10 sessions

  • Lunch club may be included, but extra charges apply if hours are exceeded

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please ask our team and we will guide you to the correct websites.

  • £23.70 per 3-hour session (children under 3)

  • Payable weekly or in advance

  • Lunch club: £4.00 per session

Absences

  • Fees remain payable for short absences

  • One month’s notice required for long-term absence

Funding cannot be used outside 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Chavey Down Rates

  • 18 months–2 years

    • 30 minutes: £6.50

    • 1 hour: £10.00

  • 3–4 years

    • 30 minutes: £5.50

    • 1 hour: £8.50

Whitegrove Rates

  • 18 months–2 years

    • 1 hour: £10.00

  • 3–4 years

    • 1 hour: £8.50

To help cover snacks, resources, and cleaning:

  • £1.25 per session

  • Charged termly for funded children

  • Fees must be paid to keep your child’s place unless nursery funding is received

  • Extra sessions (for Chavey Down and Whitegrove)  outside funded hours are charged at £25.50 per session

  • Lunch club outside funded hours is charged at £4.00 per day

Start Here

Take the First Step

We welcome children from Chavey Down, Warfield, and the surrounding local areas. Please complete the form below to secure your child’s place at our pre-school. If you think you may be entitled to 15 or 30 hours funding, please do ask for more information. 

*By submitting this application, you understand that: This form places your child on our waiting list. We will contact you as soon as a suitable place becomes available. If a place is offered and accepted, further personal and family information will be required. A copy of your child’s birth certificate will be required at that stage. If you no longer require the place, please inform us as soon as possible. We will not retain your details if the place is no longer needed (please see our Privacy Notice). All applications and offers of places are subject to our Terms and Conditions.