The independent provision for toddlers aged 2 - 6 has grown significantly at ESS over recent years; and fees are eligible to be paid through a Tax-Free Childcare account, reducing the cost by 20%; and eligible toddlers can meet up to 1,140 hours through the ELC Programme.
Is there a demand for this length of provision to be provided out of term time?
ESS would like to hear from parents and carers who have an enrolled child in Seedlings, a wee sibling coming up the rear, or you are a prospective family considering joining our Early Years, to ascertain whether there is an evident need for our toddlers aged 2 - 5 to engage in meaningful activities beyond term time on campus.
We endeavor to meet demand where it is viable to do so. Following the survey carried out in 2024, the below changes are being introduced from January 2024:
Our extended afternoons (12.45pm - 3.15pm) and EY Club (3.15pm - 5.30pm) can now be booked on an Emergency / Flexi basis, availability depending, after the term has started.
Spring / Summer / Autumn Term bookings for both the extended afternoon and EY Club, one-to-five afternoons a week, are now pre-booked through our School Bursar (bursar@edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk) and the cost will be spread over your monthly direct debits. This booking reserves your child's space for the full term. There are therefore no refunds issued for missed sessions.
EY Club is now open to 2-year-olds.
Our kindergartens for 2-year-olds offer a ratio of one adult to five children; increasing slightly to eight children once they are 3. Our specially trained Waldorf practitioners are each assisted by a second adult who has an inspired curiosity in Waldorf education.
