The independent provision for toddlers aged 2 - 3 has grown significantly at ESS over recent years. Once a two-hour playgroup session, our youngest pupils can now attend from 8.30am - 3.15pm without their parent or carer, Monday to Friday during term time.
Fees are eligible to be paid through a Tax-Free Childcare account, reducing the cost by 20%; and eligible 2-year-olds can meet up to 1,140 hours through the ELC Programme.
Is there a demand for this length of provision to reflect a typical working day?
We welcome two groups of up to ten toddlers, enabling them to develop independence, meet new friends, learn social skills and have fun. This group can provide a stepping stone before children make the progression into Kindergarten at the age of 3½ years.
The groups offer a ratio of one adult to five children; with our specially trained Waldorf practitioners each assisted by a second adult who has an inspired curiosity in Waldorf education.
Interest has been voiced for several areas of expansion:
Emergency / Flexi Afternoon session (1pm - 3.15pm) to be made available.
After Seedlings Club for children under 3, offering childcare from 3.15pm - 5.30pm during term time.
Holiday Club for 2-year-olds
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 2-year-olds to engage in meaningful activities beyond the Seedlings day on campus.
Where there is demand from at least ten families, we will endeavour to implement this extended childcare in the near future.
