Fees and Funding
Children in their pre-school year are entitled to receive a full year of funded pre-school education. Before that, i.e. in their ante pre-school year, children are eligible for funding from the term after their 3rd birthday.
If you would like your child to attend playgroup for a taster session around their third birthday, it is possible for them to do so for a small fee of £2.00 per session plus 30p for the snack. For these taster sessions we ask you to stay with the child. Children can also attend before funding, if a space is available, for a fee of £4.00 per session plus 30p for the snack.
Enrolment and Settling In
Enrolment
To apply for your child to attend Bananas you will need to fill out an admission form (Ante-Pre-School Form or Pre-School Form), all information on which will be treated in confidence. We will do our best to provide a space for every child, but, if we are running at or near capacity, we may only be able to offer a limited number of sessions. Once you have your space confirmed, you will be asked to fill in a registration form.
More enrolment information from SBC: Enrolment Notice 2013/14 and Information on Nursery Places 2013/14.
Before starting at Bananas, you are welcome to visit for a session - please contact our staff to arrange this.
Settling In
Once your child starts at Bananas, you are welcome to stay with them for as many sessions as necessary while they are settling in. We know what a big step this is for many children (and parents!) and our staff are very supportive during this period.
If your child is not toilet trained by the time they are due to start, provisions can be made at the discretion of the Early Years Managers.
Children with special needs are welcome, taking into account the limitations and needs of the whole group.
Deferring Entry into P1
If you wish to defer your child's entry into P1, please find information and forms by clicking here.
Holidays, Absence and Illness
Please inform our staff of any holidays, absences or illness during term time. You can call the mobile number 07773 071 920 any time as it has voice mail for out of session hours. Otherwise, please call 01899 830 589 or send an email to bananasplaygroup@yahoo.co.uk. Please see our Child Absence Policy for more details.
Help put the FUN into Fundraising!
Although places for children in both pre-school and ante pre-school years are funded by Scottish Borders Council, vital funds for new equipment, visits and special projects have to be raised by parents.
Throughout the year we organise a varied calendar of fundraising activities designed to appeal to all ages. Support from parents, family and friends as well as the children themselves is very much encouraged as are any ideas or offers of help!
Funds raised recently have been used to create a beautiful garden area, purchase toys and play equipment for use both inside and outside and finance group outings to venues such as Butterfly World, Dalscone Family Park and the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles. We recently purchased a new toy kitchen and zoo.
If you would like to get involved, please check out details on the notice board or speak to one of the committee members.
Downloads and Links
All our documents and forms are downloadable in pdf format. To download Adobe Reader, please click here.
Protecting Children and Young People: The Charter
Child Protection - Responsibilities
Early Years Group Constitution (SPPA) (scanned document)
Visit the Scottish Pre-School Play Association (SPPA) website
Visit the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland website
For information on checking for head lice visit this website
