Old Catton Preschool - Lodge Lane

🍼 Confused about childcare funding?
There are so many schemes and age bands, it can feel like a maze. Here’s a quick, friendly guide to help:
✨ From 9 months old – Some working parents can now get funded hours.
✨ From age 2 – More families qualify, including some on certain benefits.
✨ From age 3–4 – Every child gets 15 hours of funded childcare, and working parents could get up to 30!
A few things to remember:
📅 Funding starts the term after your child’s birthday.
🕒 You’ll need to apply before the term starts (31 March, 31 August, 31 December are the key dates).
💰 You can even combine funding with Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit to make it go further.
It’s all designed to make returning to work, or just catching a breather a bit easier!
Visit Best Start in Life to find out which scheme you are entitled to:
https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/eligibility-checker/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSYtUBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1WG9QMDc5cGlVMUxvNlVwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHt37nYeMBNnVn4ow09ngokdqKPmULlGkV_8zVCOlquAYJzUYYQAvRj70HG5q_aem_guHHu4H5uRU8Cdw-uC4xSQ

Today we had a visit from a dentist from the Happy Smiles club .

We were super proud of all the children who took part in a dental screening. 🦷

We had such a lovely time at Catton Park with the children. A massive thank you to all of those parents and grandparents that were able to stay and help! We hope everyone had a lovely time and enjoyed the activities 🌳🔍🐞🐛🌷

Date for your diary !

The children had a lovely visit to the Lodge Lane library. They were super sensible, making sure to use their listening ears and walking feet. 📚

Woke up this morning to 4 beautiful butterflies🦋🦋🦋. My cat Lily is helping me look after them😸

We hope that everyone has a lovely half term! Enjoy the break and the beautiful weather☀️

Some super exciting activities ready for next week!🐛🦋

🌟 WE ARE HIRING! 🌟

Bank Staff Early Years Practitioner

📍 *Old Catton Pre-School *
🕒 Flexible Hours

Love working with children? Join our team!

We’re looking for passionate and reliable Early Years Practitioner to join us on a flexible bank staff basis. This is a zero hour contract and will be required on a as and when basis, to cover
Staff sickness , courses and to support staff and children.
Perfect if you want work that fits around your schedule!

✨ What You’ll Do

✔ Support fun, engaging activities for young children
✔ Help create a safe and nurturing environment
✔ Work as part of a friendly team
✔ Assist with daily routines
✔ Support children’s learning and development

What We’re Looking For

✔ Level 2 or 3 Early Years qualification full and relevant qualification.
✔ Experience working with children
✔ Good understanding of safeguarding
✔ Positive, flexible, and team-focused attitude

Why Join Us?

⭐ Flexible working to suit you
⭐ Friendly and supportive environment
⭐ Gain valuable experience
⭐ Opportunities to develop your skills

📩 Apply Now!

If you are interested please apply for a job application form to: [email protected]
Deadline 12th June 2026.

🔒 Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require an enhanced DBS check and references before employment can commence.

---