When will Little Light Bearers open?
We're opening in September 2026, with places available from opening day. Our waiting list is now open, and we warmly welcome early registrations.
What age children do you take?
We welcome children from age 2 through to the term before they start school (so up to age 4). Our Lanterns room is for 2-year-olds, and our Stars room is for 3–4 year olds / pre-schoolers.
What are your opening hours?
We're open Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00pm, all year round. We're closed on bank holidays and a few additional days during the summer break for staff training and planning.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Our Ofsted registration is in progress and will be in place before we open. We will operate in full compliance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework from day one.
How many children will you have?
We're deliberately small — a maximum of 32 children across our two rooms. This means every child is known by name and receives the individual attention they deserve.
What are your staff-to-child ratios?
We follow the EYFS statutory ratios: 1 adult for every 4 children in our Lanterns room (ages 2), and 1 adult for every 8 children in our Stars room (ages 3–4). All staff are qualified, DBS-checked, and paediatric first aid trained.
Do you accept government-funded hours?
Yes. We're a registered provider of the 15-hour entitlement for eligible 2-year-olds, the universal 15 hours for 3–4 year olds, and the 30-hour extended entitlement for eligible working families. We also accept Tax-Free Childcare.
Do you provide meals?
We provide a healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack for all children, plus fresh drinking water throughout the day. Children stay for lunch bring a packed lunch from home. We cater for all dietary requirements and allergies.
What should my child bring?
A named water bottle, a spare set of clothes, weather-appropriate outdoor gear (we go outside every day!), a packed lunch if staying all day, and a comforter if they'd like one. We'll provide a detailed welcome pack when your child starts.
How do you support children's development?
Every child has a dedicated Key Person who observes, plans, and supports their learning journey through the 7 areas of the EYFS. We share regular progress updates with families and welcome your insights from home.
What if my child has additional needs?
We are an inclusive setting and warmly welcome children with additional needs. Our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) works closely with families, external professionals, and the local authority to ensure every child thrives. We'll meet you to discuss your child's individual needs before they start.
How does the settling-in process work?
We offer at least two free settling-in visits before your child's official start date. These are gentle, flexible, and paced to your child's needs. Please see our Settling-In Policy for full details.