Information

Opening times

The Ark is open all year round except Bank Holidays and one week over Christmas.

Admissions

We arrange our waiting list in order of date of the application received for each year group. We are flexible about attendance patterns; however we do recommend children start with a minimum of two sessions a week. To secure a childcare place we ask parents to pay a deposit of four weeks fees when booking. This deposit is refundable when your child leaves The Ark. Fees are payable monthly, in advance, and we request one month's notice if you no longer require a childcare place.

Special needs

The number of adults present in The Ark enables us to provide individual attention for each child. Each child is able to progress at her/his own rate in all areas of development, and this is true for children with and without disabilities or learning difficulties. We are experienced in working in close liaison with professionals across the range of special needs. We receive support and guidance from a special needs advisor. If you would like to discuss the group's ability to meet your own child's special needs, please talk to the childcare manager or your child's key worker.

Session times and prices for three+ year olds from January 2012
8.00 - 8.45	9.00 - 11.30	11.30 - 12.30	12.45 - 15.15	15.15 - 18.00
£3.50	£10.00	£3.50	£10.00	£9.00

Late afternoon sessions
15.15 -16.15	16.15 - 17.15	17.15-18.00
£4.00	£3.50	£3.50

Children under statutory school age are eligible for an Early Years Education Grant from the term after their third birthday. This entitles your child to 15 hours of free Pre-school sessions. The 15 hours must be taken over a minimum of three days, each session must be a minimum of 2.5 hours, and no more than 7.5 hours may be taken in any one day, during the school term.

For children under three years from January 2012
8.00am - 12.30pm £19.00	1.30pm - 6.00pm £19.00
8.00am - 6.00pm £38.00
12.30pm - 1.30pm as an addition to a morning or afternoon session £3.50.