Admissions and Settle Sessions | Clare's Little Bears

Admission Process

At Clare’s Little Bears Preschool, we welcome children from 9 months through to Reception age. We encourage families to arrange a visit to the preschool, giving you the opportunity to explore our setting, meet our team, and experience our warm and nurturing environment firsthand.

Following your visit, you will be sent a registration form to complete and return. If a place is not currently available, you will be invited to join our waiting list and will be contacted as soon as a suitable space becomes available.

When a place becomes available, we will send you an Offer of a Place email detailing the sessions available, associated fees, and a copy of our Terms and Conditions. To secure your child's place, simply accept the offer by return email and pay the £195 registration fee.

Once your child's place has been confirmed, we will begin the enrolment process. This includes arranging settling-in sessions, providing access to the Famly app, and sharing all the information you need to prepare for your child's start with us. Prior to their first day, you will receive a welcome pack and your first term's invoice.

We believe that strong partnerships with parents are the foundation of a positive early years experience. By working closely together from the very beginning, we help every child feel safe, secure, confident, and ready to thrive.

Settle Sessions

We understand that starting preschool is an important milestone for both children and their families. Our settling-in process is designed to provide a gradual introduction to preschool life, helping children feel safe, secure, and confident in their new environment.

Preschool Settling-In Sessions

Our typical preschool settling programme includes:

A one-hour session with a parent or carer, giving your child the opportunity to meet their key person while we discuss routines, preferences, and complete any necessary paperwork.
A two-hour session with a parent or carer, helping your child become familiar with the setting, activities, and staff.
A two-hour independent session, allowing your child to begin building confidence and develop relationships with their key person and peers.
Full sessions start for children attending half-day sessions.

For children attending full days, the settling process will then continue with:

A morning session followed by Lunch Club, helping your child become familiar with mealtimes and the longer preschool day.
A full-day session, allowing your child to experience their complete routine with confidence and independence.

Baby Settling-In Sessions

Before beginning their settling-in sessions, families are invited to attend one of our Stay and Play sessions. This provides an opportunity for you and your child to spend time in the baby room, meet our team, explore the environment together, and begin building familiar relationships in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

For our babies, we take a gentler and more gradual approach, allowing strong bonds to develop with their key person and helping babies feel safe, secure, and happy in their new surroundings.

Our typical baby settling programme includes:

A two-hour settling session, with a parent or carer staying for the first hour. This provides an opportunity to meet your child's key person, discuss care routines, feeding, sleep patterns, comforters, and any individual needs, while allowing your baby to begin exploring their new environment.
A second settling session from 9:30am to 1:00pm, with a parent or carer staying for the first hour before leaving their child to continue settling independently.
A third settling session from 9:00am to 3:00pm, allowing your child to experience a longer day and become familiar with daily routines, meals, activities, and rest times.
Following successful settling sessions, your child will be ready to begin their regular booked sessions.

While most children settle well following this process, we recognise that every child is different. If additional settling sessions are needed, we will work closely with families to provide the support and reassurance needed to help children feel happy, confident, and secure in our care.

Famly App

Famly is a software platform designed specifically for nurseries and preschools, helping settings and families stay connected. We use the Famly app to share important information, observations, photos, and updates about your child's learning and development. Families can also use the app to report absences, update their child's details, view invoices, and communicate directly with the preschool team. We encourage all parents and carers to check the app regularly to keep up to date with everything happening at preschool.

Helpful Hints and Tips

Talk positively about preschool and the fun experiences your child will enjoy, such as making new friends, exploring activities, and playing both indoors and outdoors.
In the days leading up to their start date, chat about what will happen at preschool to help your child feel familiar and reassured.
Keep goodbyes calm, positive, and consistent. Although it can be emotional, children often take their cues from their parents and carers.
Establishing a regular routine before your child starts can help make the transition smoother.
Encourage your child to practise simple self-care skills, such as putting on their coat, washing their hands, or tidying away toys, to help build their confidence and independence.
If it helps your child feel secure, they are welcome to bring a familiar comfort item, such as a favourite soft toy or comforter.
Share any important information, concerns, or changes at home with your child's key person. The more we know, the better we can support your child.

Most importantly, remember that it is completely normal for children to take time to adjust to a new environment. Some children settle quickly, while others need a little longer, and that's perfectly okay.

Our experienced and caring team will work closely with you every step of the way to make your child's transition into Clare's Little Bears a happy, positive, and stress-free experience for the whole family.