Nursery Owls
At Ditchling (St Margaret’s) CE Nursery we are committed to offering quality care and provision for every child. We aim to help each child learn and develop to their full potential within a safe, stimulating and caring environment. We offer children a fun time where friendships can flourish and where the children are happy and contented.
Learning takes place within child-centred, play-based activities, where continuous provision (both indoors and outside) offers freedom of choice, individual expression, exploration and discovery. Creative thinking and emotional development of children is the basis of all that we do. Please see our overview below:
Having our own nursery on-site offers children seamless transition into Reception, should you apply for a place in school. However, it is important to be aware that, due to the Local Authority admission rules, attending the nursery does not guarantee a school place. We are able to make use of our school facilities which include: playing field, garden, school hall, pond, Quiet Garden and library.
Nursery Fees & Chargeable Extras
1. Sessions, Times & Costs
| Session | Time | Length | 2-Year-Old Cost | 3–4-Year-Old Cost | Funded Hours Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extended Early Bird | 08:00–09:20 | 1h 20m | £9.98 | £8.65 | No |
| Early Bird | 08:40–09:20 | 40m | £4.95 | £4.29 | No |
| Morning (without lunch) | 09:20–11:40 | 2h 20m | £17.48 | £15.15 | Yes (part of 15/30h funding) |
| Morning (with lunch) | 09:20–12:20 | 3h | £22.50 (+ optional hot meal £2.97) | £19.50 (+ optional hot meal £2.97) | Yes |
| Afternoon | 12:20–15:20 | 3h | £22.50 | £19.50 | Yes |
| Late Afternoon | 15:20–16:00 | 40m | £4.95 | £4.29 | No |
| Extended Afternoon | 15:20–16:30 | 1h 10m | £8.78 | £7.60 | No |
Extra Hours Charges:
2-year-olds: £7.50 per hour
3–4-year-olds: £6.50 per hour
2. Funded Hours
2-Year-Old Funding:
-
15 hours per week (eligible children)
-
Can attend:
-
09:20–15:20 (6h session)
-
09:20–12:20 or 12:20–15:20 (3h sessions)
-
-
Minimum attendance: 2 sessions/week
3 & 4-Year-Old Funding:
-
From the term after 3rd birthday
-
15 hours per week (30h also available via government portal)
-
Sessions as above
-
Minimum attendance: 2 sessions/week
Check availability with the school office.
3. Meals & Snacks
| Item | Cost / Info |
|---|---|
| Hot lunch (optional) | £3.05/day (ordered via ParentPay by 08:15) |
| Mid-morning snack (optional) | 60p/day (included in invoice) |
| Milk | Free via Cool Milk scheme |
| Packed lunch | Children may bring their own |
Hot lunches include main meal, vegetarian option, jacket potato, sandwich, or tomato pasta. Please notify us of dietary requirements.
4. Consumables & Extras
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nappy | £0.30 each |
| Wipe | £0.05 each |
| Specialist activities | Extra charges may apply (parents notified in advance) |
| Late collection | £1/min after 10 mins; £7 if 15+ mins late (exceptions for extreme circumstances) |
Parents may provide their own consumables—please notify the nursery.
5. Payment Information
-
Invoices issued at the end of the previous term
-
Fees must be paid by the 1st day of each term
Please see below for the Welcome Pack, (including information on fees and charges, Terms & Conditions) and Registration form.
Ditchling CE Primary EYFS Ethos And Handbook 2025 DIGITAL
-
- Story time
-
- Building blocks
| Nursery and Wrap Round Care Staff | ||
| Miss Saffron | Nursery Manager and Nursery Inclusion Lead
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
 |
| Miss Bryony | Nursery Practitioner |  |
| Miss Tara | Nursery Practitioner |  |
| Miss Tash | Nursery Cover Assistant |  |
