Why have we started Holly Tots? We recognize the need for affordable, all day quality childcare under the same roof as our highly regarded Local Authority Nursery, that meets parents needs.
When can my child start Holly Tots? As soon as your child is 3 years old if you are prepared to pay for sessions. The term after your child is 3 you will be eligible for fully funded sessions for 2.5 hours every day. If you need more than 2.5 hours these are the sessions you pay for in Holly Tots. Holly Tots is available to provide 'wraparound' care until your child transfers to Reception.
Does it change what happens in Holly Grove Nursery? Not at all. Your child will be able to attend Holly Grove Nursery for a full year, starting in the September after their 3rd birthday for 2.5 hours a day, free of charge. Holly Tots has been planned to ensure that Nursery children and Holly Tots are managed by different nursery nurses and receive different experiences in each setting to extend your child's learning.
How many children can attend Holly Tots? We can accommodate up to 24 children at any one time at Holly Tots.
When is it open? Holly Tots is open all school hours.
What about if we need care before and after school and during holidays? We have our very successful club Oscars, just down the road at St. John's Community Church. They are registered for 3 year olds. Combined with Holly Tots you can have care from 7.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m if you need it and school holidays (Oscars charge a similar hourly rate tele: 01543 670078).
How much does Holly Tots cost? There is a charge of £8.50 per 2.5 hour sessions at Holly Tots (with a reduction for siblings) because it is funded by the children who use it and not by the Local Education Authority like the rest of the school. As Holly Tots is Ofsted Registered, eligible parents will be able to claim back a large part of the fee through the Working Families Tax Credit Scheme. We accept child care vouchers.
Is Holly Tots part of the school? Yes, although it is funded separately to the rest of the school it still remains the responsibility of the Voluntary run committee of Holly Grove Primary School.
Will my child have to use it regularly to keep their place? No. Once your child is a registered Holly Tots user it is up to you how many hours your child will spend at Holly Tots. It may vary from week to week, or some children whose parents have regular commitments will have a regular attendance pattern. However, priority will be given to regular users during busy times as numbers are limited.
Will I need to book a place in advance? Yes - because we have a limit of 24 children at any one time you will need to book your sessions at Holly Tots in advance - and this will have to be on a regular users followed by first come, first served basis.
Are meals available? Milk/water and fruit are provided for children mid-morning and mid afternoon free of charge. Children staying over lunchtime either bring a packed lunch with them, or buy a hot meal which will be provided through the Staffordshire School Meals Service and brought over from the school kitchen (£1.75).
If my child is staying all day, will they be able to have a sleep? Yes - we provide a quiet area with bean bags, blankets and mats for tired children to relax and sleep if required.
Who are the staff? Governors have appointed Miss J. Taylor as Holly Tots Manager. She has worked in Holly Grove Nursery for over 20 years and is qualified to NVQ Level 4. Her deputy is Miss E. Hames, also a fully qualified nursery nurse. As the staffing ratio is 1:8 a third member of staff is available when required. Holly Tots staff will work in close partnership with the Holly Grove nursery staff to ensure continuity of practice and the best possible nursery and child care provision for your child.
Can my child use Holly Tots if they don't go to Holly Grove Nursery? Yes - space permitting. Again space permitting, as soon as your child is 3 they can start Holly Tots but all sessions have to be paid for. The funding starts at the beginning of the term after their 3rd birthday.
How can I keep in touch with staff? Holly Tots provide a communication booklet for children who stay all day on a regular basis. For other children staying in Holly Tots a member of staff is always available to answer any questions you may have. Parents' evenings are also held regularly.
Download the Holly Tots Booking Form
Download the Holly Tots Registration Form