Early Years Invites Changes In 2025

November 26 2024

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On Thursday, our Head of School, Nick Brett, announced significant changes to our Early Years provision in the new year.

The fee structure for our Spring and Summer Terms, in light of these changes and the introduction of VAT for P1-aged children from January ’25, is now published on our website.

Nick Brett invited all current and prospective Early Years families to an evening meeting tonight to have a conversation on any issue in the letter and to bring questions and gain clarity.

Tuesday, 26th November

7.30pm, Eurythmy Room

ESS is continuing to provide Waldorf early years education supported by 1,140 ELC funding this academic year for 3- & 4-year-olds, deferred 5-year-olds, and eligible 2-year-olds. From 2025/26, we will offer a limited number of 1,140 ELC places in our Kindergartens, allocated first to children attending our Kindergarten.

Early Years Afternoons

We endeavour to meet demand where it is viable to do so. ESS asked parents with young children enrolled in the school, as well as prospective families, for their feedback on our extended afternoons (12.45pm – 3.15pm) and EY Club (3.15pm – 5.30pm). Following the survey, the below changes are being introduced in the Spring Term:

Term Bookings As Monthly Direct Debit

Both the extended afternoon and EY Club can now be pre-booked for one-to-five afternoons a week before the start of term through our School Bursar (bursar@edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk). The cost will be spread over your monthly Kindergarten direct debits. A Term booking reserves your child’s space for the full term. There are therefore no refunds issued for missed sessions.

Ad Hoc EY Afternoons

Availability-depending, our extended afternoons (12.45pm – 3.15pm) and EY Club (3.15pm – 5.30pm) can now be booked on the School Shop on an Emergency / Flexi basis, once the term has started.

EY Club is now open to 2-year-olds

A ratio of one adult to five 2-year-olds will be maintained in our provision for children staying until 5.30pm during term time.

Childcare During School Holidays?

Kindergartener harvesting leaves in the garden with a friend

Is there a demand for Waldorf childcare out of term time?

Survey: Early Years Holiday Club

Above: Kindergarteners building a den today.

Giving Your Child Time In Kindergarten

Edinburgh Council has opened the Application Process for all children who turn five between the start of the state school year and the end of February ’26 to have a further financially supported Kindergarten year. Those with a birthday falling between 13th Aug ’20 – 28th Feb ’21 will automatically be granted the 1,140 ELC funding for Kindergarten #3. Applications must be submitted by 28th February.

Gift an Introduction to Waldorf Education – Book Baby & Toddler Groups now for the Spring Term

Our morning (9.30am – 11.30am) and afternoon (noon – 2pm) Friday Baby groups can now be booked through the School Shop. (A complimentary taster session is offered to new families)

BOOK