We recognise that the early years are a crucial stage in children’s development. At The Raleigh Pre‑School, we:

• Provide a safe, secure and happy environment where children can flourish
• Encourage children to learn through play, exploration and positive challenge
• Develop strong foundations in communication, language, early literacy and mathematics
• Support the development of attention, perseverance and curiosity
• Promote positive social skills, cooperation and independence
• Value each child as an individual, recognising that every child learns differently
• Celebrate diversity and help children develop an awareness of the wider world

We will work closely with parents and carers to support children’s learning and wellbeing, recognising the importance of strong home–school partnerships.

To ensure the highest quality provision and a consistent experience for all children, The Raleigh Pre‑School operates with fixed attendance patterns. Families are asked to choose one of the following options:

• Mornings only: 9:00am – 12:00pm (Monday to Friday)
• Afternoons only: 12:00pm – 3:00pm (Monday to Friday)
• Full days: 9:00am – 3:00pm (Monday to Friday)

This totals a minimum of 15 hours per week through one of the attendance patterns above.

Subject to availability, it may be possible to add additional morning or afternoon sessions alongside a fixed attendance pattern. For example, a 'mornings only' child may also attend for a Tuesday and Friday afternoon etc. 

Regular, predictable attendance allows children to build strong relationships with staff, engage fully with learning and thrive as confident learners.

We are currently accepting applications for children from September 2026 who will be aged three or above at the point of admission. 

Our purpose‑built Pre‑School is currently under construction and is due to be completed during the summer term. We look forward to welcoming prospective families for visits and tours as soon as we are able. Please contact us using the email below to register your interest for a tour. 

For further information about the pre-school, please do get in touch using the details below:
📞 01483 282988
✉️ preschool.raleigh@sfet.org.uk

Applications can be made for pre-school places using this form. 

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to The Raleigh Pre‑School.

We recognise that many families may require care beyond the core Pre‑School day and we are therefore working to develop arrangements for wraparound care that are fully aligned with our wider school provision. Further details regarding availability and timings will be shared with families once arrangements are finalised.

To support families with older siblings in school, the Pre‑School will offer short drop‑off and collection periods, which align with the start and end of the school day and are available at an additional cost:

• 8:40am – 9:00am
• 3:00pm – 3:20pm

We are also planning for the Pre‑School to align with the school’s extended day provision, including Earlybirds and Shipmates. Further information will be shared once arrangements are confirmed.

The Raleigh Pre‑School operates during term time only and offers the following core sessions:

• Morning session: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• Afternoon session: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
• Full day: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Please note: Government funded hours can only be used within the core Pre‑School hours (9:00am–3:00pm).

The Raleigh Pre-School is registered to deliver Universal 15 hours and Extended 30 hours Free Early Education (FEE). If you are eligible for the Extended Funding (30 Hours), this funding can be applied to all-day sessions. Sessions that are not eligible for funding will be charged at an hourly fee of £9 per hour. The 8.40-9.00 and 3.00 - 3.20 drop-off and collection windows are £3 per drop-off or collection window. 

All 3- and 4-year-olds are expected to attend for a minimum of 15 hours or 30 hours if parents are in receipt of funded hours.

Once a child’s hours are determined, it is expected that the child will attend for their full hours.

Further details regarding fees and funding (inlcluding consumables) can be found in terms and conditions. 

Children attending The Raleigh Pre‑School will have the option of enjoying a school‑provided hot meal as part of their day. Meals will be freshly prepared and aligned with the school’s commitment to providing balanced, nutritious food that supports young children’s health and wellbeing.

Further details about menus and the cost of school meals will be shared with families once final arrangements are confirmed, ahead of the Pre‑School opening. Families may also choose to provide a packed lunch if they prefer. Please note that we are a completely nut-free school.