FAQs

What should I pack in my child's bag?

Water bottle
Wet weather clothes
Water proofs
Hat
Gloves
Suncream
Wellie Boots
Nappies (if needed)
Spare clothes
Lunch

We ask that individual items are all named.

Do the children need to wear a uniform?

We do not require children to wear a uniform at Beaminster Pre‑School. Because our children spend so much time outdoors and engaged in messy, hands‑on play, their clothes are likely to get dirty every day. We encourage families to dress children in comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting stained or worn.

Please note that we cannot take responsibility for any items of clothing that become damaged or marked during play.

Do I need to provide my child lunch?

We do not provide lunch for the children. While we offer healthy snacks at different points throughout the day, families will need to send their child in with a packed lunch, as lunchtime is not covered by our provision. Please make sure the lunch box/bag is named.

We follow a strict nut free policy on site.

Does my child get allocated a key worker?

Yes! At Beaminster Preschool, we believe children form the strongest relationships when they’re given the freedom to choose. Rather than assigning a key worker, we observe who each child naturally connects with and gravitates towards. This child‑led approach helps build a closer, more meaningful bond that supports their confidence, wellbeing, and sense of security.

Do your Pre-school allow the use of Government Funded Hours?

Yes — our fees do allow families to use Government Funded Hours. Beaminster Pre‑School is fully eligible for funded childcare, and these hours can be applied to your child’s sessions with us.

Please note that, as explained on our 'About Us' page, there are additional fees that cover essential extras within our provision.

How does the Preschool communicate with the parents/guardians?

At Beaminster Pre‑School, we aim to be as paperless as possible and keep communication simple and accessible for families. We use an app called Tapestry to share regular updates about your child’s learning, progress, and day‑to‑day experiences within the setting. Through Tapestry, you can also respond to us, add your own comments, and upload photos from home, giving us a fuller picture of your child’s adventures outside of Pre‑School. This two‑way communication helps us build strong relationships and ensures you stay connected with your child’s learning journey.

Are you part of Beaminster St. Mary's Academy?

No, we are not part of Beaminster St. Mary’s Academy or the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT), who operate the school. Beaminster Pre‑School Charity Ltd. is an independent organisation. We lease our building from DSAT at an agreed rate and work closely with them to maintain a positive, professional relationship. This partnership helps ensure our facilities remain safe, well‑maintained, and the best possible environment for children to learn and thrive.