Welcome to Puddleducks
About Us
Puddleducks is a warm and welcoming pre-school (term-time only) where children aged 3 and 4 can play and learn together. It is led by Mrs Jo Prideaux, our Pre-School Manager. Children thrive in our free-flow setting in our indoor and wonderful outdoor environment. Children follow their own interests and enquiries, learning with others and with experienced, qualified practitioners. Our curriculum offers the opportunity to engage with yoga, nurture groups, cooking, and regular visits to the main school for assemblies, music and movement and walks around the grounds. Children play both indoors and outdoors across the day, parents provide suitable outdoor clothing, allowing children's interests to be followed whatever the weather.
Induction
We offer a visit for you and your child to come and visit us and ask any questions you may have, as well as a home visit from one of our team, prior to your child starting Puddleducks so we can learn about your child. Next,. your child will also be invited to a stay and play session with other children who are starting at the same time. If your child is not ready to attend a full day when they start, then this can be discussed at the home visit. We ensure your child feels safe and secure through our key person system who is responsible for settling your child, observing their learning and development and discussing with you any support they may need.
Uniform
It is not mandatory to wear school uniform, however most children wear red sweatshirt/cardigan, white polo and black skirt/trousers/red summer dress. Velcro shoes are preferred for footwear. Harvem in the high Street (below Bonzo Lounge) stock sweatshirts, aged 3-4 and 5-6yrs with the Puddleducks Logo. https://www.harvemschoolwear.co.uk/Castle_Primary_School_Early_Start_RedSweatshirt_(Puddleducks)/p4883045_20996052.aspx They also have Castle book bags which are perfect for carrying book borrowed from our school library.
Parent Partnerships
We are proud of the relationships we form with parents and continually develop the partnership that we have. We share your child’s learning through Seesaw, an online learning platform and have three ‘Parent Meetings’ a year to share your child’s progress and discuss their next learning. We also have a weekly newsletter, emailed out, celebrating our learning and sharing information.
Additional Needs
Our pre-school SENCo is Mrs Lewis - who is also our Deputy Manager. Mrs Lewis can support you and your child during their time at pre-school. If required, Mrs Lewis will offers advice on with gaining extra funding for children with SEND, through referrals and professional support. Mrs Lewis holds regular meetings with families of children with SEND, and is supported by the school SENCO, Mrs Sarah Marriot.
Our Fees and Sessions
We accept many childcare vouchers, as well as the Early Years 15 hour, and 30 hour funding for families with an eligible code.
For more information about funding, paying for childcare and applying for tax-free childcare please click here
Sessions above the 15hr entitlement/30hr extended hours are charged at £6 per hour
Children can bring a lunch from home or can order a school meal online through Aspens. Snacks of fruit and crackers are provided, along with milk and water to drink.
We offer the following session options:
Admissions
Children can start the term after their 3rd birthday (September, January or April).
September 2025 to July 2026 (Applications accepted Oct – Dec 2024)
Starting Puddleducks Sept 25 – Child’s date of birth must be before 31/8/22
Starting Puddleducks Jan 26 – Child’s date of birth must be before 31/12/22
Starting Puddleducks Apr 26 – Child’s date of birth must be before 31/3/23
September 2026 to July 2027 (Applications accepted Oct – Dec 2025)
Starting Puddleducks Sept 26 – Child’s date of birth must be before 31/8/23
Starting Puddleducks Jan 27 – Child’s date of birth must be before 31/12/23
Starting Puddleducks Apr 2 – Child’s date of birth must be before 31/3/23
Places are allocated using the school admissions policy which you can find here
We will contact you in January with details of the place you have been allocated. If you are not successful in getting a place and your child is eligible for a January, April or September 2026 start, you can reapply in October the following year.
Open Day
We are hosting an open day on Friday 25th October 10am-12noon. Please come along if your child would be eligible to join Puddleducks between September 2025-April 2026. Staff will be available to talk about our routines, how children learn and the application process. Please bring your children along so they can play together during this time.
If you cannot attend the open day but would still like an application form, please visit the Castle school office between 8am-4pm Monday - Friday. All applications must be received by Friday 31st December to be considered. All applications must have a proof of address and proof of date of birth attached.
If you have any questions please do get in touch by emailing puddleducks@castleprimary.uk or calling 0117 986 4489.
Policies
You can find our procedures and other information in the Policy section on the Web site, such as Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, Behaviour and Asthma policy. If you have further questions please speak with our Pre-School Manager or email puddleducks@castleprimary.uk.
Please contact the office (0117 986 4489 or puddleducks@castleprimary.uk) for more information. Thank you.
Jo Prideaux
Puddleducks Manager
