‘Children learn through play, by adults modelling, by observing each other and through adult-guided learning’ Early Years Foundation Stage (January 2024)
Fees are £6.50 per hour (19.50 per morning session). Parents/carers in receipt of benefits may qualify for subsidised fees at £7.50 per session. Please see Helen or Julie for details. Lunch club is £5.00 per session.
TOG runs preschool morning sessions for children over 2 years of age. We have a maximum of 18 children per session, with 1:3 staff to child ratio, with 1:1 support provided where needed.
Your child will be allocated a key person who will help you and your child settle into TOG, developing positive relationships.
All key adults are highly skilled (level 3 qualified) in supporting children with a wide range of additional needs; these include downs syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and general development delay.
TOG uses a Somerset Total Communication approach which includes signing and the use of photos, and provides a stimulating environment planning for each child’s individual interest and need in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, Sept 2021.
Our building is a safe and secure environment with outside doors secured once all the children are in. Parents, carers and visitors are requested to always sign in and are allowed through by a member of staff.
We have a lovely spacious playroom with a messy play area (which we also use for snack-time and lunch club), conservatory and outside playground with safety flooring and two specialist swings. TOG also has a multi-sensory unit with two sensory rooms, one dark and one light, for babies and children who would benefit from the specialist lights and equipment.
We have a designated bathroom and cloakroom where children can hang up their bags/coats on their own peg (which has their own photo with name on it). In the bathroom we have nappy changing facilities, child sized toilets and basins and some potties.
Our routine
Essential information
Meeting children’s needs
Supporting parents
Moving on
Lunch club
Other support and agencies:
- The Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP) is a coalition of over 100 organisations and has helpful advice on disability living allowance and carer’s allowance, amongst other topics: www.disabledchildrenspartnership.org.uk.
- Family Fund provides grants for essential items, online workshops and mobility support for families of children with disabilities: www.familyfund.org.uk.
- Somerset’s SEND Local Offer is a hub of information, advice and guidance about the support and series available locally to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Information areas include education, childcare, health, benefits and leisure: www.somerset.gov.uk/local-offer.
- Disability Grants details charities that can fund equipment, holidays, housing and days out: www.disability-grants.org.
- Escape Support Group provides support for families in Somerset through activities, days out and occasional short break holidays: www.escapesupportgroup.com.
- Portage is a home visiting service which provides individualised learning, play and communication support to children and their families. Please ask Helen for more details.
- Free nappies (once aged 4); see doctor or health visitor for advice.