We are a very small, friendly setting based on a Catholic School site in Brighton. We have close links with the school and the vast majority of our children move on to the school's reception class. Our Manager is one of only 20 Early Years Professionals in Brighton and Hove (see the links section for more information about EYPs) and she is also a qualified Primary School Teacher. We cater for a maximum of 15 children aged between 2 and a half and 5 years. FROM SEPTEMBER 2008 WE WILL BE OPEN FOR LONGER HOURS FOR 3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS. WE WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 1.45PM ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS AND UNTIL 2.45PM ON TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. OPENING TIMES REMAIN AS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00 - 11.30am FOR 2 YEAR OLDS. A LUNCH CLUB FROM 11.30a.m. TO 12.30p.m. WILL RUN EVERY DAY FOR ALL CHILDREN. MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN OUR FEE STRUCTURE WHICH IS AVAILABLE IN THE DOCUMENTS SECTION OF THE WEBSITE. 

We follow the Birth to Three Matters and Foundation Stage curricula and are gradually introducing the new Early Years Foundation Stage between now and September 2008. We are registered to receive the Early Years Free Entitlement which means that from the term after your child turns 3, you will be entitled to a free  12.5 hours per week (subject to availability of places). For all other children we charge £7.50 per 2.5 hour morning session. Lunch club costs £3.54 per day for an extra hour; you provide a packed lunch for your child. We provide a healthy snack and a drink during each session. Ofsted awarded us a grading of good for both care and nursery education. You can see a copy of the report in the 'documents' section on this website. We were awarded  'credits' for our Quality Assurance Modules: 'Parental Partnership, Home and Community Liaison', 'Learning and Teaching Strategies' and 'Relationships and Interactions'. We have our own fenced off outdoor area and an adjacent grassy area which offers lots of opportunities for exploring the natural environment. We have occasional access to the school adventure play equipment which provides a wonderful challenge for the children.

To apply for a place, please ring or e-mail us or complete the application form (see below) and send it to us by post or e-mail:

07757 865 277 or 01273 556607

stjosephs.playgroup@ntlworld.com

VACANCIES: WE ARE FULL AT PRESENT.

WE HAVE ONE 'FULL-TIME' VACANCY AND LIMITED ADDITIONAL VACANCIES ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY MORNINGS AND ALL AFTERNOONS (FOR 3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS) FROM SEPTEMBER 2008 - PLEASE RING OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION.