Admissions
Places are available for children from the term after they are 2 until rising 5.
We operate a waiting list arranged in date of birth order.
We offer vacant places ona first come fist served basis in order of age.
There is a limited number of places for 2 year old children.
Most children start in September, with limited admissions in January and April.
Sessions
We are open Monday to Friday for 38 weeks a year. inline with local school holidays.
Children can attend mornings, afternoons, full days or a combination.
Our policy is a minimum of two sessions a week.
Funding can be used 8:45 to 4pm every week day.
Mornings:
8:45 or 9am - 12.
Afternoons:
1pm - 3:30 or 4pm.
Full Days:
Start: 8:45 or 9am.
Finish: 3pm, 3:30pm or 4pm.
Early Years Funding
The government offers a number of funding options for pre-school children.
Full information can be found at
Childcare & Early Years Education - Best Start in Life
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours universal funding from the term after they are 3 years old.
Eligible working families can apply for 30 hours of funding from the term after they turn 9 months until school age.
Eligibility for 30 hours childcare - Best Start in Life
An 11 digit eligibility code needs to be obtained and provided to Three Bears to be validated by Suffolk County Council,
ready to use the next term. If the deadline is missed funding can not be used until the term after.
Some families of 2 year olds who get extra support or children with an EHCP may get 15 hours of funding.
Eligibility for Early Learning for 2 year olds - Best Start in Life
Working families claiming Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of eligible childcare costs.
Eligibility for Universal Credit Childcare - Best Start in Life
Fees
Sessions can be paid for at the following rates:
£6.50 for 2 year old.
£6 an hour for 3 and 4 year old.
A £1.25 consumable charge per 1/2 day session for funded hours.
Fees are invoiced at the beginning of each month.
Government funding is intended to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of funded, high quality, early years education.
It is not intended to cover the costs of snacks, meals, consumables, additional hours or additional services.
We are mindful of the impact of additional fees on parents, especially the most disadvantaged, so if you experience difficulties meeting the cost of this fee please speak to the manager about other options.
Tax Free Childcare can be used for all invoices.
Eligible working parents can get a £2 top-up for every £8 towards the cost of their childcare
Tax-Free Childcare - Best Start in Life
Term Dates
2025 - 2026
Autumn Term 2025
Thursday 4th September - Friday 19th December
Half term: Monday 27th October - Friday 31st October
Spring Term 2026
Tuesday 6th January - Friday 27th March
Half Term: Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February
Summer Term 2026
Monday 13th April - Friday 27th July
Half Term: Monday 25th May - Friday 29th May
Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2026