Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us with any questions you may have and we would be more than happy to help you.

Do you have spaces?

Our availability varies dependant on your child's age, the days you are looking for and the sessions needed. The best thing to do is get in touch and we can take a look at our availability, we will try our best to meet your session requirements.
Can I have a look around?

Of course you can! We invite all prospective new starters on a tour of Scallywags, here you will meet our team, have a tour of the setting, see our rooms 'in action', ask any questions you may have and generally discuss what you are looking for and how we can help.
How soon should I book?

After looking around and deciding if you would like to join us, we advise booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, it's never 'to early' to book and we do book up very quickly.
How do I sign up?

Once you have completed all the relevant paperwork we can get you on the system and booked in. Scallywags offer free of charge 'settling in sessions' to help your child to settle with us, we invite you along to the initial session to get to know our team, the room and to complete a bit more paperwork about your child.
How far in advance can I book?

You can book as far in advance as you like. We advise this to make ensure you get the sessions you need.
When do you close?

We offer childcare all year round! 7:30 - 18:00 Monday to Friday. We only close on weekends, bank holidays and for Christmas.
How do I choose the right setting?

We are fairly confident that your child will love it here at Scallywags but we always advise to visit as many settings as you can. This will help you and your child to really get a feel for the settings and work out what is best for you as a family.
Do you accept 2, 3 & 4 year old funded childcare?

We sure do!
What is Tax Free Childcare?

If you and your partner (if you have one) work full or part-time hours, you could get Tax-Free Childcare. For every £8 you pay into the account, the government will add £2, or £4 for children with a disability. The government will pay up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 per year for children with a disability.
How much does it cost?

Prices vary dependant on your requested booking pattern. Once you have made contact we will send you a Prospectus pack, this includes everything about the setting, price lists, terms and conditions and booking forms.
Do you offer settling sessions?

Once you have completed your booking and decided on a start date, we offer two, free of charge, settling sessions. The first session is a chance for parents/carers to get to know your key worker and the rest of the team in the room. For the second session, you can leave your child for a short period to play and make new friends, allowing them some play time here before a 'full' session.
How secure is the setting?

In a word, very! Scallywags is a purpose built setting on the grounds of a gated campus. Our environment is safe and secure for both children and staff. Each access door is controlled by passcodes and intercom. This enables staff in each room to approve entry to parents or guardians after they have been recognised on the camera. All play rooms, corridors and outdoor areas are monitored 24/7 by CCTV.
How many settings do you have?

Just the one! Scallywags Childcare Centre, Weymouth. The goal was never, has never and will never be, to be the biggest business or nursery chain. We have always been fully focused on providing the best possible care and early years education for our children in a single setting, family focused environment. We felt that spreading across multiple settings, we would risk losing the things that, we believe, set us apart.
Do you offer discount for siblings?

We offer a 5% discount to the oldest child's booking with us.
Do you have children's uniform?

We do! Uniform isn't compulsory at Scallywags, but it sure looks great! Our T shirts are made from 100% organic cotton, are PETA approved Vegan, Global Recycled Standard and from a FairWear supplier. Available from the main office at Scallywags.
Do I need to move to a Pre School closer to the school I want?

A common misconception is that attending a Pre School attached or associated with a certain school will mean you get in, unfortunately this is not the case. School places are allocated by Dorset Council and predominantly catchment areas, not Pre School attended. Luckily, our Pre School feed into all of the local Primary Schools! Many children stay with us from our Nursery room right through to when then go to 'big school' - and then they come back to Holiday Club!