Frequently Asked Questions

General

• How do I book a place for my child?

  If you’re new to S4YC, you’ll need to contact your local setting to check childcare availability and pop in for a visit before booking a place for your child. Once availability is confirmed, or if you’re booking your child onto a sports camp, head to our website to access our iPAL booking portal, log in (or register an account), and complete the online booking process.

• Do you provide settling-in sessions?

  We offer settling-in sessions for our preschool places and welcome you to bring your little one for a tour of your chosen setting beforehand, giving your child a chance to explore and feel comfortable ahead of their first day.

• What happens if I am going to be late picking up my child?

  Don’t worry if you’re delayed – just contact your relevant setting as soon as possible and your child will stay safely in our care until you arrive. For security, children are only collected by approved adults. Full details on our late pick-up policy are available in our parent handbook.

• How do you support my child’s learning and track their progress?

  We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to plan enriching learning experiences that meet national quality standards. Children’s achievements are celebrated on our Proud Walls, and progress is shared with parents through daily updates and regular parents’ evenings.

• Are you well-connected with surrounding schools?

  Yes, our settings form strong relationships with local primary schools, supporting a smooth and successful transition into Reception. With a preschool curriculum tailored for school readiness, we help each child build the skills and confidence they need for a positive start to school life.

• Can S4YC provide care and support for my child with special needs?

  Of course! We warmly welcome children with special educational needs and disabilities. Each of our preschools has a dedicated SENDCO who works closely with families to provide the right support and to help ensure a smooth transition into primary school.

Quality & Security

• How do you ensure a high quality of learning and care?

  All our settings are registered with Ofsted in England and with Care Inspectorate Wales and Estyn for our Welsh settings. Regular inspections ensure we consistently uphold the highest standards of care and education. Our latest inspection reports are available on our Reports page and on each regulator’s official website.

• How do you ensure my child’s safety at your settings?

  Keeping your child safe is our number one priority. Our settings follow strict security and safeguarding procedures, including controlled sign-in/out systems, secure pick-up passwords, and close partnerships with local safeguarding boards.

• Are all staff DBS checked and fully trained?

  Yes – every member of our team is fully DBS checked and completes all required training, including Paediatric First Aid. We also invest in ongoing professional development, from training in specific areas to regular peer observations.

Fees & Funding

• What are your fees?

  Please get in touch with your chosen S4YC setting to learn about our current pricing for childcare and sports clubs.

• How do I pay my fees for childcare and sports clubs?

  All payments for childcare and sports clubs can be made securely through our iPAL booking system – simply log in to your account, select your sessions, and complete payment online.

• Do you offer funded places?

  Absolutely! We accept all recognised funding options to help make childcare more accessible for all families. Head to our Funding page for a clear breakdown of the support you may be entitled to.

iPAL

• What is iPAL?

  iPAL is our online booking portal, where you can book, pay for, and manage your child’s sessions for our childcare, holiday clubs, and sports camps provisions.

• How do I set up an account for iPAL?

  1. Head to the S4YC website and click the ‘LOG INTO iPAL’ button in the navigation bar at the top of the page.
  2. Click ‘Register’ to set up your account.
  3. Fill in the form and accept the terms and conditions.
  4. A verification code will be sent to your email address. Enter this code to confirm your account. If it does not appear in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder.
  5. Complete the remaining registration process within iPAL, adding your information, your child’s details, emergency contacts, child collection information, medical & allergies notes, permissions, and additional, authorised contacts.