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Joining The Riverside Playgroup
Every child at Riverside Playgroup is treated with equal respect, care and consideration for their learning and wellbeing, and every family in the community is welcome to join us.
If you would like for your child to attend Riverside Playgroup or simply want to have a look around, send us an email or give us a call to arrange a visit at your convenience.
Our Sessions
The available sessions we offer at Riverside Playgroup are as follows:
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Morning Session: runs from 9:00am-12:05pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
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Afternoon Session: runs from 12:05pm - 3:35pm on Monday and Tuesday only.
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Full Day Session: runs from 9:00am - 3:35pm on Monday and Tuesday only.
Availability for sessions is subject to the amount of children that are in attendance.
We prioritise flexibility during a child’s transition into our playgroup; parents are more than welcome to bring their children for free visiting and taster sessions, and when enrolled have the option to stay to ensure children can get settled in.
Fees & Funding
Riverside Playgroup charges £25 per morning and afternoon session, and £50 per full day session. Childcare fees are calculated based on the sessions the child attends and any funding they are eligible for. Fees are charged via invoice on a termly basis.
As an early years childcare provider in Richmond borough, Riverside Playgroup adheres to funding guidelines as set out by Achieving For Children.
We deliver the Free Early Education Entitlement offer, which as of September 2025, encompasses access to grant-funded hours for:
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Universal 15 hours for 3 - 4 year olds
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Working Family Extended 15 hours for 3 - 4 year olds
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Working Family Expanded 30 hours for 2 year olds
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Early Learning (previously 'Disadvantaged Family') 15 hours for 2 year olds
More information on our funding and fees policy can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the day-to-day routine during a session?
Our sessions are predominantly child-led; every child is able to choose which games, activities and toys they engage with. They are encouraged to participate in group and staff-led activities throughout the session, such as singing, cooking, crafts and other games.
Mealtimes are structured into the session at 10:00am (and 1:00pm on full days), where children are required to sit down at the table with their peers and eat.
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What will my child eat?
Riverside Playgroup provides a basic snack of toast, fruit and a biscuit that children can eat during 10:00am break times.
Children attending full day sessions should bring a packed lunch with them to eat during 1:00pm lunch time.
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What should my child wear?
Children will have opportunities to engage in messy and outdoor play, and as such should be dressed in suitable, weather-appropriate clothes.
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What should my child bring with them?
All children should bring a waterbottle with them, and a packed lunch if they are staying for a full day session.
It is also encouraged to bring a spare pair of clothes, any nappies your child may require, and weather-appropriate items such as wellies, sunhats, etc.