Preschool for 3 & 4 Year Olds in Dagenham, 15 & 30 Free Hours Available
Every 3 and 4 year old in Dagenham is entitled to 15 free childcare hours at Trinity Playcentre. Working families may access 30 hours. We use Letters and Sounds, prepare children for Reception, and work closely with local primary schools.
Register for a Funded Place → Not sure yet? Book a visit first, no obligation- 🎓 15 hrs, all families
- ⏰ 30 hrs, working families
- 📖 Letters and Sounds
- 🏫 Ofsted rated Good
- ✅ No waiting list
15 & 30 Free Hours, What Your 3 or 4 Year Old Is Entitled To
No means test. No complicated criteria. Every 3 and 4 year old in England gets 15 free hours, and Trinity Playcentre accepts them all.
✅ Universal Entitlement, All Families
Every child aged 3 and 4 in England receives 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 38 weeks of the year. This is a universal right, no income test, no employment requirement, no application beyond registering your entitlement with us.
- Available from the term after your child's 3rd birthday
- 15 hours per week across our morning and afternoon sessions
- Covers preschool sessions at no cost to your family
- Free snacks included · bring your own meal from home
⭐ Working Families, Double Entitlement
If you and your partner (or you as a single parent) are both working, you may qualify for 30 free hours per week, doubling the standard entitlement.
- Both parents work at least 16 hours per week
- Each earns at least 16hrs × National Living Wage
- Neither parent earns more than £100,000/year
- Apply via Government Gateway at Childcare Choices
- You'll receive an 11-digit code to give to us
Not sure if you qualify? Call us, we'll help you check and apply.
Trinity Playcentre provides full guidance and assistance to all families applying for funded hours. We are here to make the process simple. Full guide to funded childcare in Dagenham →
What Your Child Will Be Able to Do When They Leave Trinity
These are not promises we make loosely. They are the specific, consistent outcomes we see in the children who complete their time at Trinity Playcentre, confirmed by our team and the families we work with.
Name Recognition & Early Writing
Children recognise their own name in writing and attempt to write the first letter of their name, a key Reception Year milestone and a proud moment for every family.
Counting & Number Recognition
Children count confidently to 10 and recognise most of the numbers, the mathematical foundation that supports everything in Reception Year and beyond.
Self-Care & Independence
Children manage self-care tasks independently: putting on and taking off their coat, washing their hands, and using the toilet without support. These independent skills make the Reception Year transition significantly smoother.
Early Reading Confidence
Through letter sounds, songs, stories, and games, children build early reading confidence and a genuine love of books, the attitude that underpins all future literacy learning.
These outcomes are confirmed by Trinity Playcentre's own practitioners and reflect consistent achievements seen in children completing their preschool journey at our Dagenham setting.
Letters and Sounds, Our Phonics & Early Reading Approach
At Trinity Playcentre we introduce letter sounds through fun, practical activities, not worksheets or formal instruction. We follow the Letters and Sounds programme developed and endorsed by the Department for Education, adapted for early years play-based learning.
The result is children who recognise their letter sounds confidently and enjoy reading, not children who have been drilled. This prepares them perfectly for the systematic phonics teaching they will receive in Reception Year.
EYFS Learning, Seven Areas of Development
Our preschool sessions are shaped by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. For 3 and 4 year olds, we cover all seven areas, with a continued focus on the three Prime Areas that support school readiness.
Communication & Language
Vocabulary building, listening skills, storytelling, and the phonics foundation through Letters and Sounds.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Confidence, friendships, managing emotions, taking turns, the social skills that define a successful Reception Year.
Physical Development
Fine motor skills (writing, cutting), gross motor skills (running, climbing), and the self-care independence our school readiness outcomes confirm.
Literacy
Letter sounds, early writing mark-making, books, and a love of stories, built through Letters and Sounds and daily storytelling.
Mathematics
Counting to 10, number recognition, shapes, patterns, and measurement through games, play, and everyday experiences.
Understanding the World
Nature, science, technology, different cultures and communities, exploring the world with curiosity and respect.
Expressive Arts & Design
Creative arts, music, role play, and imagination, the areas that bring joy and develop self-expression alongside all other learning.
Preparing for Reception Year, Our Transition Support
Leaving Trinity for school is a milestone we help every family prepare for. We work directly with local primary schools to make it as smooth as possible.
The Primary Schools Trinity Children Most Commonly Attend
How We Support the Transition
- We work closely with all local primary schools to support a smooth transition into Reception Year
- We share detailed transition reports with school staff where appropriate, giving Reception teachers a clear picture of each child's development, strengths, and next steps
- Our EYFS curriculum is designed to align with what children will encounter in Reception, reducing the gap between preschool and school
- The school readiness outcomes we achieve (name recognition, counting, independence, early phonics) are exactly what Reception teachers look for
- Our SENCO, Wendy Johnson, can provide additional transition support for children with SEND, coordinating directly with school SENCO teams
- Parents are kept fully informed throughout the transition process, with guidance on how to support their child at home in the final term
Our Managing Director Wendy Johnson holds an M.Ed, PGCE, B.Ed (Hons) in Early Years, and SENCO Level 3, ensuring the highest level of school readiness expertise guides everything we do.
Sessions, Fees & Funded Hours
Transparent pricing. Your funded hours cover your sessions in full, here is what happens beyond them.
| Session Type | Times | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Hours, All 3 & 4 Year Olds | Flexible across week | Free ✓ | Universal entitlement · no application needed |
| 30 Hours, Eligible Working Families | Flexible across week | Free ✓ | Government Gateway code required · we can help |
| Additional hours (24 months+) | Flexible | £13.50 / hour | For hours beyond your funded entitlement |
| Half Day, Preschool | 9:00am–12:00pm · 12:30pm–3:00pm | £36–£45 | Available for additional sessions |
| Full Day, Preschool | 9:00am–2:00pm · 9:00am–3:00pm | £72–£90 | Available for additional sessions |
Free healthy snacks are included in all sessions. Children bring their own hot or cold meal from home. Full guide to funded childcare in Dagenham →
Settling Your 3 or 4 Year Old Into Preschool
Even at 3 and 4, the transition into a new environment takes time. We make it warm, gradual, and centred around your child.
Home or Virtual Visit
We begin by getting to know your child in their own environment, learning what makes them feel confident and secure before day one.
Stay & Play
Parents are always welcome to stay during early sessions. No pressure to leave until both you and your child feel ready.
Key Person
Every child has a named key person who builds a trusted relationship with them and monitors their individual progress through the EYFS.
Daily Blossom Updates
Photos, activities, and progress notes shared every session via the Blossom app, so you're always connected to your child's day.
What Dagenham Parents Say About Trinity
The families who trust us with their children's most important early years.
"All three of my kids go to Trinity Playcentre and they absolutely love it. The staff is amazing and caring, and the environment is so welcoming. My kids are always excited to go to school!"
"The team at Trinity Playcentre is incredible. My son has learned so much, and I feel confident knowing he's in such good hands. The daily updates via the app are also a great touch."
"Trinity Playcentre has been fantastic for my daughter. The activities are fun, and she's made so much progress in her learning. I'm so happy with the care and attention she receives."
Frequently Asked Questions, Preschool for 3 & 4 Year Olds
Everything parents ask us most before their child starts preschool at Trinity.
Do all 3 and 4 year olds get free childcare hours at Trinity?
How do I qualify for 30 hours free childcare?
What phonics programme does Trinity use?
What will my child be able to do when they start school?
Which primary schools do Trinity children go on to?
When does my child's 15-hour entitlement start?
Is there a waiting list for funded places?
Can I split my 30 hours across more than one provider?
Register Your Child for a Funded Preschool Place Today
Every 3 and 4 year old in Dagenham is entitled to free hours at Trinity Playcentre. Register now and our team will be in touch within one working day to confirm your place and discuss your options.
Register Your Child →Questions first? Call 0208 592 4768 · WhatsApp us · Book a visit
