What are the aims of your Pre-School?
To provide high quality childcare and education. To be a place where learning is stimulating and takes place through play; where children are kept safe, respected and cherished as individuals, and treated with kindness, patience and courtesy; where children acquire skills for life and find learning and education fun, where we work in accordance with the EYFS.
Can you tell me how your Pre-School is run and regulated?
Our Pre-School is part of a Foundation Stage Unit, with the Pre-School Leader and Reception class teacher working closely together on planning and resourcing a stimulating, safe, challenging learning environment. We are always pleased to welcome new children and involve parents. We are inspected by OFSTED and our report is available online and by request. For more details on admission criteria please see our admissions policy or ask a member of staff to explain.
How can I find out more about your curriculum?
We run according to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) the statutory guidance for development, learning and care in all Early Years Settings. We have information about the principles and practice of the EYFS displayed around the setting and our planning is also on display, just ask a member of staff if you would like to know anything more about this.
How will I know which staff will be looking after my child and when I can talk to them?
The Pre-School leader is the key person who will take particular responsibility for them while they are in Saplings. You will be introduced to them on your first day and they will work with your child regularly and get to know them really well. Your child can, however go to any of the adults for comfort or help with anything. The leader is always available at the beginning and end of sessions to talk to you. We welcome parents into the classroom at the beginning of each day to settle the children. We aim to be available to you and your child during this time. If you need to meet with us at a different we will do our best to accommodate this.
Do you keep records of the children’s progress?
We use a secure online system called; TAPESTRY and this will be explained to you soon after your child starts. Throughout your child’s time in the Early Years, they will be available for you to see, to share with your child and contribute to yourselves. When your child leaves the Early Years this will be given to you to keep. The information in them will be used to inform a report which will be developed and agreed with you and your child to help school to continue to support their progress towards reaching the Early Learning Goals at the end of the Reception year.
What if my child has additional needs?
We welcome all children and their families and give all children the opportunity to learn and develop in our setting in line with Every Child Matters. However, it is very helpful if you are able to tell us as much as possible about your child’s needs so that we can make suitable provision for them. If you have any worries about your child’s development, please feel free to talk confidentially to the Early Years leader or Pre-School leader.
Do the children have snack during the session?
There is milk, water, and fruit available every day along with a variety of other healthy choices. The children are encouraged to sit with the group at snack time, as this is a sociable time, full of laughter and positive interaction. Water is available at all times.
My child’s first language is not English – is that a problem?
Not at all. It will help them if you can teach us a few key words in their home language but we use signs, gestures, images and demonstrations so we will aim to ensure your child can participate in everything while they are learning to understand and speak English.