FEES
You will receive notification of fees due for each half-term which must be paid prior to the new term commencing.
Prompt payment is appreciated as failure to do so can result in your child losing their place.
Payment may be made either by cheque payable to Tolleshunt D’Arcy Pre-School or directly into the pre-school account at Barclays Bank, Tiptree online.
Please use the following:
Sort Code 20-97-40, Account Number 50887811.
Please use your child’s name as the reference. The current fee is £9.00 per session
Fees are still payable for days when a child is unable to attend (e.g. through illness or holidays). If a parent is finding difficulty with the payment of fees, this can be discussed confidentially with the Administrator or Chairperson. The pre-school offers a flexible payment system for families with differing means.
GRANT
Grant funding by the Local Education Authority is accepted for three and four year old children, dates of qualification are allocated by the Local Education Authority (currently a child will qualify for a grant in the new term after their third birthday). If your child is eligible for the grant, the Administrator will provide you with a form to complete and return to us at the beginning of each term; Spring, Summer and Autumn. Shortly after the beginning of each term, we have to provide our headcount to the Council which determines the level of our grant for that term. Please note that if you wish your child to attend additional sessions after this headcount, it will be necessary to charge you for the extra sessions. You will be advised of the headcount date each term.
LUNCH CLUB
We run a lunch club for children 3 years and over. This is held on a Monday Wednesday Thursday and Friday from 12:30 noon to 2:00 pm. This is a popular club and places are limited. If you would like your child to attend this club, please contact the Administrator for the details. The current fee is £4.50 per session. If the club is full, your child’s name will be put on a waiting list.
RECORDS
Records of each individual are kept, along with evidence of their achievements. These are available to the child’s parents upon request.
CHILD PROTECTION
All staff are cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau and clearance details are on file in the certificate folder. Staff will report any signs of abuse to the pre-school Supervisor who will inform the Chairperson. We advise all parents to familiarise themselves with our Child Protection Policy.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Before the session is opened, a Risk Assessment is undertaken where we follow a checklist to ensure that the indoor and outdoor premises are safe and there are no potential hazards or risk to anyone’s health and safety. The doors to the pre-school are locked during the session and any visitors are always escorted. The doors will not be opened for parents/carers until the session ends. If you need to collect your child during the session, please knock on the door or window so that we may let you in.
COMMUNICATION
We keep parents/carers informed of events and other important information by letters from the Administrator and the Chairperson’s monthly newsletter. In addition, notice boards are in the main hall and display information for parents and the children’s work.
We would be grateful if you could keep us informed of any changes to your personal details, most importantly Emergency Contact details and changes to your child’s dietary requirements and medical condition.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Our pre-school would not exist without the help and support of parents. You can help by supporting the various fund raising ventures throughout the year, which enable us to buy additional equipment. You may even wish to serve on the Committee, please contact any member of staff or committee member.
PRE-SCHOOL SESSION
SETTLING IN
You are welcome to stay at pre-school with your child if it helps with initial settling in, or for as long as you feel necessary. One of the aims of pre-school is to help your child gain some independence before starting school, but if your child becomes very upset on being left, or develops behavioural problems at home, please discuss the matter with the Supervisor. We operate a key person system where each child in the group has a member of staff to relate to, which can make settling in to the group much easier.
KEY PERSON SYSTEM
Each member of staff is a key person to a group of children whereby they monitor the children’s progress according to framework and make sure that their time here at pre-school is an enjoyable one. Whilst monitoring your child’s progress, the key person also makes notes on their ability to perform everyday tasks and all the areas of development, within the guidelines of the foundation stage. These records are available for you to look at any time by prior appointment with your child’s key person. The records will also be given to you when your child leaves pre-school.
The key person is also a communication link between the child’s home and pre-school. If you have any concerns or areas that you feel need raising, please feel free to approach your child’s key person at any time, or in her absence the Supervisor.
ARRIVING AT PRE-SCHOOL
The doors will be open at 9.00 am and you are welcome to wait in the entrance hall whilst the staff are setting-up equipment in the main hall. Please note that your children are your responsibility until we open the doors to the main hall at 9.30 am/12.30 pm. For security reasons, we ask that you escort your child into the main hall.
Your child’s label for the coat peg will be on the table in the entrance hall which should be brought into the main hall when we open. On entering the hall, you and your child are asked to first go to the person taking the register. Your child can then find a coat peg to place their coat/bag and place their name label on the peg. There will be a table laid out with paper apples and your child will have an apple with their name on. The children enjoy finding their apple and placing it on the tree to tell us they are here!
A TYPICAL SESSION
The children can choose to sit at any of the tables which are laid with a variety of activities and are changed regularly. There is also a book corner and play equipment set out in the hall. We have a fully-enclosed and secure garden which is always open unless it is severe wet weather. Further play equipment and games take place in this area. Towards the end of the session, the children gather in a group for story time. We also have a “Letter of the Week” whereby children can bring in objects from home which start with the letter of the week and these are shared with the group. Please see the section headed “Curriculum - Foundation Stage” for further details of the activities taking place.
SNACK BAR
We provide a snack bar where children can join a table for snacks and milk or water throughout the session which is supervised by a member of staff. This is a free-flow system where children can have a snack when they wish, however the member of staff will ensure that all children are asked if they wish to have a snack before the session ends. All food and drinks taken by your child is recorded. It is essential that you complete our form headed “Snack Time Information” prior to your child attending his/her first session so that we are advised of any allergies or special dietary requirements. Please keep the Supervisor or Administrator informed of changes to this information.
CLOTHING
Clothing should be practical rather than smart. Our pre-school ‘T’ shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase and are displayed in the entrance hall. The children wear overalls when painting and gluing, but in case of accidents we advise that you wash the garment in cold water. It is helpful if the children have a change of clothing with them in case of accidents. As we encourage outdoor activities in our garden, suitable clothing is essential, e.g. sun hats and sun cream in summer and winter coats and wellingtons, with a change of shoes in winter. Please ensure that all removable items of clothing are marked with your child’s name.
JEWELLERY
If your child has pierced ears, please ensure that studs are worn to pre-school not hoops.
SHOES
Shoes should be soft, to avoid accidentally hurting other children and suitable for all activities, including the climbing equipment.
TOILET
Help with the toilet will be given if necessary. Please let staff know if your child uses a special word for the toilet. However, accidents do sometimes happen and we keep a supply of spare clothes. If your child is still in nappies please could you send them with a clean nappy and wipes in a bag that can be hung on their coat peg.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS
Please do not bring an obviously unwell child to pre-school. It is policy that we may administer medication to children, but this must be in the original bottle or container as supplied by the child’s doctor. The necessary consent form must be signed. If your child is dependent on long term medication (such as insulin, inhalers, etc.) please discuss the matter with the Administrator when you register or with the Supervisor at the first session at pre-school.
All staff dealing with the children hold a current First Aid Certificate. In the event of a child becoming, in the opinion of the staff, seriously unwell during a session, you will be contacted. This applies equally in the case of a serious accident. Minor accidents will be dealt with by qualified First Aiders and you will be asked to sign the Accident Book in compliance with Government Regulations.
On the Parent Notice Board there is information which gives guidance on common illnesses and the length of time your child should be absent from pre-school.
HOME LINK BOOK
When your child starts pre-school, they will be issued with a home link book. Should anything we feel you would like to know happens in the session, then we may write it in the book. Also if there is anything that you feel we would like to know, then feel free to write it in the book for us. Please bring the book to every session and put it in the home link book box, even if you haven’t written in it. We would also ask that you take it home after every session. The home link book is not exclusively for our pre-school. If your child attends another setting or has a childminder we are happy to share any information and progress through the home link book. The home link book is in addition to your coming to chat to the staff, which you are welcome to do at any time.
LIBRARY
We have a library at pre-school where you can help your child choose a book to take home. We ask that the books are returned on a weekly basis or taken out for a further week if required. The books are separated into three sections: picture books, first words and first sentences and are displayed in the entrance hall. Please record the name of the book and the date taken on your child’s card in the red box, or you may ask the Administrator or another member of staff to do this for you. The date of returning the book should also be written on your child’s card.
READING SYSTEM
In addition to the library, we also operate a reading system. Your child will automatically be invited to take part in the reading system as soon as they are eligible for grant funding. The reading system is purely voluntary and no child is forced to take part. For those who wish to, they will be issued with a picture reading book and a reading record book to take home and enjoy. The reading record is for you to make any comments should you wish to do so. Once you are happy that your child is confident with the book then you may bring the book back on their allocated book change day. We will endeavour to hear you child read and choose another book to take home. Once children are confident with picture books, they will progress to word books and be given some ‘high frequency words’ to practise. Again, once your child is confident with these words, let us know and we will add some more.
GOING HOME
Please arrive promptly to collect your child.. Should you be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances would you please phone us on 01621 868948. Normally staff members are on the premises for a further 30 minutes clearing away equipment. If your child has not been collected and we have had no contact from you, we will endeavour to contact the people you have nominated for emergency purposes on the registration form. If after a further half hour the child still remains and no contact has been made, we will have no alternative other than to inform the Social Services.
Always inform the Supervisor in advance if someone else will be collecting your child and sign the book on the Supervisor’s table. We will not let them go with someone we do not know, unless we have been informed to the contrary. It is essential to sign the book at the start of the session.
PROBLEMS
Children react in a variety of ways to changes in circumstances (e.g. moving house, members of the family in hospital, relationship difficulties etc.), which may cause anxiety and insecurity often resulting in a change of behaviour. Please inform the Supervisor in confidence of any such circumstances so that any behavioural changes can be managed in the most appropriate way at pre-school.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The pre-school is open to every family whatever race, religion or special needs. The Pre-School Learning Alliance is committed to helping pre-schools provide equality of opportunity for all children and families. As a member of the Alliance, Tolleshunt D’Arcy Pre-School works in accordance with all relevant legislation, including:
Children Act 1989
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995
Race Relations Act 1976
Race Relations Amendment Act 2000
Sex Discrimination Act 1986
We believe that the pre-school’s activities should be open to all children and families and to all adults committed to the welfare of children. We aim to ensure that all who wish to work in, or volunteer to help with our pre-school have an equal chance to do so.
Admissions
The pre-school is open to every family in the community, please be made aware of our Equal Opportunities Policy.
Employment
The pre-school Committee will advertise each vacancy and will employ the person most suitable for each vacancy. All applicants will be treated fairly.
Festivals
Our aim is to show respectful awareness of all the major events in the lives of the children and families in the pre-school. Children will be encouraged to welcome a range of different festivals, together with the stories, celebrations and special food and clothing they involve, as part of the diversity of life.
The Multi-Faith Curriculum
All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured. Activities and the use of play equipment offer children opportunities to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination. Appropriate opportunities will be given to children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others.
Resources
These will be chosen to give children a balanced view of the world and an appreciation of the rich diversity of our multi-racial society. Materials will be selected to help children to develop their self-respect and to respect other people by avoiding stereotypes and derogatory pictures or messages about any group of people.
Special Needs
The pre-school recognises the wide range of special needs of children and families in the community, and will consider what part it can play in meeting these needs. Planning for pre-school meetings and events will take into account the needs of people with disabilities.
Discriminatory Behaviour/Remarks
These are unacceptable in the pre-school. The response will aim to be sensitive to the feelings of the victim(s) and to help those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices.
Languages
Information, written and spoken, will be as clearly communicated as possible. Bi-lingual/multi-lingual children and adults are an asset. They will be valued and their languages recognised and respected in the pre-school.
AGM Meetings
The time, place and conduct of meetings will ensure that all families have an equal opportunity to join the committee and be involved in the running of the pre-school.
COMPLAINTS
If you have anything you wish to discuss concerning your child, yourself or pre-school, the Supervisor will be happy to talk to you in confidence at the end of a session. This can take place in another room if you so wish. The Chairperson will also speak to you at home at any time (telephone number to be found on the Parent Notice Board). If we are unable to solve your complaint the Pre-School Learning Alliance or Ofsted are both willing to offer their assistance. Addresses and telephone numbers are on the Parent Notice Board.
CONTACTING US
There is a telephone in the Village Hall if you need to contact pre-school during a session. The number is 01621 868948.
Out of hours you can contact 01621 810854
www.tolleshuntdarcypre-school.co.uk
We hope your time with pre-school will be a happy and beneficial one – both for you and for your child.
CURRICULUM - FOUNDATION STAGE
Communication, Language and Literacy
In both small and large groups, children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary by talking and listening, and by hearing and responding to stories, songs and rhymes. Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of the purposes of writing and, when they are ready, to use drawn and written symbols for themselves. A well stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books, to handle them and be aware of their uses, both for reference and as a source of stories and pictures.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Within a nurturing environment, children are individually supported in developing confidence and self- respect. They are encouraged to explore and concentrate independently and also to take part in the life of the group, sharing and co-operating with other children and adults. Through activities, conversation and practical example, they learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others. All children are given the opportunity, as appropriate, to take responsibility for themselves and also for the group, its members and its property.
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
By means of adult supported practical experience, children become familiar with the sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities, which form the basis for early mathematics. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted to learn and use the vocabulary of mathematics, identifying objects by shape, position, size, volume and number. Songs, games and picture books help children become aware of number sequences and, when they are ready, to use simple mathematical operations such as adding.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
A safe and stimulating environment allows children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities, and to share and record their findings. Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment, both within the group and also the wider community. A range of safe and well maintained equipment enables children to extend their technological understanding, using simple tools and techniques as appropriate to achieve their intentions and to solve problems.
Physical Development
A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and out of doors, allows children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own bodily skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables children safely to create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are supported in the development of the fine motor skills required to use tools, including pens and pencils, and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision. They are also encouraged to develop an awareness of their own bodies and what keeps them healthy.
Creative Development
Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own feelings and to construct their individual response to experience in two and three dimensions. Art equipment, including paint, glue, crayons and pencils, as well as natural and discarded resources, provides for open-ended exploration of colour, shape and texture and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage. Children join in with and respond to music and stories and there are many opportunities for imaginative role play, both individually and as part of a group.
POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
In Place and Available for Inspection
PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT LINK TO ASK FOR AN APPLICATION FOR YOUR CHILD TO JOIN US.