Pre-School routine

Leaving your child
Children should be brought into Pre-School at the start of each session. Each child has his/ her own peg for bags, coats etc. They then put their name card into the matching drawer, and the supervisor marks them into the register.

Play time
Children love to play and learn best that way! At Wheatley Pre-School we hope to provide your child with a broad range of toys and activities which encourage their creativity and imagination. Children are able to move around the room to experience different activities which include paint, paste, sand, water, construction, puzzles, books and a home corner for imaginative play. Children are encouraged to choose and access these activities independently.

Pre-School curriculum
Considerable time is dedicated by the staff to producing a varied and imaginative curriculum. Aimed primarily at the children as a group, all the children are able to progress successfully towards achieving the areas of learning and development throughout the foundation stage. This is further enhanced by the Key Person system, which allows activities to be tailored to each individual child as appropriate. A “theme” is followed each term, and children and parents alike are welcome to contribute any relevant experiences/toys etc.

Milk-time
Partway through each session the children help to tidy up and then have drink of organic milk or water, and some fruit. Parents are asked to bring in one piece of fruit each session to be shared. If your child has any food allergies, or other dietary concerns, please inform the supervisor.

Outdoor time
Weather permitting, after milk time, the children play in the outdoor play area, where they can choose from a wide range of outdoor toys, including the adventure playground.

It is a great way for the children to let off steam and to improve their physical co-ordination whilst enjoying the fresh air. Our access to the Primary School’s playing fields means we are able to go on nature walks and have fun teddy bears picnics!.

Story time and music During each session everyone gathers together to read a story and sing songs. The children are welcome to share stories and experiences from home if they wish.

Collecting your child Parents/ carers are asked to come into Pre-School at the end of the session to collect their children. This gives you the opportunity to talk to your child’s Key Person, or any member of staff, and look at what your child has been doing.

In line with social services policy, written permission is required for a child to leave with an adult who is not named on their consent form. A member of staff is always on duty at the door at the end of the session.

Pre-School Policies

We also have available our most recent (and very positive!) inspection report. Click Here to read the report

We keep a policies file on the Supervisors desk, which parents are welcome to look at any time. It contains information on the following policies:

• Equal opportunities
• Safety
• Health and hygiene
• Settling in at Pre-School
• Staffing and employment
• Diet
• Selecting equipment/ toys
• Special needs
• Parental involvement
• Complaint procedure
• Behaviour management
• Admissions
• Confidentiality
• Student placement
• Child protection guidelines
• Assisted places
• Late collection
• Lost Children

We hope your child enjoys his/ her time at Wheatley Pre-School, gains friends, positive experiences and confidence.

Each and every day our goal is to make your child’s playtime fun and stimulating! We look forward to meeting you!

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

The Cool Kids Club
Cool Kids offers a Breakfast Club from 7.30am and an After School Club  until 5.30pm.  They also offer a Lunch Club where they will escort your child to and from Pre-School as requested.  For further information please contact Cool Kids on 01865 876395 (during Club opening hours).

Clothing
Some activities can get a bit messy, so we suggest your child wears clothes that are easy to care for! It is helpful for staff if you could mark your child’s name in items of clothing. Don’t forget in Summer we need sunhats and suncream, and in Winter chilly days need scarves, gloves and warm coats!

Swimming
The Primary School heated swimming pool is sometimes made available in the Summer term for us to use. Use of the pool is covered in a separate notice, and no child is allowed in the pool unless a parent has signed a consent form.

Book Bags
Wheatley Pre-School book bags are available for purchase at £3.50 each. This enables your child to use the Pre-School library and borrow books free of charge

Birthdays
We always note each child’s birthday and wish him/ her “Happy Birthday”. If you wish, you may bring in special treats to celebrate the occasion and the birthday child will have the honour of passing them out at home-time.

Communication
We publish a newsletter to keep parents informed of fundraising activities and other information, which you may need to know or find of interest. Notices pertaining to Pre-School, including Fire and Safety regulations and certification requirements, are posted on the notice boards as you enter Pre-School.

Health and safety

Illness
We cannot accept any child with an infectious disease or with a fever. In the case of diarrhoea or vomiting we operate a period of exclusion from Pre-School of 48hrs from the last attack. If any child is unwell or becomes ill during a session, we will call you immediately to ask you to take your child home.

Accidents
All members of staff have first aid certificates. We have a first aid kit on hand, and record all incidents in an Accident book for parents to review and sign when they collect their child. In the event of an emergency every effort will be made to contact the parent/ carer and appropriate action will be taken. It is the parent/ carers responsibility to ensure that the staff hold up-to-date information regarding contact details.

Fire Practice
We do this every 6 weeks.