Arriving

We are providing a bag which can live at Preschool to hold your spare clothes and, if needed, nappies, wipes etc. Each bag is clearly named and hangs on your child’s peg in the entrance area. We will let you know when further clothes etc are needed.

At the Door

Your child should wear their coat and carry in their water bottle (and lunch if relevant) as they walk into Preschool. Coats are hung up inside, ready for use when we go outside to play.

Make sure Preschool knows any change to the adult picking up your child, (have you completed an orange form?) and say good bye, (best not to suggest you are on the other side of the door throughout the session). If someone different is picking up, are they on your “permission to collect” form? Make sure they know the password and tell us what is happening.

Elements of a usual session

Children first cleanse their hands and then self-register using a photo. Then its time to play! Soon there is a register time when we may also sing songs or number rhymes, share news, learn Makaton or French . Children are taken to the toilet when needed throughout the session, nappies changed when appropriate.

Free play

With a selection of craft, painting, construction, play dough, jigsaws, book corner, small world and role play. Children may also play outdoors where a variety of resources will be available, including climbing frame, bikes and cars, balancing equipment, role play, mark making etc etc.

Break

During the session we cleanse hands then sit down together to share Break Time at the tables. Children have milk or water (drunk from a cup) and a healthy snack (cheese and crackers, bread, fruit, toast). The basic menu is displayed in the Parent’s area, we also supplement it with seasonal fruits and vegetables, as we believe it is vital to offer children as wide a variety of them as possible over time.

Group time

This is a more structured fun learning time covering a variety of topics that also teaches children to listen to instructions and be attentive. After further free play the session ends with a story and then the children are collected by their parent or carer. They bring home pictures or models which are dry (others are stored safely for next time).

Home Time

Waiting to be picked up can be an anxious time for children, particularly when they start at Preschool. Please ensure you are prompt.