Learning

Sydling Springs Pre-School

Learning through play

We have a high ratio of staff to children in our group - usually 1:6 with a maximum of 1:8. The maximum number of children in the pre-school is 20.

We recognise that every child is an individual with their own character, abilities, sense of humour and needs. We encourage them to reach their potential through a variety of activities. We provide opportunities for the children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others, encouraging self confidence and attitudes of cooperation.

Play is child's work

Play starts from the natural thing all children have - curiosity. Our pre-school 'provides a stimulating range of activities which ensure children are developing in all areas.'(Ofsted 04) . Your child will be able to learn at their own pace how to take turns, to share and to communicate with other children and adults in the group. Our sessions offer a range of activities with specific learning aims which children are able to choose from with everyone coming together for drinks, music and stories.

The activities we offer provide a gentle introduction to letters, numbers, colours and shapes, and help to develop physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills. By learning through play your child will be able to grow and develop, gaining confidence and independence for the school years ahead.

Pretend play - our dressing up clothes and home corner will give your child a wealth of play equipment with which to imagine a world of their own.

Energetic play - Your child will be able to develop physical confidence and coordination playing on our climbing frame and slide, trampoline, tunnel as well as a variety of bikes, trikes and cars.

Floor toys - floor puzzles, garages and cars, construction toys, Playmobil and Lego.

Structured activities include ; books and stories, music, song and rhyme, water and sand play, puzzles and games, play dough, painting and drawing, cooking, junk modelling, matching and sorting.

Children are given an opportunity at every session to join in adult led activity, which may include cutting, sticking, printing and drawing.

Every day we have a show and tell session where the children are encouraged to participate by bringing an object from home and to tell the rest of the group about this. Each half term we have a different theme upon which many of the activities are based and the children can use the show and tell session to bring in objects relating to the theme.

What to Wear

Your child will be encouraged to explore and learn from activities which are sometimes messy, so please 'dress for mess' with comfortable easily washed clothes that are not too new. To aid your child's independence clothes should be as easy as possible for children to manage by themselves.

Please provide your child with appropriate outdoor wear ie. coat and wellingtons, or sun hat and sun cream as we aim to take the children outdoors for energetic play each session.

Key worker

Each child in the group has one special adult to relate to which can make settling into the group much easier. In addition, the key worker is in a position to tailor the group's curriculum needs to the unique needs of each child. The key-worker maintains links with child's home setting, working with parents through shared record keeping to ensure that each child's individual needs are catered for. All staff ' build strong relationships with the children and manage their behaviour positively and consistently.' (Ofsted 04)

Settling in

A happy introduction to the pre-school is most important. To begin with it is a good idea to make several short visits with your child so that you get to know the staff. If they are friends of yours they will be his/her friends too.

The Pre-school leader and key worker will help you to decide when your child is ready to be left. If they can settle gradually and happily into the pre-school your child will gain in confidence and become more able to cope with new situations.

Refreshments

Water is available throughout each session for the child to help themselves. We also have a milk and fruit break every session.

Parents are asked to provide fruit ie. an apple or banana etc. for this break. The fruit is prepared and shared among the whole group.

Policies

All our policies are designed to offer the best possible experiences for the children and families of our pre-school. Our policies are reviewed on a regular basis and comments from parents are always welcomed.

The Committee

The Pre-school is run by a voluntary committee of parents who are elected at the AGM each year. There are 3 officers - Chair person, Treasurer and Secretary. The rest of the committee comprises of parents and general members and includes roles such as events & fundraising, and publicity.

Parental Involvement

We recognise that you the parents/carers are the most important educators of your young children. Research shows that children learn better when their parents/carers are involved and Ofsted recognised that our 'partnership with parents is very good.' Our rota system aims to involve all parents/carers on a regular basis by helping at the sessions and/or by performing a task to help with the running of pre-school eg. mending toys or equipment. We have a half termly newsletter, to keep you aware of forthcoming events and topics for the term etc.

We are a community run pre-school and rely on the participation of parents/carers and friends for fundraising to enable us to help keep the fees as low as possible. We ask that you take your turn on the rota, try to attend meetings and help with and support fundraising events.

REMEMBER - THIS IS YOUR PRE-SCHOOL TOO!

Session Details

Opening Times Monday 9.30 - 12.00 Lunch club 12.00 - 1.00

Tuesday 9.30 - 12.00

Thursday 9.30 - 12.00 Lunch club 12.00 - 1.00

Friday 9.30 - 12.00

For children aged 2years 9 months - 5 years old

Fees : £7.95 per session Lunch club : £2.50 per session

Pre-school fees and lunch club will be invoiced half termly and are payable in advance.

If you feel that our pre-school would suit your child and would like to visit, you are welcome to call in during a session or to phone the Pre-School Leader during opening hours 07944 830370 or the Chairperson Liz Scott 01300 341708.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU !!!

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