FAQs   Starting Pre-School

 1.        Do you have an orientation day for my child or a day when my child can visit the Pre-School prior to starting?

You are very welcome to visit the Pre-School with your child and stay for half an hour so that they are introduced to the setting before they start. Please ring 01243 779298 during term time to arrange this at a mutually convenient time. Due our staff to child ratios, you will need to supervise your child during this time. 

 

 2.        What is the maximum and minimum number of sessions that a child can attend each week?

Each child can attend a minimum of one session and a maximum of ten subject to sessions being available. We encourage the children to attend at least 2 sessions a week to help them settle in and get the most from their time with us. However, we like to ensure a good age range at the Pre-School so please click on the link below and refer to our Admissions and Equal Opportunities Policies in the policy section of this website.

 

 3.        Can my child take a comfort toy?

Yes, but whilst we take every care we cannot be responsbile for their comfort toy should it be lost, mislaid or broken. It is helpful if the comfort toy is clearly labelled with the child's name.

 

4.        Does my child have to bring fruit or drinks for a mid-session snack?

We ask everyone to bring a piece of fruit every session, which we cut up and share. We provide milk and water to drink.

 

5.        Do the children have any outside play during the sessions?

Children have access to the garden every session. We go out in all weathers so please ensure your child has waterproof and sun proof clothing.

 

 6.       Will my child be allocated an individual member of staff?  

Yes, this will be your child's Key Person. Your child's Key Person will be responsible for completing your child's Learning Journal, which you can view whenever you wish, and for keeping you up to date with their news and progress at the pre-school. They are a great person to chat to! 

 

 7.        Does the Pre-School hold open evenings?

 Prospective parents and carers are welcome to come and visit our Pre-School at any time during the term by arranging a mutually convenient time with the staff. Please ring 01243 779298 during term time to arrange this. You are welcome to bring your child to the visit but due our staff to child ratios, you will need to supervise your child during this time. In the Pre-School, you can see the children's work on display and all equipment and resources can be viewed on request. 

 

8.        How do I get informed about my child's progress?

Sharing your child's progress is an ongoing process between you and us. We encourage parents to approach their child’s Key Worker or the Manager/Deputy Manager about any aspect of their child’s learning, development or general behaviour at Pre-School.  Each Spring Term, the staff hold a weekend Stay and Play session where you are welcome to come to the Pre-School with your child and talk your child’s Key Worker about their progress.  You will be able to see first-hand what toys your child is playing with, their work and perhaps see some of the friendships they have formed whilst at Pre-School.

 

9.         I have another child to drop off at primary school so am unable to drop my child off at 9am. Is this a problem?

It's not a problem as many of our children arrive just after 9 am but it is helpful if children can endeavour to be in the Pre-School before 9.10 am. Our morning session starts at 9 am and our afternoon session finishes at 3.30 pm.

Alternatively, the Pre-School operates an Early Drop Off session at 8.00am and a Late Pick Up session at 4.00pm for busy Parents. These sessions can be pre-booked regularly or arranged on an ad hoc basis by talking to the Manager. There is an additional charge for this so please speak to the Manager, on 01243 779298 during term time. 

We have a 10 minute lee-way for parents dropping off and picking up their children.  If parents are continually late picking up their child, this will be noted and after 3 such instances, the parent will be charged the late pick-up fee (please refer to our Fees policy).

 

10.       Can I nominate someone else to pick my child up?

Yes, but please let a member of staff know when you drop your child off the name of the person who will be collecting them. If we have not seen the adult before, we may ask for a password to be given when collecting.

 

11.      Will my child go on any trips?

We have a summer trip, we go to the primary school to watch the Key Stage 1 nativity play and perform our own and we go for picnics and walks in the playing fields. We have also been to West Wittering beach for a Dr Barnados Sponsored Toddle and have visited the animals at Staunton Park.  Permission Slips will be sent to parents when these trips are announced.

 Download our Welcome Pack here