Prospectus
Introduction
This prospectus includes information, which we hope you will find interesting and helpful. Parents are always welcome to visit the Pre-school sessions.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to speak to Jane Brown or Karen Cahill, the Pre-school supervisors.
If you would like a registration form please click here:
Our Aim
The aim of the Pre-school is to enhance the development and education of all the children who attend the sessions. We aim to encourage and support parents and to acknowledge them as their child’s first and most important educators.
We offer a specifically-planned curriculum based on learning through play and leading to approved learning outcomes, relevant to each age/stage of the children. Including a curriculum planned for under 3’s based on the birth to three matters framework.
As a member of the Oxfordshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership we offer four year old children the opportunity to experience small group and individual activities on a daily basis, in line with the requirements stipulated by OFSTED. All three year olds are now eligible for early education funding from the term after their third birthday.
Staff
The National Standards require us to have an adult/child ratio of 1:4 children up to the age of 3, and 1:8 for children aged 3-5 years, but we aim to provide a higher adult/child ratio than the standard requirements. This will enable us to offer the high standard of provision that we wish to provide. We provide places for up to 18 children per session from the age of 2 years.
The staff profiles are attached at the end of the prospectus. The Pre-school encourages and supports all staff in a variety of training courses.
Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to become involved in the Pre-school in many ways. Parents are invited to attend sessions to help and play. We have a written parental involvement policy and a copy of this is available from the supervisors, as well as being displayed in the policies folder. Parents are regularly informed and encouraged to participate in all our activities.
Parents are also encouraged to share their expertise and skills, so if you have any hobbies or interests you feel you would like to share with us then please let us know! Maybe you enjoy cooking, art and craft, music or languages, or are whizz with a computer? The list could go on; we are always interested to hear from you.
The Pre-school is a committee-run group and as such parental involvement is essential.
PLA Membership
We are a member of the PLA (Pre-school Learning Alliance). As such we benefit from the support that this organisation can give us and are currently undertaking the Pre-school Alliance Accreditation, which is a Quality Assurance scheme.
Early Education Funding and Membership of the Oxfordshire Early Years Partnership
As a member of the Early Years Development Partnership, children who attend our Pre-school are entitled to up to five sessions free of charge; these sessions can be used during the morning or afternoon sessions. This is a simple procedure for parents who are only required to complete a Parental Declaration form each full term. The funding is available for all children from the term after they become three.
OFSTED Inspections
As a member of the EYCDP, we are required to be inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). Our most recent inspection took place in November 2006; a copy of our report is available for parents to see. The Pre-school received an excellent report and we are extremely proud of the quality of provision that we have striven to provide and that we are continuing to deliver and improve.
Some Details of our Educational Curriculum
The Pre-school provides a well planned curriculum which in turn provides excellent support to children’s progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. More information on how we cover the learning goals in our activities can be found in each area of the Pre-school, along with ‘key vocabulary’’ displayed for parent helpers to use while playing with the children to encourage development in that learning area.
Communication, Language and Literature
As part of our daily routine, we offer the children opportunities to develop their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We introduce children gradually and, as part of our routine, to phonics and written language. Our children learn quickly to recognise their written name and those of their friends.
Mathematics
Many of our daily activities offer the children opportunities for number recognition and counting. We introduce mathematical language during discussions and as part of our daily routine. Number is introduced through singing and the large variety of games and play situations available to the children.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
We offer a variety of opportunities for the children to learn about their environment and the people within our local community. We introduce the children to different cultures and traditions. We have a popular box of investigation equipment and regularly do some gardening in our outside area. Our computers are always popular and offer the children the opportunity to develop various skills; we also offer cooking activities as one of the learning opportunities.
Physical
We offer the children a varied and wide range of opportunities to enhance their physical development. We have a selection of large play equipment including bikes, scooters, stepping stone climbing apparatus and slide. All the activities we offer, both indoors and outside, will encourage the children to develop their manipulative skills, for example using scissors, painting, construction, puzzles, etc.
Creative Development
Children can experience a variety of opportunities to develop their creativity. We have a well equipped home corner with dressing up clothes. A puppet theatre, train sets, a set of vehicles and a road mat are available to encourage imaginative play. The children are given the opportunity of using various other resources both natural and manmade. Our selection of musical instruments has been especially chosen to suit the children’s age range. We encourage and build self-esteem by displaying the children’s work whenever possible.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We encourage the children through our daily routine to become independent and considerate to others. There are opportunities for them to share and take turns and to listen and learn about others and to experience other cultures. Our staff respond consistently to the children and use a calm approach at all times.
We provide play opportunities in all six of the learning areas outside whatever the weather, so we ask that parents provide suitable clothing and footwear, appropriate to the season. We also appreciate that children get tired and have created a very comfortable rest area where the children can relax.
Forest School
We are very pleased to say that we are a part of the Forest School Project. Each week we spend one session in our own piece of woodland on the edge of Clanfield, the outdoor learning opportunities are endless and the children have a wonderful time. Karen is our Forest Leader and will be happy to give you further details if required.
Holiday Play Scheme
This summer we are newly registered to provide an out of school provision, we are offering places in Pre-school for the middle two weeks of the summer holidays. The provision will be of the same standard of quality as the term time provision and costs will be the same, although the Early years funding is not available for sessions out of term time.
Emergencies
If an emergency should occur and we are unable to contact you, we will take the appropriate action necessary for the health and safety of you child; for which all parents are asked to give permission on registering their child with us. If a parent or guardian finds that they are unable to collect their child or that they will be delayed, please contact us on the Pre-school telephone number 01367 810365.
Health and Safety
There is a fully equipped first aid box in the Pre-school which is always kept at hand. We keep an incident book where all details are logged and countersigned by parents. There is always at least two first aid trained members of staff on the premises.
Illness
Children suffering from infectious diseases should not attend Pre-school, a list of these is available – please ask Jane or Karen. After sickness and diarrhoea, a full 24 hours should elapse BEFORE your child is well enough to return. If your child becomes unwell whilst in our care, we will telephone you or a nominated contact person to collect the child.
Liaison with Clanfield Church of England Primary School
Pre-school have regular visits to the children in Class 1 and join them to share activities, stories and rhymes, Class 1 also visit the Pre-school to join in with our activities. We may also use the school facilities including the adventure playground.
We are able to have the use of the School grounds during the summer months and make use of the field.
At all times we will work together to ensure a smooth transition from Pre-school to School, Pre-school and reception class/Class 1 enjoy similar or same topics and as such, topics are planned alongside one another.
Wherever possible we will work together with other schools to ensure a smooth transition for your child if your child is to attend somewhere else.
Personal Possessions
Each child has their own ‘basket’ to keep their belongings in. Parents are asked to collect their child’s things from their basket at the end of each session. Please note that we cannot take responsibility for any loss or damage to any item brought into Pre-school although we do our best to keep track of them. Parents also have a pocket in the entrance hall for information for their attention.
Clothing
Children should be dressed in clothes that are suitable for play. We encourage them to take care of their clothes and to wear aprons when they are painting, cooking or taking part in a messy activity. Please discourage your child from wearing their ‘party best’ or the latest addition to their wardrobe! Old is best and something practical and warm is essential. We have for sale polo-shirts, T-shirts and sweatshirts embroidered with the Pre-school logo. An order form and further details can be obtained from Karen.
Please could you also bring daps/plimsolls or slippers for your children to wear indoors, please ensure your child attends Pre-school with clothes appropriate for the weather; for example sun hats in summer and raincoats and wellies in the wet weather.
Hygiene
Children are requested to bring their own hand towel that should be clearly labelled with their name and no bigger than a flannel or small hand towel. Please ensure that there is a strong loop stitched to the towel as we encourage the children to hang their towels up and, therefore, develop their independence.
We do keep spare sets of clean clothes in the event of an accident or mishap and ask that they be washed and returned as soon as possible.
Toilet Training
Children who come to Pre-school are usually well on their way to being toilet trained. We do have nappy changing facilities, but we do ask that parents use and provide ‘Pull Ups’ if their child has not yet become confident with toileting. Please speak to a Supervisor to discuss individual needs before your child comes to us.
Collection
Please let staff know if you are unable to collect your child. If you are unable to let us know in the morning (telephone number 01367 810365), a message can be left on the answer machine.
If you know in advance that you will not be able to collect your child in person, arrange for someone else to do so and please complete the Collection Book with the name, address and contact number of the person who will be collecting your child (situated by the notice board in the entrance hall).
No child will be allowed to leave with anyone other than a parent unless we have been notified of alternative arrangements beforehand.
Gate Lock
To ensure the safety of the children we have a combination lock on the gate during session times, if you need access to the Pre-school during a session please phone us on 01367 810365 and we will unlock the gate for you. For transition times we have a loop to secure the gate.
Fees
The current fees are £4.75 (£5.50 from September 07) per morning and £4.75 (£5.50 from September) per afternoon session, £1.85 (£2.25 from September) per lunch club. These are due for payment termly (old half termly) in advance. If you would prefer to pay monthly or weekly or would like the funding to be explained to you, please discuss this with Jane or Karen. Fees are not refundable in the event of illness or holidays. We require a minimum of one terms (old half term) notice, in writing, if you decide to reduce the number of sessions or no longer need a place with us. Failure to give notice will result in you being asked to pay for the next term (old half term).
Equal Opportunities
We welcome children to our Pre-school whatever race, creed or ability. All children will be given the opportunity to experience all of the activities that are appropriate for their individual needs, please see our Equality and Diversity policy.
Policies
We keep a copy of all our policies in the entrance hall by the notice board. All parents and visitors are encouraged and welcome to read them and request a copy of any that they may require. These policies are regularly reviewed and updated.
The policies are listed below:
Behaviour Management Policy
Child Protection Policy
Complaints Procedure
Confidentiality Policy
Equality and Diversity Policy
Food and Drink Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Parental Involvement Policy
Special Educational Needs Policy
Staffing and Employment Policy
Student Placement Policy
Non-Collection of Children Policy
Admissions Procedure
Forest School Policy
Conclusion
We hope you have found this prospectus interesting. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to ask.
If you have not visited the Pre-school yet, please do. You can arrange a convenient time with either Jane Brown or Karen Cahill on 01367 810365. We look forward to meeting you.
Please visit our website for further information: www.clanfield-preschool.org.uk
Staff Profile
Jane Brown
After my own children, Jack and Charley were born; I registered as a Childminder and developed a successful business with as many as sixteen children on my attendance register. I enjoyed developing some wonderful relationships with the children and parents from differing backgrounds and the children varying from 10months to 8 years old.
Whilst working as a childminder in my spare time I gained a Diploma in Pre-school Practice (DPP) in 2003. The Diploma course required part time work within a Pre-school, which I was fortunate to achieve locally. Whilst training there I learnt more about all aspects of Pre-school Practice. I particularly enjoyed working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), which led me to become the SENCO for Clanfield Pre-school. I also became a ‘Footsteps’ road safety tutor.
I have attended lots of training days covering topics like sign language, meeting the needs of two and a half to three year olds and behaviour management.
I am currently studying with the Open University, working towards my Foundation Degree in Early Years.
My aim within the Pre-school setting is to allow children to develop and grow within a safe and stimulating environment. I am passionate about children learning through play, and the development opportunities this provides.
I am on the board of governors at my children’s school too!
Staff Profile
Karen Cahill Cert. EYP (open)
I have always enjoyed working with children. As a teenager I did lots of babysitting jobs, and I have three children myself. When I had my daughter, Shannon, I got involved with a Toddler Group in Faringdon. I was on the committee and helped to run the craft activities at the sessions.
When Shannon started Clanfield Pre-school I began to help out as Parent Helper. This led to me being offered the Relief Assistant position to cover holidays and sickness. I also worked on the fundraising committee.
I took my Diploma in Pre-school Practice through a home study course to qualify myself when I took the position of joint Supervisor here, in 2001. I have also taken a number of short courses run by the county on everything from African Drumming to Language Development. I hold a St John First Aid Certificate and I am the Equal Opportunities Co-ordinator for our setting.
I studied with the Open University to gain my Certificate in Early Years Practice in 2004; this is a level 4 qualification. I hope to continue my studies to gain the Foundation Degree in Early Years.
In my ‘spare’ time I enjoy performing and teaching Arabic Dance, music and reading.
Staff Profile
Pauline Hughes
Having had seven years experience of working with young children, mostly supervising as a dinner lady and providing play activities for them I was keen to help our at Clanfield Pre-school as a parent helper when my daughter Amber attended in 1998.
I enjoyed this work so much that I was pleased to become a relief assistant to cover staff sickness and the increase in the Pre-school’s numbers.
In April 1999 I decided to enrol on a course entitled ‘Living and working with under 8’s’, as this gave me a chance to share experiences with staff from other Pre-schools and Day Nurseries. I have learnt a lot from this course. We covered subjects such as communication skills, promoting positive behaviour and the importance of play. At the end of the course I gained a certificate with the National Open College Network with credits.
In November 2005 I attended a Promoting Positive Behaviour course which I found interesting and feel will be beneficial to the Pre-school. In January 2006 I gained my level 2 NVQ in childcare qualification.
I am a very active member of staff and I have willingly become involved in fund-raising activities and committee meetings.
I have drawn on my needlework skills and involved the children in helping me to make some curtains for the school room.
I hold a St John’s Ambulance First Aid Certificate.
Staff Profile
Louise Waller
I have been a Parent Helper in my children’s schools and playgroups for a few years and have thoroughly enjoyed being in the class and going on many school trips.
In 2002, I moved from Reading to Carterton and spent a year settling into my new home, doing a computer course to refresh my IT skills and being a Parent Helper in my children’s’ school.
In January 2004, I decided that I enjoyed working with children so much it was time for a career change! I enrolled on an NVQ level II in Early Years and Childcare which I have now successfully completed.
I am also an active member and Treasurer of my children’s school’s PTA.
I have attended courses in Safeguarding Children, Supporting Young Children’s Development of Speech, Language and Communication, Maths Everywhere and Circle Time which I have found very interesting. I have also attended a talk at my children’s school about Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, which was fascinating. I hold a current First Aid Certificate.
I am looking forward to attending future courses and developing my knowledge to assist the children in Pre-School.
Staff Profile
Clare Haley
After having 3 children of my own attending Clanfield Pre-school, I was very pleased to help out as a parent helper; I really enjoyed being part of the Pre-school. So when a position arose in April 2005, I was very pleased to take on the role of being a Pre-school assistant.
I am currently working towards my Certificate in Pre-school Practice, having completed half of the assignments; I am finding it very interesting and have already learnt an awful lot. I currently hold an Early Years First Aid Certificate. I have attended a course called ‘Maths Everywhere’ which was very interesting, and hope to attend more courses in the future to help broaden my knowledge even further.
I find working with children very rewarding, to see their knowledge and understanding grow.
I am keen to be involved in all activities within the Pre-school and look forward to helping the Pre-school and the children in it to achieve good results.
I have also recently joined the board of governors at Clanfield Primary School.
