Sessions
Sessions
We offer sessions for children aged from 2½ up to 4 years of age. Our sessions run Monday to Friday from either 9.00am to 12.00 noon, or 9.00am to 2.00pm.
Lunch
Children attending the 9.00am to 2.00pm session need to bring a packed lunch which should not contain nuts as operate a Nut Free Environment. Lunchtime is relaxed and informal with staff included. Gentle encouragement of good table manners, the opportunity to practice social skills and learning to listen to others, are all enjoyed in a safe and fun play environment.
Outings
Day outings take place several times each year, and these are enjoyed equally by the children, parents and staff. These are a one-off cost and usually are arranged during the autumn term and towards the end of the summer term.
Fees
We are a non-profit making organisation and fees will be charged to cover the cost of staff wages for children under 3 years of age. All other costs such as heating, lighting and the purchase of equipment are met by our fundraising efforts in order to keep fees to a minimum.
For the full school terms that follow your child’s 3rd birthday we will claim our costs for the sessions your child attends through the Government funding scheme. This entitles your child to 15 hours per week (up to 30 hours in some instances) of free early years education over 38 weeks per year (term-time only) if spaces at Pre-School are available. Visit www.gov.uk for details of funded childcare eligibility.
Parents and Carers
It is important for you and your child to have a happy start to their early years’ education at Blewbury Pre-School. You are welcome to come and visit us during the term before your child is due to start. It is a good opportunity for us all to get to know each other before your child is actually left for the first time. It also gives you an insight into the routine of the sessions, and enables your child to start to make some new friends and to remember some familiar faces. We are also happy for the Playleader or your child’s Key Person to visit you in your home if you would like to have this opportunity prior to your child commencing with us.
Sessions
What to bring
- a named towel
- named indoor shoes
- a small snack* in a small named container
- a named lunch box* and drink if child staying after 12 noon
- a coat, and in cold weather gloves and a hat (all named)
- in summer, a named sunhat
- nappies and wipes (if applicable)
- a spare change of clothes (all named)
* Please remember, any food should not contain nuts as we operate a Nut Free Environment.
We have received new information from Gov.uk regarding the provision of suitable foods for young children. Our guidance suggests the following:-
- No nuts, popcorn or marshmallows
- Food like apples and cheese should be sliced rather than cut into chunks
- Grapes, cherry tomatoes and strawberries should be cut in half lengthways
- Avoid salty over-processed foods such as sausages and pepperami
- Avoid sugary foods
Children should wear suitable clothing. It is best if it is easily washable and suitable for the current weather. This is because we encourage the children to explore and experiment with all kinds of materials, including messy ones, both indoors and outdoors.
It is good for children to practise the skills which will make them independent, so simple clothing which they can handle themselves will encourage independence in going to the toilet and changing clothing and shoes.
Policy for Sick Children
We provide care for healthy children through preventing cross infection of viruses and bacterial infections and promote health through identifying allergies and preventing contact with the allergenic triggers.
To promote a healthy and safe environment and to protect the wellbeing of other children and adults on the premises, a period of exclusion may be introduced for communicable diseases, e.g. Chicken Pox.
In the case of diarrhoea and vomiting, the child should be kept away for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped and the child is fully fit. Written permission from the parent will be needed if a child requires medication/treatment to be administered by staff. Further details are given in our Administration of Medicines Policy.
Parent Involvement
Parents are encouraged to attend a session through participation in the Parent Helper Rota. This is a great opportunity to become more involved in the life of the Pre-School.
We believe that parents are their child’s best educators and your involvement is really important in your child’s development in the foundation stage.
Parents have a wealth of skills and experience they can contribute to Pre-School life. Some parents like to share a particular skill, hobby or life-experience with the children, for instance learning how to build houses, or what a police officer does, or football skills. This is a lovely way of helping children extend their learning.