Starting Preschool
Settling In
We typically provide 2-3 settles prior to starting full sessions, but every child's experience of separating from their parent(s) is different and so, we will follow your child's lead.
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When your child starts, we will go through an 'all about me' assessment, to help us to understand your child's likes, dislikes, needs and interests and gain other important information we need to support your child's learning and development at Preschool. Once settled your child will be allocated a key person who will create a secure attachment with them, allowing them to feel safe and confident whilst you are not with them. ​​​​
What to Bring
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A drink’s bottle
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A packed lunch if staying for lunch club or all day. Please do NOT send anything containing nuts, including peanut butter or Nutella, as we are a nut-free zone.
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Weather appropriate clothing (waterproof, sun hat etc)
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Suitable footwear e.g., shoes with Velcro rather than laces (we promote independence), sandals which are secured around the heel, welly boots etc.
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At least one full change of clothing​​
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Enough nappies, nappy sacks, barrier cream and wipes to last the day. Please note: all nappies will need to be taken home to be disposed of.
Please ensure ALL personal belongings are labelled with your child's name
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Toilet Training
We do not expect children to be toilet trained before starting Preschool. We have facilities to change nappies as and when needed (nappies will need to be taken home). Please provide enough nappies, wipes, nappy sacks etc. to last the session as these are not provided by the Preschool.
We will follow your child's lead with toilet training and support them through this journey to coincide with the training at home. ​
Safety
​Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everybody's business- know how to spot the signs of child abuse and how to report it here.
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Our staff and Trustees undergo the necessary police, Ofsted checks and written references to ensure they are suitable to work with children. Volunteers, students or staff undergoing checks are not permitted to deliver intimate care and are never left alone with children.
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Staff are trained in Basic Child Protection to ensure they have the knowledge on how to spot the signs of abuse/mistreatment of children and what steps to take to keep children safe.
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The Preschool's Designated Person for Child Protection (DPCP) is Sarah
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Only persons authorised by you are permitted to collect your child. We use a password system and ask you to provide photographs of other authorised contacts should they need to collect. If there is a last minute change in who's collecting your child, please call us on 01223 870919 as soon as possible.
Fees & Funding
2 - 3 Year Olds
£7.50 Per Hour
3 - 4 Year Olds
£7.00 Per Hour
These fees apply to children who are not eligible for government funding and those that wish to 'top-up' their sessions.
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Fees are paid in advance every half-term by invoice, with a 2-week window within which to pay. The Preschool accepts payment via BACS or approved Childcare vouchers. Payment plans can be established to support our families if necessary.
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Deliberate non-payment of fees results in a 10% late payment penalty fee added to the invoice and could result in the termination of the child's space. We are a charity-run setting and non-payment of fees is detrimental to the organisation.
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Fees are still applicable for absences, e.g., sickness, holidays.
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A £25 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a space at the Preschool for children who are not eligible for government funding.
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Sickness & Holidays
Sickness
If your child is feeling poorly, please keep them at home and call the Preschool on 01223 870919 to notify us of their absence. Your child can return to Preschool when fully recovered, does not have a high temperature (37.8 C or above) and does not require any pain relief to help them last the day. Further advice on common childhood illnesses can be found here.
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The Preschool reserves the right to temporarily exclude children from attending the Preschool if they are unwell or at risk of spreading infection to others. In particular:
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Children suffering from vomiting and/or diarrhoea must not attend Preschool until 48 hours after the last bout of sickness. Please ensure your child is eating and drinking enough before returning to Preschool.
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Holidays
Please let us know if your child is going to be absent from Preschool.
If unfunded, full payment is required for absences, and the Preschool is unable to swap sessions to compensate.
Cancelling
We require a minimum of 6 weeks written notice to terminate a child's space and reserve the right to charge for fees during this time.
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The Preschool reserves the right to claim for at least 4 weeks of funding during the first half of a term and the full amount during the second half of a term.
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