Parent Information

OUR AIM

Our aim is to provide a happy and stimulating setting in which the children can develop their social and personal skills within a caring environment. The children are encouraged to carry out a wide range of activities which will help prepare them for school with confidence and independence. We aim to provide them with a warm and friendly environment where politeness and care for others will be strongly encouraged.

ABOUT FIRST FRIENDS PRE-SCHOOL NURSERY

First Friends Pre-School is in a new purpose built nursery in the grounds of

Great Waldingfield Primary School. We are open from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Fridays until 1.00 p.m. during school term time.

The pre-school sessions are run from 9.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the morning and 1.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in the afternoon. There is a lunch club which runs from 11.30 to 1.00 p.m. The cost of the pre-school 2 ½ hour session is £7.00 and the lunch club is an extra £2.00

You may leave your child from 8.55 a.m. but this is dependent upon number of staff available

We have an undercover outside area plus a fenced garden/play area where the children have opportunities to play on bikes, use a trampoline, climbing activities and ball play. The garden area is used for planting seeds, vegetables, herbs and flowers. We have a wild life area where the children can look at the habitats of birds, insects and other animals.

Typical session structure.

9.00 a.m. The children arrive at Pre School

Registration and circle time.

9.15 a.m. Free play, crafts and activities.

10.30 a.m. Circle time with songs followed by snack.

11.15 a.m. Story time.

11.30 a.m. Parents/carers return to collect children.

Our outside play area is accessible to the children at all times.

Lunch Club children will be able to continue to play and carry out activities in and outside prior to eating their lunch together at 12.30. Parents/Carers collect children at 1.00 p.m. The children who are coming in, or staying, for the afternoon session are then collected at 3.30 p.m. The afternoon session follows the same session structure with a change in activities.

In September 2005 we had a very successful OFSTED Inspection Report. The judgements on the six learning goals was Good (the aspect of the provision is strong). We had no key issues to undertake. The Inspector made the following comments:

“The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment where all visitors are monitored.”

“Children enjoy a wide range of activities and play resources to support their overall development. All children are developing good social skills . Their behaviour is very good and they share and take turns amicably.”

“The quality of teaching is good. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals.

We are a member of the Pre School Learning Alliance which ensures that we are constantly in touch with new thinking in the field of childcare and education.

We are able to take children from the age of 2 years old until they start school.

We are registered under the Early Years Development Plan which allows us to accept a Government Grant towards your child’s nursery education when they are 3 years old. The Pre School will liase with parents/carers when their child is eligible for this grant. (More information is available at the Pre School).

EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF PRE-SCHOOL

In the event of severe weather or other factors beyond our control, such as breakdown of heating, it may be necessary to close the pre school at short notice. In the event of this happening during a session we will contact parents/carers by phone and ask them to collect their children. Any child whose carer cannot be contacted will be kept at pre school and supervised by at least two members of staff. No child will be allowed to leave without an authorised adult.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR EMERGENCY ARE:

Ann: 07931 806329 Michelle: 07890 957734

ACCIDENTS OR ILLNESS

In cases of emergency or illness we will try to contact parents/carers. If this is not possible we will seek medical advice if necessary, and will act on that advice in accordance with our Health Policy.

Please keep us informed of changes of address or telephone number (including mobile numbers). An emergency contact number is important for our records.

MEDICATION

Staff at First Friends Pre School can only administer medicines that are prescribed by a doctor with prior written parental consent.

POLICIES

• First Friends Pre School has policies on:
• Admission and Registration (includes settling in procedures)
• Behaviour Management
• Complaints Procedure
• Confidentiality
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Equal Opportunities – staff, volunteers and management
• Food Policy
• Health & Hygiene (incl. Medication, Sick Children and No Smoking )
• Health and Safety
• Late and Non Collection of Children Procedure
• Lost and Missing Child Procedure
• Nappy Changing Procedure
• Outing Procedure
• Parental Involvement
• Safeguarding
• Special Needs
• Staffing and Employment
• Student and Volunteers Policy
• Transition and Continuity Policy

CONTACT WITH PARENTS

Ann or another member of staff is available at the beginning or end of every session to discuss your child’s progress.

We publish a regular newsletter giving details of activities and events.

We hold termly coffee mornings, often with other activities, to give parents and carers an opportunity to spend some time within the pre school environment.

You can support the pre school in many different ways, such as:

• participating on the Parent Rota. This involves helping with activities, making snack, cleaning equipment. It gives an opportunity to see what

your little ones get up to at pre school whilst offering invaluable help.

• helping on outings.
• becoming a member of the Pre School committee – please ask for further details.

FUND RAISING

Throughout the year we hold many different events to raise fund to update and improve the equipment for the Pre-School. In the past this has included fun days,

quiz nights, treasure hunts and sponsored events and are another good way for parents to be more involved.

CONFIDENTIALITY

First Friends Pre School has an open door policy about any worries concerning your child. Please feel free to contact Ann Stone, in strict confidence, at any time, should any problem occur.

See Confidentiality Policy.