How we operate
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Key Person system
Our Key Person system gives each member of staff particular responsibility for just a few children at each session. Every child in Pre-School will have oneor two members of staff to relate to, which can help them to settle in and ensure that Pre-School meets the needs of each child at each of their sessions.
The Key Person will monitor your child’s progress in particular areas, including: developing creativity, communication skills, independence, expressing feelings, relating to other people and understanding concepts. Your child’s Key Person will introduce themselves to you when your child starts Pre-School. Should you wish to discuss any aspect
of the Key Person system, please do not hesitate to contact any Staff or Committee member. We use an app called Tapestry to chart all the progress your child makes and record photos and various pieces of work for you to see. You can also send us information and photos of your child too. We are required to gain parental permission for using it. Please ensure you create your account and activate it once you have the details.
If you have any objections to your child being assigned a Key Person, please contact the Committee Chair or The Pre-School Manager.
The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)
The EYFS framework:
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sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well
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ensures children are kept healthy and safe
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ensures that children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school
Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and
demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development.
Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first. These are:
Communication and language;
Physical development; and
Personal, social and emotional development.
These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and
future learning. As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in
4 specific areas. These are:
Literacy;
Mathematics;
Understanding the world; and
Expressive arts and design.
These 7 areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. The professionals teaching and supporting your child will make sure that the activities are suited to your child’s unique needs. This is a little bit like a curriculum in primary and secondary schools, but it's suitable for very young children, and it's designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child's unique needs and interests. Children learn
by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.
Little Explorers:
Children will be taken on a rota basis so that all children can take part.
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Little Explorers and Outdoor Clothing
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All children need to wear sensible footwear, ideally wellies, snow boots or trainers.
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No sandals, crocs or other open shoes to be worn during Little Explorers sessions.
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Children to wear long trousers and socks to protect their legs from scratches and stings.
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We provide all-in-one waterproof and lined suits if necessary.
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If it is cold, please make sure your child has thick socks for wellington boots, as these don’t provide much insulation and children with cold toes aren’t happy children!
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Likewise, please provide named gloves, which are attached to the child’s jacket with either elastic or clips, so they are less likely to get lost.
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If your child is in nappies or potty training, waterproof trousers are better for obvious reasons.
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Please make sure you name all the outdoor gear.
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Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPQWfjVV6lh2bMYmKa3lXTg