Starting school is a very exciting time for you and your child. As a team, we will endeavour to make it as special and as enjoyable as possible.
We recognise that parents are a child’s first educator. We know that children come to school with a wide range of varying experiences. We understand the importance of developing a strong partnership with parents, preschool and childminders from the very beginning to ensure a successful transition for all.
Learning in Pre-School and Reception is underpinned by the whole school values of Respect, Resilience and Relationships. Children engage in a range of practical learning experiences that encourage them to make friends, talk, ask questions, explore their environment, make connections in their experiences and solve problems. Resources and materials are accessible throughout the day to support children’s individual ideas and interests. Adults observe children’s play to establish continued interests and then, with the children, plan new learning experiences around that interest.
The children have equal access to learning inside and outside. They are encouraged to make their own, independent choices supported and facilitated by all the adults around them. In Reception, all children have the opportunity to play alongside each other in the setting, as we offer a ‘free flow’ system.
During the day, children have regular, adult-led learning sessions. Learning during these sessions usually involves letter and sound recognition (phonics), developing early number concepts and counting, storytelling and shared reading. The aim of these teaching sessions is to introduce new skills, concepts and ideas to the children within a small group context. Children are encouraged to be as involved as possible, sharing their experiences and answering questions. Sessions are matched to children’s individual needs in order to maximise their learning potential.
Please find below some key information such as a typical pre-school day, social story, how to order uniform and other frequently asked questions. We also have a fantastic virtual tour of the school
Children can join our nursery the term after their third birthday. To apply to our Nursery, please complete a Nursery Admission Form, after their second birthday, and return to the School Office. We have an Autumn (September), Spring (January) and Summer (April) intake and will contact parents/guardians the term before the child is due to start, i.e. May time for a September start. For children starting in September you and your child will be invited to a nursery induction morning to meet with the Nursery teacher, Charlotte Bunyan. This will give your child an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the setting and an opportunity to play with other children in their class.
We try and cook once a week with the children so we ask for a voluntary donation of £10 towards ingredients at the start of each term via the School Gateway app.
School milk is an important part of a child’s diet. Milk provides a number of health benefits. All children who are under 5 years old or are registered as pupil premium are eligible for free milk. If you are not entitled to free milk you can pay for your child to have it at school. Please visit www.coolmilk.com to register your child to receive free milk or wish to pay.
Each term you will be required to complete and sign a Declaration Form so that we can receive funding for your child’s Pre-School place. If your child is attending more than 15 hours, you will also need to complete a 30 hour declaration form as well.
In England all three and four year olds are entitled to up to 15 hours of funded early education and childcare a week for up to 38 weeks a year. We offer this term time only via options 1 and 2.
We are also able to offer 30 hour places (option 3) to parents and carers who qualify for 30 hour childcare funding. To find out further information and to see if you are eligible, please go to
If your child is already attending another childcare setting, please check with your current provider if you are using stretched funding, as your current pattern must remain the same for three full terms or until the term after the child's next birthday. For further information, please go to
You will have a home visit with the Pre-School teacher. This appointment can be made at the Pre-School induction visit. These are a great opportunity for the school to build relationships with the whole family and form an important part of the transition into Pre-School.
Option 1:
Monday 8.40am – 3.00pm
Tuesday 8.40am – 3.00pm
Wednesday 8.40am – 11.15am
Option 2:
Wednesday 11.15am – 3.00pm
Thursday 8.40am – 3.00pm
Friday 8.40am – 3.00pm
Option 3:
Monday to Friday 8.40am – 3.00pm
Additional hours are available for those families eligible for 30 hours funding or at an additional cost, subject to availability and Government guidelines.
Starting Pre-School is a very exciting time for you and your child. As a team, we will endeavour to make this as special and enjoyable as possible. Whilst dropping off your child, members of the team are always on hand should you need a brief chat or help settling your child.
When your child starts school it is natural for them to have some fears and anxieties about saying goodbye. Helping your child get past their fears will go a long way towards encouraging healthy separations.
Treat departures in a matter of fact way. Say “I love you and I will see you after nursery”, give them a hug, kiss and leave. It will send them a message that you feel comfortable with their key person and that they can be comfortable too.
If you apologise for leaving it can convey the message that you are doing something for which you want your child’s forgiveness. It is better to say a positive goodbye.
If you ask your child’s permission to depart it gives your child more power than they need or can use. Tell them you are leaving now and you will see them at the end of nursery.
It is best to say goodbye rather than slipping away. Although disappearing may help avoid a scene today it may jeopardise your child’s trust in you and the nursery staff, causing difficult goodbyes in the future.
Try and be patient if your child acts out when you are reunited. The longer you are gone, the harder it is for your child to hold themselves together. Once reunited they will feel safe enough to let out a day’s worth of emotions all at once. Acknowledge their feelings and tell them they have been missed.
The start times for Pre-School will be staggered so that each child has a chance to settle in and the transition is not so overwhelming. You will receive the timetable at the induction meeting.
Tapestry is an easy-to-use, secure online learning journal which enables staff and families to capture, share and celebrate each child's individual achievements and milestones. Learning and progress is documented through photos and videos and an ongoing dialogue between home and school. Please give consent via the School Gateway app to use this system.
These are the things your child will need to bring to Pre-School with them most days:
Named school uniform
Named water bottle/lunchbox
Named book bag (to their work home in)
Shoes (named) that your child can manage by themselves (e.g. Velcro – no laces)
Sunhat (named) for sunny days
Sun cream already applied on sunny days
Warm coat (named) for colder days
Warm hat and gloves (named) for cooler days
Spare clothes (named) in case of accidents
A packed lunch EVERY Wednesday if your child is attending all day on a Wednesday
These things will make it easy for your child to be independent
Clothes that are easy for your child to pullup and down themselves for easy independent toileting
If you are sending your daughter in tights, please practise taking them off and on
We will be doing PE lessons and we ask children to remove their shoes and socks/tights – we will encourage children to do this independently so you may wish to practise with your child
Toys from home should not come into school. This avoids them getting lost which may upset your child. We understanding that at first your child may want to bring a comforter to help them settle.
If your child is still in nappies or pull ups we would encourage you to start potty training over the summer holidays
If your child starts Pre-School in nappies or pull ups we ask that you supply spare nappies, wipes, nappy sacks.
If your child is still in nappies or pull ups, we would encourage you to start potty training over the summer holidays. Here are some helpful training tips to assist you and your child during the toilet training stage.
Most children begin to show signs of readiness between 18 and 24 months, although some may be ready earlier or later than that. Boys often start later and sometimes take longer to learn to use the potty than girls.
As well as using age as a readiness indicator, look for other signs that your child may be ready to start heading for the potty, such as the ability to:
follow simple instructions
understand words about the toileting process
control the muscles responsible for elimination
verbally express a need to go
keep a nappy dry for 2 hours or more
get to the potty, sit on it, and then get off the potty
pull down nappy, disposable training pants, or underpants
show an interest in using the potty or wearing underpants
The Department for Education, in consultation with senior health professionals in the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), have toilet training guidance on their website:
