Transcript Prospectus

WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
PRE-SCHOOL
WESTONING
Westoning Village Hall
Church
Road, Road
Westoning
Church
Bedfordshire
Westoning
Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786
641952
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
Prospectus
2011
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
The Pre-School has been established for over 30 years. We offer an inclusive setting
and vigorously promote equality and diversity through partnership with parents,
children and their community.
Our environments are rich with resources and experiences to provide both a familiar
and comfortably new context to enable every child to explore and discover their own
ways of learning.
Children start to learn about the world around them from the moment they are
born. Our friendly and experienced staff help children to continue to do this by
providing all of them with interesting activities that are right for their age and stage of
development.
We follow the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage and we work closely
with outside agencies to ensure all the children's' individual needs are met. Please
refer to our prospectus for further information on the EYFS.
There are 6 areas of learning which we cover through both indoor & outdoor
activities:
1. Communication language and literacy
2. Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy,
3. Creative development
4. Physical development
5. Knowledge and understanding of the World
6. Personal social and emotional development
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
We are open 38 weeks of the year
Monday ,Tuesday and Thursday
Wednesday and Friday
Lunch sessions are offered every day
9.15 - 3.15pm
9.15 - 12.15pm
12.15 - 1.15pm
The pre-school can accommodate 24 children per session, it is advisable to register
your child on the waiting list. Children can start pre-school from the age of 2 years 6
months and will typically move to Westoning Lower School .
Should you wish your child to attend the lower school an admission form can
be obtained from Central Beds County Council, attendance at Westoning Preschool does not guarantee a place in the lower school.
Children do not need to be toilet trained before starting Pre-School,we are happy to
take children in nappies.
Once children reach the term after their third birthday they are offered five free
places per week until they reach school age. This is funded by our local education
authority.
Westoning Preschool is run by Committee which means that as a parent, you can
play an important role in the decision-making process for your child's pre-school. We
also encourage parents to help out at the setting on a rota basis. This helps parents
have a detailed understanding of what activities their child is doing and what they are
learning. We have an inclusive environment where each child is valued and positive
attitudes are nurtured among the group. We provide an ethos that celebrates
diversity providing opportunities for all children to participate in. We provide space
that allows freedom of movement for children who find movement difficult , providing
freedom of movement to all.
Please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
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Activities
The pre-school session is planned to provide children with a balance of activities and
experiences across the curriculum. We believe that young children learn constantly from
everything that happens around them, and that play is their natural medium for learning. As
such, our goal is for children to have plenty of purposeful play throughout the session.
We aim to balance our daily activities between child-initiated and adult-directed experiences.
When they start at pre-school, each child is allocated a drawer for their work: parents should
clear these drawers oregularly, and ideally take home any creations produced.
Topics and Themes
Since the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) the themes and topics are
initiated and affected by the children’s interests and life-experiences as well as environmental
factors eg: seasons; weather; and religious and secular celebrations eg: Halloween; Harvest;
Eid; Christmas; Chanukah; etc.
Security
Entry to the pre-school is through the main door, which is secure and alarmed during
sessions. The main gate will be double locked during the whole session.
Parents and carers must collect their children at the agreed time, and parents must give prior
notice if anyone other than the named carer collects a child. You will be asked to provide a
password, which must be used if another authorised adult collects your child. If necessary we
will ring you to verify the adult collecting your child.
Outside
We are lucky to have a large outdoor area, and like to use it as often as possible – whatever
the weather. It is therefore important that your child brings warm outdoor clothes in cold
weather, wellies when it is wet or muddy, and summer hats and sun cream when it is sunny.
Insurance
Westoning Preschool has appropriate public liability insurance, organised through the PreSchool Learning Alliance. The document is on display on the inside of the main external door.
We regret that preschool cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to children’s property
or clothing.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
Admission
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We take children from age two. Years and 6 month sAdmission is on a first-comefirst-serve basis, although priority will be given to three and four year olds. To
apply for a pre-school place, parents should submit a completed application
form with a £5 administration charge. We will confirm your child’s place, or
advise you that they have been added to the waiting list.
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All families must provide evidence of their child’s date of birth (birth certificate or
passport) when they register at the pre-school. We will keep a photocopy of this for
administration and external audit purposes.
Reserving Sessions
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If you wish your child to start during the term and are flexible as to which sessions
they attend, your child will be placed on a reserve list for your preferred sessions
but will be moved to other sessions if that one is full at the time of your child
starting.
Settling in
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We encourage attendance on a minimum of two consecutive days if available, as
this helps a child settle in. However, we aim to offer the flexibility needed by children
and their families.
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Parents and staff will agree the best way to introduce a child to pre-school. Children
and parents are invited to attend a few settling in sessions in the term prior to
starting at the pre-school and we will work closely with families to help children
settle in. While some children settle relatively quickly, others are more reluctant to
part from their parent or carer. In these cases, parents and carers are welcome to
stay with their child for all or part of the session, for as long as they feel is
necessary. We find that children adapt more quickly to the pre-school routine when
they are allowed to settle at their own pace.
Keyworkers
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Before your child starts, you will be introduced to your child’s keyworker who will
help you with the initial paperwork, settling your child in and answering any queries
you may have. If you have any concerns, your keyworker is your first port of call
although you are welcome to speak to any member of staff.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
Staffing
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Staff-to-child ratios are as follows:
Under threes one adult : four children
Three and over one adult : eight children
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We always aim to have above the minimum required ratio. At least 50% of staff on duty at
any time have a childcare qualification above NVQ level 2, and there is always at least one
first-aider on duty. We actively encourage staff to update their skills by attending training
workshops and conferences on a range of subjects.
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We may occasionally employ additional staff to work with children who have specific
special needs and we work with appropriate external agencies where required.
Sessions and fees as at Jan 2011
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The pre-school offers a variety of services, including:
Morning session
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9:15 – 12:15 £3..70 per hour Total Morning session 3 hours £ 11.10
Lunch Club*
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12:15 – 1.15
£3.70 1 hour lunch
Afternoon session
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1:15 – 3:15 £3.70 per hour Total Afternoon session £ 7.40 including lunch total is £ 11.10
*Please provide your child’s lunch in a suitable container, with an ice pack to keep the food
cool.
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Westoning Pre school is a non-profit-making organisation. Income from fees is used to pay
the rent, staff wages and insurance, and pay for equipment and other necessities. Bills are
issued termly, and fees are payable at the beginning of each term. Parents should speak to
the pre-school leader if there is a problem.
All absences, whether planned or due to ill-health, must be paid for. Please give half a
term’s notice if your child is to leave the pre-school.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
Behaviour management
We have clear boundaries for both staff and children, and focus on caring and being kind to
each other. We involve them in making rules (agreements), to give them a sense of ownership,
and teach children to take responsibility for their own actions. There are stages in a child’s
development when they can be quite antagonistic with each other – we work through these,
identifying a programme in partnership with parents, to ensure a consistent approach to any
inappropriate behaviour. We never smack children or use any form of physical punishment and
we try very hard not to shout! We believe that a calm but ordered environment leads to relaxed
and settled children. It is important that parents keep us updated about any events in family life
that may affect a child’s behaviour – for example, a change in household circumstances, illness
or bereavement. Any information divulged about children and their families will be held in the
strictest confidence.
Parental involvement
Children are happier when the adults in their life work together as part of a team. As parents,
you are part of a two-way process of sharing knowledge and information about your children.
We want to work closely with you, drawing upon your detailed knowledge of your child. We ask
you to fill in an admission form, providing details about your child and any relevant medical
history, as well as a home information form, which establishes a starting point for your child’s
learning.
We operate an ‘open door’ policy, and strongly encourage parents to support the pre-school by
placing their name on the parents’ rota and volunteering to spend a couple of hours with us
from time to time. However they are not included in the staff ratio.
Parents and carers are welcome to join us at any time during the pre-school session. If you are
unable to volunteer during the session, you may be able to help in other ways – regular
newsletters are sent home with details of current news and future events. As a charitable
organisation, we aim to hold fundraising events, such as quizzes and sponsored events, and
are always looking for new ideas from parents.
All parents are invited to join the management committee, made up of parents and friends of
the pre-school, who oversee the running of the organisation.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
The structure of our team is . . . .
COMMITTEE
Manager :
Jane Miles
Deputy Manager : Angela Fowler
Keyworkers
Assistant :
Kate Lawerence
Jenna Hughes
Betty Board
We currently have 2 fully qualified Special Educational needs coordinators and all
staff are fully first aid trained.
We also welcome students and mature students who are studying towards childcare
qualifications or Duke of Edinburgh awards.
All our staff and volunteers are CRB checked and follow safeguarding children
procedures and policies
Chair : Anna Sammons , Vice Chair: Position available, Secretary: Michelle
Hathaway, Treasurer: Position available, Administrator: Reine Honour. Committee
Members: Carmen Collins, Diane Bentley, Sophie Haines, Jo Dockrill, Laura
Barnes.
Newsletter/Website: www.westoningpreschool.org.co.uk
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
Mission Statement
At Westoning Preschool the quality of the childcare provided for each individual child
is of paramount importance. We aim to provide a happy, safe and stimulating
environment, in order for each child to reach their full potential.
Staff at every level will endeavor to be readily available at all times to deal with
parents/guardians queries, concerns or anxieties so as to discuss any aspect of their
children’s care or well being.
Aims and Objectives
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Provide a play-based curriculum that is underpinned by the Early Years
Foundation Stage. To provide children with a caring and nurturing
environment, which facilitates and promotes their individual development.
To support and extend learning and development appropriately and
sensitively incorporating each child’s individual interests and needs.
Value and appreciate what a child can do and recognise that this will be
different for all children.
Incorporate positive opportunities for all children through inclusive practice,
respecting diversity and ensuring equal access to the provision.
To promote good partnerships with parents/guardians, by respecting and
valuing their views as the child’s prime carer.
To provide a valuable service within the local community, that meets the
needs of all the children and the families who use the setting.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
THE COMMITTEE
Westoning Pre-school is run by a voluntary committee of parents and carers. The Committee is
responsible for setting pre-school's policies, managing and engaging staff, fundraising and
organising social events. It is not responsible for day-to-day operations: that responsibility lies
with the staff. The Committee meets at once every half term in the evenings from 7.30 at a
member's house.
Being a member of the pre-school committee is an enjoyable and worthwhile experience, giving
you as a parent/ carer a greater involvement in the vitally important early stages of your child/
children's education. If you think you may like to join the committee at any stage in the year,
please contact any committee member.Our Annual General Meeting is held in the Autumn term
and this is when the committee for the following year is elected. Parents/ carers will be informed
in good time so they are able to attend.
Good communication between the Committee and staff is crucial to the smooth running of Preschool and so at least one member of staff attends each Committee meeting. One Committee
member (currently the chair) is designated as staff liaison officer and meets regularly with staff to
discuss curricular planning, up and coming events and any problems that might occur.The
charity commission rules state that to ensure charity status this group must be made up of nonprofiting trustees 60% of which must be parents of the children at the school. Preschool you
automatically become a trustee & are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Being a committee member is a fantastic way of making new friends & being involved with
and become a part of the village life. It is very rewarding and makes a valuable difference to
your child’s experience at Westoning Preschool.
Should you wish not to join the committee you are always welcome as a parent helper at our
fundraising events & during school sessions. Any help is warmly welcomed & greatly
appreciated.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
OPERAT IONAL PLAN
The Operational Plan is the business plan of Pre-school which details our medium,
short and long-term aims and objectives as well as our day to day practice. It
includes the policies and procedures, fundraising plans and strategies devised to
protect Pre-school as a going concern.
FUNDRAISING
Raising funds for Pre-school is a vitally important part of the Committee's work. Preschool's running costs are covered by fees and government grants. Any equipment
and resources we need such as toys, books and computers are paid from funds
raised by the Committee. Large purchases or changes to the room are paid by grant
funding where it can be sourced.
POLICES AND PROCEDURES
Running a pre-school requires planning and that is governed by our Policies &
Procedures and Operational Plan which are reviewed annually with regard to OFSTED
recommendations and with help from the Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA). Pre-school
is a member of the PLA, which is a support network that provides all registered preschools with help and advice for all areas of work - from planning children's activities to
writing business plans. All policies and procedures are written and reviewed annually
with input from staff and parents.
Pre-school's Policies and Procedures are very important because they make clear for
committee members, staff, volunteers and parents, the principles which pre-school works
towards achieving. Our Policies and Procedures aim to reflect OFSTED's standards
whilst serving as a constant reminder of the standards our pre-school is working to
achieve. Every parent/carer is invited to read them carefully before registering the child
with us.
All policies and procedures are available at the pre-school to be viewed in detail if you so
wish.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
T HE EARLY YEARS FOUN D AT ION ST AGE
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
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The EYFS will be the stage your child is in when they attend a setting or a
childminder’s home between birth and the age of five. It is also the stage that
they are in until the end of Reception year at school.
Children do best when parents and professionals work together.
It is important to remember that you know more about your own child than
anyone else. /Keyworkers will be asking about your child and sharing
information with you about your child’s progress.
Understanding what your child is doing when they are with others will help you
to notice how well they are developing and learning.
The part you play in their learning and the choices you make will make a
difference..
WHAT IS THE EYFS?
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The EYFS is a stage of children’s development from birth to the end of their
first year (Reception) year in school.
The EYFS Framework describes how early years practitioners/keyworkers
should work with children and their families to support their development and
learning.
It describes how your child should be kept safe and cared for and how all
concerned can make sure that your child achieves the most that they can in
their earliest years of life.
It is based on four important principles.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
WHAT ARE THE EYFS PRINCIPLES?
Theme: A Unique Child : Principle: Every child is a competent learner from birth
who can be
resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Theme: Positive Relationships : Principle: Children learn to be strong and
independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a
key person.
Theme: Enabling Environments : Principle: The environment plays a key role in
supporting and extending children’s development and learning.
Theme Learning and Development :Principle: Children develop and learn in
different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are
equally important and interconnected.
What can parents and carers do?
PARENTS AND CARERS ARE THEIR CHILDREN’S FIRST TEACHERS. WHEN
THEY ARE WITH YOU LEARNING CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AND
ANYWHERE, FOR EXAMPLE THROUGH:
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Being generous with praise and cuddles
Reading things together
Playing games, singing nursery rhymes
Talking about what you can see in the park or on the street
Counting the stairs as you go up or down
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
REGISTRATION FORM
All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Some details may be stored on computer.
Section 1: Your Child’s Personal Details
First Name(s)……………………………………………………Surname……………….....
Date of Birth……………………………….Date Commenced………………....................
Address…………………………………………………………………………….................
Postcode………………………………………
Religion……………………………………………….....Ethnic Origin……………………...
Languages used at home……………………………………………….....................…….
Has your child previously attended a playgroup or nursery ? Yes/No
Please give details
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Are there any particular needs relating to your child’s religion/culture that we should
be aware of?
If so, please give details below.
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance
WESTONING PRE-SCHOOL
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.uk
Westoning Pre-School
Westoning Village Hall
Church Road
Westoning
Bedfordshire
MK45 5JW
Telephone 07786 641952
www.westoningpreschool.org.co.uk
Registered Charity No: 1029731
Ofsted Registered
Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance