General Information
SETTLING IN
A child who is tense or unhappy will not be able to play or learn successfully, so it is important for parents and pre-school staff to work together to help the child to feel confident and secure in the group. This takes longer for some children than others and parents should not worry if their child takes a while to settle. Pre-School staff are experienced in helping children and parents with this process and are happy to discuss any concerns with you. You and your child are welcome to visit pre-school prior to their admission date and are then welcome to stay with your child for as long as it takes him/her to settle at sessions. You may need to separate from your child for short periods initially, gradually building up to a whole session.
WHAT TO WEAR
Children will be exploring many different materials, many of which are messy. In order to preserve your child’s “best” clothes we recommend that you send your children in clothes that are easily washed or not too new!
Children are not expected to be toilet trained when starting at Buttercross and we will fully support parents when they feel that there child is ready to start this process and will work together to ensure continuity with progress at home.
It is good for children to practice the skills that can make them independent. This will also support transition to school. Simple clothing, which they can handle themselves, will enable them to go to the toilet when they want and to put on and take off their outdoor clothes without being too dependent on other people’s help.
Please ensure that your child’s coat, hat, wellingtons etc. are clearly labelled.
For safety reasons, children should not wear jewellery, either real or toy, to pre-school.
ILLNESS
Please do not bring your child to Pre-School if they are feeling unwell, or suffering from any infectious illnesses as this can spread very quickly to other children. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhoea please wait 48 hours from the last bout before returning to pre-school.
LUNCH CLUB & REFRESHMENTS
During the normal morning and afternoon sessions the children at pre-school are given milk and a snack, e.g. fruit, cheese or crackers. If your child is allergic to any food, especially milk or nuts, please make sure the staff are informed by completing the attached form. Juice is not given as an alternative, only water. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to talk with the supervisor.
If your child is attending the lunch club they will need a packed lunch and a drink (water will be available). It is advisable to include cooling packs in with the packed lunch as there are no refrigeration facilities at pre-school. Please also label your child’s packed lunch and please ensure that all items are nut free and do not have a ‘may contain nuts’ warning on the packaging. During lunch club the children are joined by pre-school staff who eat with them.
ALLERGENS CONTAINED IN FOODS PREPARED AT PRE-SCHOOL
In line with new government guidelines, details of all the allergens that may be present in food prepared on our premises is displayed on the notice board in the Pre-school foyer.
COLLECTING CHILDREN
Children must be collected promptly at the end of the session and may only be collected by authorised persons named by you on your child’s registration form (available from Pre School). The Manager should be informed of any other one-off special collection arrangements as they happen.
She is responsible for your child whilst at pre-school and has the right to deny any unauthorised person from collecting your child. You will be required to fill in and sign a consent form.
SOLVING PROBLEMS
We try to resolve any problems, disagreements or unacceptable behaviour in a friendly and relaxed manner and wish to work with parents and carers in matters of concern.
The managers or key persons are available at the end of sessions to discuss any problems you may have. If you wish to speak privately, staff can be contacted by phone to arrange a mutually convenient time.
GETTING IN TOUCH
The Managers and staff can be contacted during session times on 01949 839667. The Committee
Chair is also available (through the managers) should you wish to discuss any thing with her.
TOYS
To prevent personal toys from being mislaid we request that children do not bring their own toys to Pre-School. The exception being if your child wishes to bring something to share at show and tell.
TERM DATES
Pre-School is open during term time and takes the same school holidays as Bingham Robert Miles Infant School . Term dates appear in our newsletters and on the notice board. Parents are notified of other closures in advance.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
A newsletter is distributed to parents approximately each half term; this includes information on the topic for the term, fund raising events, term dates, changes to Pre-School policy etc., Information also appears on our notice board and our website.