Starting at the Pre-School

The first days

We want your child to feel happy and safe at the pre-school. To make sure that this is the case, the staff will work with you to decide on how to help your child to settle into the pre-school. The pre-school has a policy about helping children to settle into the pre-school.

Clothing and footwear

In order to feel free to explore and experiment with all kinds of materials, including messy ones, it is best to send the children dressed in clothes that are easily washable or not too new.

The pre-school encourages children to gain the skills that help them to be independent and look after themselves. These include taking themselves to the toilet and taking off – and putting on – outdoor clothes. Clothing which is easy for them to manage will help them to do this.

Collecting your child

We operate a strict policy procedure for collecting your child. You must wait outside the main entrance to the building. At home time, you will be called into the foyer area, where another member of staff will hand your child to you. Your child’s safety is paramount so please be patient. If someone different is collecting your child you must make sure the staff are aware of this. Please remember that in many cases the staff will not know a father.

Please see the Non-collection of children policy for additional information.

What did you do at Pre-school today?

WHAT DID YOU DO AT PRE-SCHOOL TODAY?

Well, I made patterns in the sand with my fingers and then Andrew sprinkled water and the patterns were different. So, we kept doing it until it was al slushy and the sand didn’t trickle through our fingers.

(And nobody said, “Don’t be messy” or “Why don’t you make a sand pit?”)

The house was empty so we went in. I tried to make tea but there were more cups than saucers, then Andrew came in too and I tried to fill the kettle like you do, but my shoes got all wet and I asked Mandy to change them.

(And nobody said “you are naughty”)

YES, BUT THEN WHAT DID YOU DO?

Mandy made us a shoe shop and we sorted out lots of pairs. Look, this is my left foot. Do you know, Colin can tie his laces by himself?

(And nobody said “come on hurry up”).

YES, BUT DID YOU DO ANYTHING THEN?

We, it was nearly milk time, so I sat and watched the children piling up blocks and knocking them over.

(And nobody said, “What are you going to do now?”)

YES

After milk I felt a bit tiered, so I sat in the book corner. There’s a smashing book with a red aeroplane in it. I showed it to some big boys but they ran away, so Brian’s mummy looked at it with me.

BUT THEN DID YOU DO ANYTHING?

Yes, I played with clay. Sue told us about men who lived in caves. Alisa made a roman pot, but I don’t know what that is. Anyway, Karen thumped me ‘cos I took a tiny piece of her clay, but she had lots and it didn’t hurt. Anyway, I put the tiny piece in my pocket and here it is.

(And nobody said, “What are you making?)

SO, DID YOU DO ANYTHING THEN?

Yes, I had to wash my hands and the water went muddy and I made a great big bubble with the soap. Then I did a jigsaw, but Sue said it was last turns on the climbing frame.

AND WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER THAT?

I had a quick go on the climbing frame. I can jump off from the second bar now. Then we sat together r to sing some songs and Debbie said it was nearly time to go home, so I quickly grabbed this piece of paper and did this scribbly picture ‘cos I knew you would say “WHAT DID YOU DO AT PRE-SCHOOL TODAY?”