Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the best pre-school for your child can be stressful, here are some FAQs - answered
What happens if my child does not settle?
We have a flexible settling in policy, which means that we can meet each child’s needs individually. We normally suggest that you bring your child in and help them take an interest in an activity or leave them with a member of staff. If your child remains unsettled for longer than 30-45 minutes then we may telephone you to come and stay with your child or collect them. We will then work on prolonging the time before you or their main carer comes to collect them until they stay for all of the session. It is perfectly normal for a child to be upset by being left in a new environment, we understand that you can become upset too. Should you choose to you may phone the pre-school at any time during the session for an update on how your child has settled. Please remember we do not leave a child upset for long periods, we will call you if we feel that your child needs you.
What if my child is not fully toilet trained?
At age 2 not all children are ready to be toilet trained, therefore all we ask is that you provide a change of nappies and clothes. When the time is right for your child we will work with you to maintain consistency during this stage of development. If your child wears pants at home please continue to use them with us to save any confusion to your child, but remember to send changes of clothes with your child. Any changing bags should be named and put on their coat peg.
Can my child bring in a comfort item from home?
Yes, this may be important especially while your child is getting used to the routine. We can always work on the item being left at home or on their coat peg later on. Please remember to label the item, along with any other possessions they may bring with them.
What if my child has an accident or is ill?
If your child has been sick at home our policy states that they should not attend the session until 24 hours after the last incident. This helps prevent the spread of the infection among the other children. Please inform the Pre-School if your child will not be attending as this makes us aware of any illnesses which may occur in the group. If your child becomes ill during session time you will be contacted to come and collect them.
If your child has an accident whilst in our care they will be treated by one of our qualified first aiders; who will then record the accident in our accident file, you will be asked to sign to say that you have been informed. If the injury is more serious then you will be contacted immediately and the appropriate medical treatment will be set into practice. Please ensure that you sign the Contact form on the back to say that you agree to emergency medical treatment, without this signed we are unable to accept your child. It is vitally important that you provide up to date (and as many) contact details as possible, such as home, work, and mobile numbers so we can be in touch quickly. If your child has an accident at home or whilst in your care please inform the group on your next visit so that we may record this to prevent misunderstandings over injuries, which may occur in the session.
What is a key person group?
Each child is assigned to a particular ‘key person’. This is to help in getting to know your child and yourselves quickly and personally. Your key person is responsible for a group of children who are also in the same group. Your key person is your first point of contact when you wish to discuss your child’s progress. Your child’s key-
person will work with your child and yourself to further their development. Where possible your child’s key person will remain the same person throughout your time with us. Your key person may contact you to arrange a home visit before your child’s start date if you would like to request this.
Am I entitled to free places Or when do I need to pay?
Free nursery education vouchers are provided by the government the term after your child’s 3rd birthday until statutory school age. The government provides a maximum of 15 hours per week up to a maximum of 38 weeks per year. When your child is due to receive funding you will be required to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate and sign a form called ’parents statement of undertaking’ when this has been done the Pre-School will claim the funding on your behalf. More details of the funding policy can be found in the Pre-Schools prospectus and the Policies & procedures book for the group.
If your child is under 3 years of age you will be issued with an invoice at the beginning of each new term (or when your child starts), all fees must be paid in Advance monthly or termly. If you have difficulties in paying these fees please speak to Elaine Bird immediately, when a private arrangement can be made.
What kind of refreshments do you provide?
We provide a small snack and a drink each morning; these vary from week to week, details of different snacks are available on the notice board or in the ‘operational plan’. We provide a range of foods from different cultures and generally find they are welcomed by the children. If your child has an allergy or has special dietary needs then these are taken into account and either an alternative is offered to the whole group or those with specific needs.
How do I find out what’s going on?
We produce a newsletter each term with important dates for your diary. We also inform you of the themes we will be looking at and telling you which letters we will be learning each week. This should help you to talk about what is happening at Pre-School with your child. We hope you will encourage your child to look for and bring in objects from home that relate to the theme and or letters of the week, (we look at these during circle time). If you are a working parent who will not be coming to the Pre-School arrangements can be made to keep you informed.
What telephone numbers do I need?
For all inquiries including illness/absences please see the numbers on our Contact Us page
