Christ Church pre–school Prospectus
Christ Church pre – school is a happy, fun place for your child to come and learn through play. We offer high quality care and education for children aged from two and half to five years of age. We received a good Ofsted report and are currently funded for children from the term after their third birthday.
We are registered to take 26 children per morning session. Christ Church has a high ratio of staff comprising of qualified, non-qualified staff and parent helpers. We have one staff for every five children at each session. At snack time we offer a range of healthy foods or maybe eat something we have made, they also have a choice of milk or water.
We hope your child’s time with us is a happy one and by learning through play they will become happy, confident children and will be able to make that smooth transition through to their respective primary schools.
We are also an ‘Early Years leading Team’ in Kent. This means we have excellent practice in all areas and often showcase our practice to other pre-schools and nurseries.
We offer your child
Individual care and attention given due to the high staff ratio
Each child has a key person
A curriculum designed by the department of education tailored to suit your child and that will enable him/her to move through the early learning goals
Lots of fun with adults and children alike
Always to keep you informed of your child’s progress and of activities within our group
Our Aim is
To offer children a safe, warm and secure environment in which to play.
To operate at all times an equal opportunity policy. No child or adult will be exclude from our setting due to race, religion or gender.
To help children move forward and enhance their education. To work at the child’s own pace and interests.
Christ Church Pre-school is open term time only, five mornings per week from 9.15 – 12.00.
We are registered for 26 children per session. Children can join us from the age of 2½ until school age. We operate a waiting list and obviously places depend on availability.
We offer child initiated play and children have access to a large garden, which is used on a daily basis.
All children are supported within our setting in reaching their full potential, working at their own pace.
Our key person system enables us to work closely with your child. Completing written observation and gaining an insight into what your child likes and dislikes. We are therefore able to plan a curriculum that is tailored for his/her needs.
We work towards the early learning goals, which are set nationally and prepare your child for school where they will continue working with those goals.
Our whole ethos is based around child initiated play and where possible allow children free access to indoor and outdoor activities.
The early years foundation stage’ is a statutory framework for setting standards in early years settings.
Within the framework are six areas of learning and development, all areas are connected to one another and are equally important.
The children are encouraged to be confident, try new activities. Have respect for themselves, peers and adults. Form good relationships with their peers and adults. Work as part of a group, take turns, share.
Select and use activities and resources independantly. Understand that people have different views, cultures and beliefs and treat them with respect. That there are codes of behaviour for groups of people and within the setting. No right from wrong.
Above all to be interested, excited and motivate.
We encourage them to speak in a group maybe talking about a favourite toy or place they have been.
The children become familiar with sorting, counting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting with adult support, doing things that they enjoy. These activities form the basis of basic mathematics. The children are assisted and encouraged to work out solutions to problems. They are helped to identify shapes, size, position, number, more than, less than etc.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD
Children and explore and experiment with a range of manmade and natural materials. They learn to observe and recognise difference in patterns and textures. Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment, both within the setting and the world outside.
The children have the opportunity to learn about I.T. by having access to a computer and remote controlled toys.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
We have a large garden and the children have a range of equipment that they can use indoors or outside on a daily basis. This helps them to gain confidence and develop their bodily skills.
Daily outside play is part of our planned curriculum and we go out in all weathers so parents are advised to bring wellington boots and send the children in suitable clothing for all weathers.
With high levels of staffing we are able to supervise your child whilst he/she practices their skills on the beam or climbing frame, slide, through the tunnel or to throw and catch a ball.
At the same time children are supported in the development of fine motor skills required to use tools such as pencils, pens and scissors and handle small objects with increasing control.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Art equipment such as paints, glue, felt, paper, card, pasta etc are readily available for children to use and are encouraged to express their own ideas and feelings. Lots of natural materials are provided to help them explore shape, colour and texture.
We have daily singing sessions where the children can learn new and more traditional rhymes.
We have musical instruments and the children really enjoy playing these. They are encouraged to listen to stories and enjoy retelling favourite ones.
There is plenty of opportunity for role play both as an individual or as part of a group.
We also cook with the children and this they enjoy very much and brings in all aspects of the above mentioned early learning goals.
KEY PERSON
Each member of staff is a key person for small group of children. Through this system the key person is able to observe the children closely and ensure that we plan a curriculum suitable for them. Supporting them and helping them to reach their full potential. Having key people in our setting means that close bonds can be formed with children and their parents and carers.
ALL CHILDREN
Our pre-school is fully inclusive practice. All individuals are valued and respected.
All planning starts with observing your child in order to understand and consider their current needs and interests development and learning. Helping them to reach their full potential.
If help is required with any additional needs then we have access to many outside agencies.
WHAT TO DO
If you wish to put your child’s name down on our waiting list, please contact Sue Reilly or Sue Wilkins. You are very welcome to come and visit us during our morning session. Please telephone to make an appointment on 07910157840 (am only)