St Thomas' Pre School

see if you are eligible follow this link. https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare

Are you open term time only? Yes we open to correspond with the local schools, this means that we are open for 39 weeks an academic year, please be aware that the early years funding only covers 38 weeks. Are there any additional fees? The only time we charge additional fees is if your child attends more than their entitled hours i.e. 15 or 30, our hourly rate for unfunded hour is £6.00 Please be aware that if a child is absent due to illness or holiday, fees are still applied. Do you accept children still in nappies? We do but we expect you to be working towards potty training, we are happy to work with you, for further information on potty training follow this link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/potty-training-and-bedwetting/how-to-potty-train/

How can I prepare my child for preschool? It is important that you teach your child to be as independent as possible, this includes trying to toilet themselves, washing and drying their own hands, sneezing/coughing into their elbow, drinking from an open cup, putting their own coats on etc. What should my child wear? To avoid spoiling new clothes, it is best to send them in older clothes as we do lots of messy craft and play. It is important that your child can toilet themselves, so lose clothing is best, avoid lots of buttons and dungarees, easy to wash clothes are best. Do you allow dummies in preschool? We feel it best that children don't use dummies, we do accept other types of comforter for example a toy or cloth, we only use these if we are unable to settle your child without it. The use of dummies should be discouraged in this age group, as it can lead to misshaped teeth and tooth decay. For advice use this link:https://www.gov.im/media/1364628/ditch-the-dummy-v2.pdf

How do children learn at preschool? Children learn through play, we follow your child's interest by getting to know their interests, observing them, it is also important that parents communicate their child's interest, things they are doing at home. How do you track children's progress? We use Tapestry an online learning journey for information follow the link: https://tapestry.info/parents-carers.html

What is The Early Years Foundation Stage? The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2014/08/EYFS_Parents_Guide-amended.pdf

Do you have an outside area? Yes, we have a large garden area, with lots of resources. It is extremely important that children have a good amount of exercise daily, for this reason we have outside play whatever the weather, so please ensure your child has appropriate outdoor wear for sunshine or rain. How are parents updated as to what is happening in preschool? We have a closed page for current parents only, we also send out a half termly newsletter. What are your opening hours? We are currently open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.00 - 14.30

Are prospective parents able to view the preschool? Yes, by appointment only. To arrange a viewing please call 07876045521

For your information:-
We continuously run activities around the NSPCC's PANTS underwear rule, for more information follow the link:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/