The Pre-School Day

At London Road Pre-School we believe that care and education are equally important in the experience which we offer children. The routines and activities that make up the day in the pre school are provided in ways that:

 

  • help each child to feel that she/he is a valued member of the pre-school;
  • ensure the safety of each child;
  • help children to gain from the social experience of being part of a group; and
  • provide children with opportunities to learn and help them to value learning.

The session

We organise our sessions so that the children can choose from a range of resources and in doing so build up their ability to select and work through activities. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in child/adult-led small and large group activities. This introduces them to new experiences and helps them to gain new skills and to learn to work with others.
Outdoor activities contribute to children’s health, their physical development and their knowledge of the world around them. The children have the opportunity and are encouraged, to take part in outdoor child-chosen and adult-led activities in all weathers. Outdoor opportunities introduce children to the natural world.
Outdoor play is available throughout the morning, the children can free flow from inside to out… outdoor clothing is essential.

outdoor messy play

The First Days at pre-school

We want your child to feel happy and safe with us. The staff will work with you to decide on how to help your child to settle into pre-school. We hope that you and your child enjoy being members of our pre-school and that you both find taking part in our activities interesting and stimulating. The staff are always ready and willing to talk with you about your ideas, views or questions.

At the start of the session

When London Road Pre-School opens, all the children are welcomed, they come in and find their name to hang up. Then the children make their way to the story corner to sing the ‘Hello Song’, listen to a story, sing songs and/or play simple ring games talk about pre-schools golden rules i.e walking feet indoors, indoor voices. Following this children play in the big hall where the activities are chosen by the children and planned by the staff to meet the children’s needs and interests.

Snacks

The pre-school makes snacks and lunch time a social time at which children and adults eat together.
We offer a variety of healthy snacks introducing the tastes of fruits and foods from various cultures alongside milk or water. Please tell us about your child’s dietary needs and we will make sure that these are met. We ask for weekly donations for snacks.
During all sessions the children have access to their water bottles so they are able to help themselves to this. Please make sure your child’s water bottle is CLEARLY named and only contain water. Some sugary drinks make the children over excited and we must promote healthy eating and drinking.
The children are encouraged to be as independent as possible by pouring their own milk/water and helping to hand out the snack plates. Pre-school makes snack and lunchtime a social time at which children and adults eat together. We like the children to have snack all together as we feel this encourages a lot of great group socializing. The children also help to make their own snack such as making their own sandwiches and cutting up their own fruit with supervision.

Lunch

Children bring a packed lunch and a drink for lunch time to Pre-school which should be part of a healthy balanced diet. We would also strongly recommend that a cool pack in included with your child’s lunch to keep it cool and fresh. Your child’s lunchbox should be CLEARLY named and placed on the blue trolley as you come into the main hall.

Clothing

Your child will be encouraged to explore different materials such as paint, glue, water, dough and clay, and despite wearing plastic aprons they may get a little messy or wet, so please make sure that your child wears comfortable easily washed clothes. It is also advisable that they bring a change of clothes in a named bag to pre-school each day.
We encourage 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 that is easy for them to manage will help them to do this.

Pre-school T-shirt and Jumper

We also have a pre-school t-shirt and jumper which are available to buy.
Pre-School polo shirts (£7.00) and sweatshirts (£8.00) are available on request but are not compulsory. The children take part in physical activities at Pre-School and therefore non-slip shoes are recommended, Velcro fastenings make it easier for the children to be more independent when it is necessary to remove their shoes. We request that the children do not wear ‘flipflop’ type shoes. We encourage outdoor play and feel all weather conditions offer a valuable experience. With this in mind please provide your child with suitable clothing for the weather. Named wellington boots and coats should be brought to each session for use when playing outdoors as whatever the weather the grass may still be wet. During the summer please ensure you put sun cream on your child and provide them with a CLEARLY named hat. We encourage 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 that is easy for them to manage will help them to do this.

 

If you would like to know more or have any questions please get in touch.