Starting Pre School

The first days

A child who is tense or unhappy will not be able to play or learn properly, so it is important
for parents and pre-school staff to work together to help the child feel confident and secure in
the group. This takes longer for some children than for others and parents should not feel
worried if their child takes a while to settle. See the Pre-School’s policy on settling in.

Parents and children are offered up to three introductory sessions, free of charge, before the
child starts pre-school, usually just before their third birthday. If a child settles in one session,
further sessions are not usually encouraged, as this is often counter-productive as the child
gets too used to his/her parent being there. Additional visits in cases of special needs will be
at the discretion of the Play Leaders and key worker after discussion with the parent. The
introductory visit is also a chance for the parent to be introduced to staff and to ask any
questions they may have about the setting. Parents must remain with children under three.

Fees become payable as soon as the child is three, if they are not eligible for nursery funding.

What to wear

In order to feel free to explore and experiment with all kinds of materials, including messy
ones, it is best to send children dressed in clothes that are easily washable and not too new. It
is good for children to practice the skills which will make them independent. Simple clothing
which they can handle themselves will enable them to go to the toilet independently and put
on and take off their outdoor clothing without being dependent on help from other people. We
also ask that children bring suitable outdoor clothing and Wellington boots so that we can use
our outdoor play space as much as possible. T-shirts, sweatshirts, jogging bottoms, skirts,
dresses and legionnaires caps bearing our logo are available to purchase.

We hope that your child’s time in pre-school will be a happy and productive one. If you
have any queries or if we can be of any help, please contact Wendy Cleghorn, or the
committee Chair.