About West Wickham Pre-School...
West Wickham Pre-School is made up of a small group of children from the age of 2 until they reach main stream school. Sessions are run by our friendly, qualified staff who put a lot of effort and their own time into the planning and preparation of activities.
West Wickham Pre-School is a non-profit charity, therefore soley relies on income from pre-school fees, Government funding and fundraising.
The Pre-School is a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA) which allows us to keep in touch with new policies and ways of thinking in childcare along with training opportunities.
Our curriculum conforms to the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework set by the Government. This is a framework has been instigated for learning, development and care in all registered early years settings and schools from birth to five.
The
maximum amount of children per session is currently 18 with a Pre-School
Leader, Deputy Leader and Assistant with help Committee members, volunteers and parents.
The capping of each session is based on a point system which is defined
by the age of the children and how many staff are working on that day. Overall
management of the setting is by a committee of parent volunteers.
Regular volunteers and parents are encouraged to help take part in Pre-School sessions and activities via a Parent Helper Rota system that is fully supported by the Pre-School Committee.
The rota system, which comes out at the beginning of each new half term, helps ensure the smooth day to day running of the setting and assists staff members with daily chores such as organising the mid-morning snack, washing up and tidying away the toys and activities and not forgetting to take part in playing with the children. This allows the staff members to concentrate on the children and also gives parents the opportunity to take an active part in their child’s activities and learning at preschool and allows the children to see their parents in a different role. Parent’s contribution is seen as invaluable in keeping the preschool running as well as keeping down costs to a minimum.
Caring for Your Child We
understand that young children need a lot of care and attention and we
strive to provide a loving, kind and secure place for them. In our
2006 OFSTED report, we were particularly praised for our strength in
care for the children's health and wellbeing. To reinforce this, we have
a Key Worker system in place giving each member of staff responsibility for a
small group of children who are accountable for their personal needs and to give them the reassurance of feeling safe and cared
for. If they are upset, hurt or become ill, that member of staff will give them the one to one care they need and help them to cope with the situation. Parents will be kept fully informed of their child's misfortunes. The key worker will also monitor your child's progress during the day and report any issues back to you. Each child in the group can then
relate to their key worker if they have any problems and which can also make the
settling in process much easier. This makes for strong, positive relationship building. Towards
the
end of each term, parents are invited to come in to
discuss their child’s progress with their key worker. A report is
compiled and is discussed with parents. This also gives parents an
opportunity to express any concerns. All parents will receive a copy
of the report.
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The Committee
Committee members are voted on by parents and fellow members at our Annual General Meeting usually held in September/October in West Wickham's Village Hall where preschool is held. All parents are welcome to join the committee. We encourage new parents to join as you will bring fresh inspiration and renewed enthusiasm to the team.
The roles within the Committee have been split to make it more manageable. The committee is made up of the following:
There are also non office holding members who also contribute and play an important role within the committee and in the decision making process.
Committee meetings are held at committee members’ homes once a month. Details of future meetings and previous meeting notes can be found on the preschool’s notice board in the entrance to the village hall.
Everyone is welcome to attend either meetings as we treat your input valuably. Equally, parents can ask for specific issues or ideas to be discussed at the meetings by contacting the Chairperson.
Any questions, queries, complaints or grievances may be dealt with any member of staff perhaps with the assistance of the preschool committee.
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Early Years Foundation Stage
It
is expected that all children should be able to take part in well planned play
in a variety of different environments. It
may be indoors or outdoors, however, the EYFS places emphasis on the outdoor
environment and encourages physical outdoor play as it has a positive impact on
children’s sense of well being and helps with all aspects of their development.
The
EYFS consists of four themes and principles each of which is supported by a set
of commitments which detail how the principals should be put into everyday
practice.
The
four themes and principals are:
Theme: A unique child
Principle:
Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable,
confident and self-assured.
Theme: Positive
Relationships
Principle:
Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure
relationships with parents and/or a key person.
Theme: Enabling
Environments
Principle:
The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s
development and learning.
Theme: Learning and
Development
Principle: Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected.
More information on this framework can be found on the Early Years Foundation Stage website |
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