Children aged between two years nine months and five can be left unaccompanied and you may apply for government funding the term after their 3rd Birthday. Please speak to the Pre-school staff to arrange this.

When the children arrive for school they go straight into the Pre-school room for free play or start the craft activity of the day. Everyone is then called together for group time, before being split into several age groups for a more structured activity in line with the Early Years Curriculum. The children then have free play until mid-session where they are called back together for a drink, healthy snack and story. At the end of the session the children help to clear up the toys and come together once more for singing, dancing or games. The afternoon sessions allow children to become used to full day education in preparation for Primary school.

The older children who plan to go to Stockland Primary School enjoy regular reciprocal visits with the Primary School during their final terms at Pre-school. This helps to ease the transition and to prepare them for school life.

We do not expect all children to be perfectly toilet trained and we do have limited spare clothes for the occasional ‘accident’.

Children under three must be accompanied by their parent or carer at all times during the Toddler Group sessions. The Tuesday Toddler session is staff lead and runs alongside the Preschool session. The Friday Toddler sesssion is parent lead and we are always looking for new ideas and volunteers to help with this.  A carpeted area is provided with toys, games and books suitable for younger children. A large playpen with bouncy chairs and baby gyms are available for babies. Toddlers can use the other play equipment provided they are supervised by their parent or carer. A drink, healthy snack and story are provided mid-morning (coffee/tea for the adults). At the end of the session there is singing and other activities.

Operating three times a week, we find this helps to prepare children for lunchtime at school. We ask parents to provide a healthy packed lunch for their child/ren.

We have Pre-school branded clothing available to purchase directly at cost price.