Early Years Foundation Stage

 

We follow the EYFS curriculum which provides a framework for children from 0 - 5.

 

It covers 7 areas of learning:

 

     3 Prime Areas:

•    Personal, Social and Emotional

•    Physical

•    Communication and Language   

             

 

     4 Specific Areas:

•   Literacy

•   Mathematics

•   Knowledge of the World

•   Expressive Arts and Design   

       

       

Characteristics of Effective Learning

•   Playing and Exploring (Engagement)

•   Active Learning (Motivation)

•   Creating and Thinking Critically (Thinking)

  

    

We cover all of this through the activities, experiences and opportunities we provide.

 

Fees and the Early Years Education Grant

 

Fees are paid either by parents/carers or by Hampshire County Council in the form of the Early Years Education (EYE) grant. The EYE grant is available to children the term following their 3rd birthday and is claimed via the Pre-School for up to 15 hours per week.  Where a child is attending more than one Early Years Education provider, not more than 15 hours may be claimed for in total.  We also take children from 2 years and are able to provide 2 year funding for those children who are eligible for it. Fees for non-funded 2 year old is currently £6.50 per hour.  This increases on 29th April 2024 to £8.00 per hour.

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We accept 30 hour funding for those entitled to it. Children attending for more than 15 hours and are not entitled to 30 hour funding, the charge is £6.00 per hour. All fees are payable monthly by cash, bank transfer or childcare vouchers.  This is dealt with by the Pre-School Office Manager who will issue invoices and receive all monies.

 

One off additional sessions must be paid for in advance.

 

All sessions booked for your child must be paid for, even if they cannot attend due to illness, holiday or any other circumstance.  One month's notice or the equivalent in fees is required if you wish to withdraw your child from the Pre-School.  If circumstances arise which make it difficult to pay on time, please discuss this with the Pre-School Office Manager.

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From January 2024, there will be a termly charge to every child attending Pre-School of £25.00 for consumables. 

 

Opening Times

 

Breakfast club can start at 8am at £5.00, 8.15am at £4.00 and £3 for 8.30am start to include a light cereal snack.

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We are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. We also run an After School Club, Quackers, in conjunction with Rucstall Primary School which is open until 6pm. We will always do our up most to accommodate your needs so please speak to us if you would like further information.

 

Start times:

9am, 10am, 11am and 12pm

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Finish times:

12pm, 1pm 2pm and 3pm

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The setting is open from 8am to 6pm Pre-School hours (8am-9am Breakfast club 2 years-4 years, 3pm-6pm Quackers After School Club 3 years-11 years).

 

Arrival

 

The outside door will be open 5 minutes before the start of the session. Each child has their own named peg in the foyer. On arrival please encourage your child to leave their belongings on their peg. At the start of the session the main hall door will be opened. Please ensure that your child is checked in by a member of staff at the door.

 

Collection

 

We are sure that you recognise the importance of keeping to the session times, so please collect your child promptly at the end of the session. Many children become anxious if not collected on time so please telephone the Pre-School if you are going to be late or unavoidably delayed.

No child will be released to a person other than those nominated on their Pick Up Form, unless we have been given prior notice in writing.

If you are regularly late then please note that you may be charged £5 for every 10 minutes after the end of the session.

 

Safeguarding Children

 

As part of our responsibility to ensure the safety of children within our care, we have various policies relating to safeguarding children. These can be seen in the foyer. If we are in any doubt as to the well being of a child, we are required to go straight to Children's Services.

 

Behaviour

 

All children are individuals and their needs and stages of development are different. We see discipline as a part of learning and with encouragement your child should learn to have self control, acceptable behaviour and respect for others.

Through a consistent, positive approach, our team will treat all children equally, encouraging good social behaviour towards others and endorsing this with praise. In any cases of misbehaviour it will always be made clear to the child in question that it is the behaviour and not the child which is unwelcome.

 

Parents as Partners

 

We recognise that parents are children's first and most enduring educators. We see ourselves as working alongside you to ensure that your child gets the most out of attending our Pre-School.

We use a variety of ways to communicate with you about your child's learning, including a communication book where we would also like to hear from you. Please talk to your child's Key Person about their development, good things as well as any concerns. The first 15 minutes each morning is a good time for this and we also provide more formal opportunities once a term.

The following information is available for you at all times upon request:

 

•    OFSTED Report and Action plan

•    Our Pre-School Policies

•    Your Child's Records

•    Pre-School Photographs

•    Information about the EYFS

•    A Parent's Guide to Pre-School.

 

Health and Snacks

 

Every morning we have a cafe where the children can sit together in small groups and enjoy a healthy snack.  This is provided by the Pre-School and every effort is made to ensure that a variety of options is available.  Children can choose either milk or water to drink.  Please inform us if you have a preference.

Lunch is at 12.15pm and staff and children sit down together to enjoy their meal.  Due to allergies we request that children do not bring nuts or food containing nuts and that your child'€™s lunch box is named.

Water is always available throughout each session for your child to drink if they request it.  Please could you indicate any allergies or specific dietary needs that your child may have on their registration form.

The good health of children is a priority.  For this reason we ask that any children who are unwell or suffering from a contagious disease or infection remains at home whilst they are ill and for at least 48 hours afterwards.

Parents/carers will be contacted if a child becomes unwell at Pre-School and are requested to collect their child.  Please ensure that we have your correct contact details and let us know immediately if they change.

 

Mucky Ducklings

 

At Little Ducklings we will encourage your child to participate in all areas of play.  This will include both messy and physical activities.  Please dress your child in clothes appropriate for these activities that they can easily manage themselves.

We suggest that you provide a complete change of clothes for your child in case it is needed.  These can be left in a bag on your child's peg.

Please ensure that all your child's clothing is clearly named.