Crowle Pre-School Prospectus

Started over 40 years ago, we are a well established, friendly Pre-School in a thriving village community. Based in the Parish Hall the children have ample space indoors and outdoors to play and explore safely. Our equipment and resources are of a high standard and updated/replaced regularly.

We are registered with Ofsted and at our last inspection were awarded the highest grade of Outstanding for Nursery Education (copies of the report are available from the setting or OFSTED’s website). All our staff have the appropriate checks & qualifications and are committed to building each child’s self-confidence and independence.

We belong to the Pre-School Learning Alliance and have good links with Crowle First School together with the Pre-Schools and First schools of the surrounding villages and towns.

Children are welcome from the age of two and a half up to school entry age and we offer a choice of 8 sessions, two of which (the Plus sessions) cater specifically for preparing the next school year group for school. Our high staff to child ratio ensures every child receives the individual attention they deserve.

We aim to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to participate fully in our Pre-School, regardless of any learning difficulty or disability and with no bias for age, religion or ethnicity. This applies equally to their families, members of staff or management team and any visitors to our Pre-School.

· Every child should be encouraged to develop an awareness of self-discipline, self-worth and an appreciation of others.

· Good behaviour should be encouraged and recognised, this positive approach helps to discourage any unacceptable behaviour.

· Children should learn through play in a caring environment, with carefully planned activities that ensure the all round development of the child is considered.

Crowle Pre-School is a charity, operated and managed by the Management Team; a team of volunteers who are ultimately responsible for the pre-school and its staff.

This is a group of parents/carers who deal with a variety of issues including employing staff, carrying out staff appraisals & salary reviews, managing pre-school finances, implementing government incentives/initiatives & fundraising whilst ensuring the best interests of Crowle Pre-School are met. We meet once a month and our AGM is held in May.

A folder containing all of our Policies in full is on display in the entrance foyer for you to view at any time.

Key Person Scheme

As each new child joins Crowle Pre-school they are allocated a member of staff as their Key Person. They will help your child to settle in and develop a play plan for them to ensure that your child’s needs are recognised within the group. Confidential records are kept and liaison with parents/carers is important in ensuring that your child’s needs and interests are met and their full potential is realised. Our high adult: child ratio makes this possible and each child is allowed to develop at their own pace.

At the end of the Autumn and Summer terms your Key Person will compile a brief written report outlining your child’s achievements, development and progress towards the current curriculum.

It is well known that children learn better when their parents are involved in their early years setting. At Crowle Pre-School we recognise you, the parents, as the primary educators of your children and value your support. Parents are welcome to become part of our Parent duty rota. On duty you will have the opportunity to experience a Pre-School session, see your child within the setting and interact with them and others. You will also prepare the snack and generally help where needed.

You may also decide to join our Pre-School management team. You can help as little or as much as you would like!

The activities for the children at our Pre-School are planned and based on current Curriculum Guidance.

We have a large range of toys and equipment, which are included in our planned activities. A variety of implements such as pencils and crayons are available at all times for mark making and writing. As well as developing co-ordination and pre-writing skills, the children learn to express themselves through drawing, painting and other creative materials.

A story is told or read during each session. This helps the children’s language development and ability to concentrate and absorb information. Our well-stocked book corner is always open to the children and they are encouraged to choose books to look at themselves.

Simple counting and pattern activities, weighing and building games, measuring and shape recognition introduce the children to early mathematical concepts.

Running, hopping, climbing and ball games help develop total body co-ordination as well as promoting health and strength. Every child is encouraged to participate in our annual sports day.

Through learning about specific topics such as different lifestyles, animals, occupations etc the child begins to understand the outside world. During the year walks around the village are used as an opportunity to explore our surroundings and support learning, together with visits from members of the local community which also help further their knowledge.

By interacting with other children and adults, each child comes to enjoy sharing and co-operating as part of a group.

We produce regular newsletters and colourful notice boards to show you how the children are learning through play and how you can get involved

Once a year in the summer, we also have an outing to a local attraction such as a park or farm; this is a coach trip for the children and their parents/carers.

In the three terms before your child starts school they will be eligible to attend two of our ‘Plus’ sessions a week. These sessions are more structured and aim to prepare them for entry into school. The timing and location of these sessions will vary from term to term, dependant on numbers. It is up to you as a parent to choose which of the 3 terms before school entry your child start these sessions. Penny will be happy to discuss these sessions further with you and you can place your child’s name on a list to join these sessions at any time.

Each session there is a different snack, prepared by the duty parent. The foods are planned to provide a healthy snack and are on a 4 week rota to ensure variety.

If you have opted for your child to stay for lunch club they will need a packed lunch and drink

All children are encouraged to eat their lunch sitting at a table with other children and a member of staff. This helps to prepare them for school.

It is recommended that children come dressed in washable clothes as they experiment with many new materials, including messy ones!

We have Crowle Pre-School Sweatshirts and T-Shirts available for sale and these are held in stock at all times. Please speak to a member of staff if you would like to purchase one.

Hours of opening

Monday 9:00am – 3:45pm (Lunch Club 12pm – 12:45pm)

Tuesday 9:00am – 3:45pm (Lunch Club 12pm – 12:45pm)

Wednesday 9:00am – 12:00pm

Thursday 9:00am – 3:45pm (Lunch Club 12pm – 12:45pm)

Friday 9:00am – 12:00pm

We are LEA funded and funding is available for children in the term after they reach their 3^rd birthday. We are also able to accept Nursery vouchers from

Our Pre-School is a friendly and welcoming place for children to come to, we are proud of our achievements and hope you will be too.

Prospective parents are welcome to call in for further information or to look around at any time during session times.