Our Preschool Day

Preschool is open Monday to Friday during term time as follows:

08.50 to 11.45 am Morning session (children to be collected at 11.45am)

11:45 to 12:45 pm Lunch

Children arriving for lunch and the afternoon session have time to wash their hands before going to the school hall for lunch at 12.00pm

12:45 to 3:20 pm Afternoon session

 

Preschool fees are £10.00 per session (morning or afternoon) which includes a snack and £6.50 for lunchtime supervision which includes a hot meal, drink and a dessert.

All meals are cooked fresh on site by our kitchen team.

In the summer term, our Preschool gives priority to those children who are attending Black Firs Reception Class the following year. Sessions are subject to change where necessary to accommodate this.

All sessions and fees are available on your Parentmail app. Instructions on how to use the app can be found here: https://black-firs-primary-school.schudio.com/parents/parent-mail

We are sorry we cannot refund sessions or lunch fees if your child is absent for any reason.

Outdoor Play Areas

We allow free flow of play between our indoor and outside areas, children choose if they want to play inside or out. We take advantage of ‘spontaneous learning opportunities’ - snow, ice, wind, sunshine etc.

During very bad weather children stay indoors, however we ask that children have wellies and waterproof coats in the setting at all times. This allows the children to play outside even if it is rainy and wet! In the summer months we have gazebos to provide shade and ask that children are sent with a sun hat and that sun cream has already been applied before arrival at Preschool. 

We are happy to re-apply sun cream in the afternoon if a labelled sun cream is provided and permission is given on the Enrolment form.

We also make as much use as possible of the school grounds, both playing fields, playgrounds, wildlife garden and school hall and P.E. equipment.

All our staff have attained Childcare Qualifications and a Paediatric First Aid Qualification and all follow a training and development plan and regularly attend courses to update and improve their knowledge and skills. Meet the team –

Jennifer Harrison - Early Years Lead

Laura Mullany - Early Years Teacher

Bev Webb - Early Years Teaching Assistant

Sarah Blythe - Early Years Teaching Assistant

Michelle Tootell - Early Years Teaching Assistant

Becky Paden - Pre-School Lead

Ben Smyth - Pre-School Teacher

Debbie Couchman - Pre-School Teaching Assistant

Liss Hubbard - Pre-School Teaching Assistant

Parul Mehrotra - Pre-School Teaching Assistant

What is a ‘Key Person’?

Your child will be assigned a 'Key Person'. Their role is to ensure that your child’s care is tailored to meet their individual needs, to help your child become familiar with the setting, offer a settled relationship for your child and to build a relationship with you, the parents or carers. Your Key Person will also monitor and track your child’s progress against the Early Years Foundation Stage, using an online system called ‘Tapestry Online'.

You will have access to your child’s Tapestry Journal online through a password-protected portal, and receive email updates when evidence has been added or been tracked. This will be collected in photographs, quotes and samples of work etc. Your child’s Journal will be a reflection of their time with us at Pre-School and the progress they have made.

Uniform

Preschool children are not required to wear uniform, however DP Sportswear do stock sweatshirts in smaller sizes. If you wish to purchase any please visit the DP Sportswear Congleton website or call 01260 274400 for a fitting. All clothing MUST be marked with your child’s name.

Toddlers

We offer a toddler session to younger children who are not yet part of our preschool. During the sessions children get to experience preschool and join in the activities within our setting. This is a great opportunity for your child to get to know the team before starting with us.

It operates weekly in Term Time only on Tuesday mornings from 9.30 – 10.45am in the Foundation Stage (Reception and Preschool) building. Toddler sessions recommence in the second week of a new term. This gives us an opportunity to settle new starters before welcoming our toddler friends. If you would like more information, please contact Clare Hill, who runs the group (via the school office).

Toddler sessions cost only £1 and include a hot or cold drink and a biscuit.