Little Explorers Pre-School

Preparing your child for pre-school 

When you are allocated a place you will receive our welcome pack with forms. This information is important so that we can help your child to settle in quickly.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to speak to any member of staff.

Ways you can help prepare your child for Pre-School:

• Encourage your child to dress and undress independently
• Get your child into a good bedtime routine
• Help your child to transfer from a beaker/bottle to a cup
• Talk with your child throughout the day
• Have lots of fun singing and reading stories together
• Help your child to learn to share and take turns

Checklist

Here is a list of some things you need to remember before your child starts Pre-School:

• Return the All About Me form
• Attend your appointment with your Keyworker
• Create a password
• Give us up to date contact details
• Tell us about any allergies or medical conditions your child may have
• Dress your child in clothes and shoes that they can manage independently
• Put a complete set of named clothes into a named bag to put on their peg
• Name all clothes including the clothes they are wearing!
• Bring in a pair of named wellies to be left at Pre-School
• Talk positively to your child about starting Pre-School

Don’t worry, if there are any problems we will always ring you.

Snacks and meals 

Little Explorers will provide fruit as a healthy snack.

Children should bring a named water bottle so that they can access a drink whenever they are thirsty.

Children who attend the Lunchtime Club will need to bring a packed lunch. Please be aware of the following guidelines:

• Fizzy drinks, sweets and chocolate are not allowed
• Grapes should be cut lengthways to minimise the risk of choking
• Shellfish, nuts or products containing nuts are not allowed

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY SNACKS CONTAINING NUTS. We are a NUT FREE school. This also includes any snacks containing Nutella or other chocolate spreads containing nuts. 

We suggest you provide your child with a healthy lunch that includes at least one portion of fruit or vegetables and that you limit sugary or processed foods. It is best not to give more food than your child is likely to eat as this can be overwhelming — 4 or 5 items including a drink should be plenty. Please make sure all bottles and lunch boxes are clearly labelled. 

Hours and Funding

We offer 30-hour and 15-hour places. All 3 to 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of free early education, for 38 weeks of the year.

Eligible working families are entitled to 30 hours a week. Parents can check their eligibility and apply for 30 hours funding by clicking the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-2-to-4-year-olds

Sessions 

Your child can attend Morning, Afternoon or All Day Sessions. 

Day Sessions require a fee of £4.00 to cover the additional cost of Lunchtime Club.

Session Times

Those children who stay a full day will be required to pay for the lunchtime session which is 11.40-12.15 at an additional cost of £4.00 per day. Your child will be required to bring a packed lunch.

It is important that your child attends Pre-School every day when they are well.
If your child is unwell please let the office know before the session starts.
At the end of your child’s session please ensure they are collected on time.
Please let us know if someone else will be picking your child up. We will also arrange a password and will not let your child leave with an adult unless we are sure they are safe.

There is no Pre-School uniform however we suggest your child wears the following:

• Elasticated trousers (i.e. leggings/joggers)
•  T-shirt/top
• Jumper

You can purchase a fleece with the Pre-School logo from Karl Sports, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, however this is an optional item.

Clothes must be practical and easy for the children to manage themselves. Dungarees, belts and buttoned trousers are not recommended. Please remember your chid will be playing and they are very likely to get messy!

Please ensure that all clothing and shoes are named and that a full change of clothes is kept on your child’s peg.

If your child wears earrings they must only wear stud earrings at Pre-School.

Your child must wear flat shoes or trainers with a closed toe. We suggest Velcro shoes as these help your child to be independent. Lace-up shoes are not suitable. Your child will also need a pair of wellies which will be kept at nursery so they can play outside whatever the weather!

The Early Years Foundation Stage has 7 areas of learning including prime and specific areas.

All of the areas of learning are promoted through indoor and outdoor provision. The children take part in group activities such as singing and story times, as well as having the opportunity to explore their own interests and fascinations through play. Our highly skilled staff observe and assess our children to ensure they are challenged and their learning needs are met. From secure knowledge of the EYFS our staff confidently plan for the next steps in each child’s learning.