Information Booklet

Give your child the start they deserve!

Opening Times

Monday to Friday 7.30 am to 6 pm

Open throughout the year except for the

Christmas and New Year period and Bank Holidays

Sessional; Full Day; Holiday Club and Out of School Care available for children up to

the age of 11 years

Welcome to Silkstone Pre-School Playgroup Ltd Ideally situated in the grounds of Silkstone Primary School and benefiting greatly from the village community, Silkstone Pre-School Playgroup Ltd offers a caring, safe and enthusiastic environment. The Pre-School has been offering a service to the local community since 1977 and celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2012. Silkstone Pre-School Playgroup Ltd aims to provide the best care and education to the children who attend. Our Pre-School aims to have regard for the identification of and assessment of special needs. We aim to provide a warm welcome and opportunities with appropriate learning for all children. In November 2013, Ofsted inspected the setting and the inspection rating was ‘Good’. (Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning). The setting is well-equipped with a range of equipment and materials that encourage the development of children’s life skills, including computers, handheld tablets, digital cameras and a CD player for basic IT skills; a home corner, drawing table, library/cosy corner with soft seating, and much more!

Outdoors, the school playground and playing fields are used for more physical activities. There is also a safe enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of Pre-School equipped with a play lodge, chalk boards, sand, water and a garden. Various other games and toys are also used in this area and children have access to this facility at any time. Each session has a maximum number of 26 children and is staffed with an adult/child ratio of 1:3 (Under 2 years), 1:4 (2 years +), 1:8 (3 years +). We have 6 members of staff that work within the setting. All staff are called by their first names to create an informal atmosphere. Equal opportunities are offered to all children and their families to join us in learning through play and by experiencing other cultures relevant to the multicultural society in which we live. Silkstone Pre-School Playgroup Ltd respects the individuality of each child and aims to offer a fun, stimulating and secure Pre-School education.

STAFF There are six members of staff who work regular days, offering continuity of care for the children. The Manager, Kathryn Goulding, holds an Early Years Foundation Degree, NVQ 3 and NVQ 2 in Early Years Care and Education as well as a Certificate in Supervisory Management (Childcare). Kathryn is supported by three Early Years Practitioners who are: - Kerry Lord who is qualified to NVQ Level 4 and who is also the Health and Safety Officer; Jess Thompson who holds a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare) and who is also the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO); Jordan Clarke who holds a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare). The setting also has two Apprentices who are:- Hannah Walters who joined the setting in September 2014 and has completed her Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification and is now working towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and Alek Baranski who joined the setting in February 2015 is currently undertaking a Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification. All staff update their qualifications and attend refresher courses to keep up to date with the changing face of Early Childhood Education, as and when necessary. In addition, all staff attend Safeguarding Training; First Aid Training; Food Safety Training; Health and Safety/Manual Handling/Fire Safety Training and these are updated as appropriate.

HOW THE SETTING IS RUN

We are a non-for-profit Registered Charity and a member of the Pre School Learning Alliance (PLA). We obtained Limited Liability status in September 2002. Our Registered Office Address is: Bank Chambers, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2EW. Limited Incorporation Number: 4540155 – Registered in England. We are Committee-run with a constitution. Details of the current Committee members can be located in the entrance hall. The Committee is made up of Parents/Carers who volunteer to serve on the Committee, usually for a period of one year. Election of members takes place at the AGM usually in the Spring term. Committee are required to meet a minimum of three times each year and are responsible for all financial arrangements for the Setting as well as employing the staff.

Committee members also arrange fundraising events to purchase new resources for the benefit of all the children. Information for such events is posted throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to attend any open Committee meeting to make any contribution towards the running of the Setting. Since 1997 we have been registered to accept children who are eligible to receive free nursery education and have agreed to inspection by Ofsted. The inspection looks at the quality and standards of the Early Years provision as follows:- How well the Early Years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend; The contribution of the Early Years provision to the well-being of children; The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the Early Years provision; The overall quality and standard of the Early Years provision We were last inspected by Ofsted in November 2013 and were rated as a ‘Good’ provision. A copy of the Ofsted report is on display in the entrance hall and on the website; copies are available upon request.

ADMISSIONS Children are eligible to receive free nursery education the term after their third birthday. Admission Points are:-

Children born between 1st September and 31st December Free place Spring Term (January)

Children born between 1st January and 31st March Free place Summer Term (March/April)

Children born between 1st April and 31st August Free place Autumn Term (September) NB: There are currently 3 intakes per academic year: - January (Spring Term), March/April (Summer Term) and September (Autumn Term). If places are available, admissions can take place at other times throughout the year.

ADMISSIONS POLICY Children are eligible to attend Silkstone Pre-School Playgroup Ltd facilities up to the age of 11 years. Children are admitted from the waiting list at the beginning of the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms ie September, January and March/April dependent upon when Easter falls and throughout the year if places are available. Priority is given to children who already attend the Pre-School, then to those who currently have a sibling at the Setting; then children whose address is nearest to the setting, then to children who are eligible for the free Early Education Funding (EEF), then, and so on until all the vacancies have been filled. If a child is not allocated a place at the beginning of one term he/she will be placed on the waiting list for the following term. Free nursery education is offered the term after a child’s third birthday and a parent can, subject to vacancies, take 15 hours each week for their child, in a variety of formats.

LUNCH CLUB The lunch club operates daily: 11.30am – 12.45pm The cost to attend the lunch club is detailed on the enclosed fees insert and children bring their own packed lunch or a meal that can be cooked or reheated. We ask that children do not bring any nut products due to the risk of allergies.

POLICIES We have a number of Policies and Procedures that are followed and are all available for you to refer to at any time and they are located in the entrance hall. Listed below are the Policies currently in place which are reviewed and updated yearly or as and when required.

Admissions Policy

Settling in Policy and Procedures

Key Person Policy

Confidentiality Policy

Partnership with Parents Policy

Fees Policy

Policy and Procedures for Collection of Children

Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Cause for Concern Policy and Procedure Missing/Lost Child Policy and Procedure Allegations against a member of staff/volunteer/student Attendance Policy and Procedure Existing Injury Policy and Procedure Incident Policy Smoke Free Policy Alcohol/Other Substances Policy Mobile Phone, Camera and Social Networking Policy Procedures to support the use of the Setting’s photographic equipment Responsible Internet Use – Rules for Staff

Health and Safety Policy

Fire Evacuation Policy and Procedure

Sick Child/Illness Policy Medication Policy Accident/First Aid Policy and Procedures

Food and Nutrition Policy Safety Policy – Special Dietary Requirements Hygiene Policy – Procedures to follow at snack time

Hygiene Policy – Procedures for dealing with bodily waste

Sun Protection Policy

Emergency Plan

Emergency Closure Policy

Equality and Diversity (Equal Opportunities) Policy

Managing Behaviour Policy

Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities Policy

Policy and Procedures for Outings

Complaints Procedures Policy

Student Placement Policy

Display Policy

FEES Children under the age of 3 years - See insert for current rates payable. Children 3 years + - See insert for current rates payable, however, up to 15 hours per

week free, if surrendering Early Education Funding (EEF) Grant to the setting.

Any increase in fees will be notified as soon as reasonably possible. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or directly into our bank account and the details are as follows: Santander, Sort Code 09-01-50, A/C No 02172461. Childcare Vouchers are also accepted.

Additional hours are payable at the current rate per hour or part thereof. Fees are payable during normal term-time and MUST be paid if your child is absent for any reason e.g. ill or away on family holidays. We are unable to offer alternative days if your child is absent. However, if your child is ill or is likely to be away due to illness for a long period, you should arrange to speak to a Committee member who will help come to some arrangement for payment of the fees. Please note that if you wish to reduce your child’s Pre-School session days/times or remove them from the setting during the term, you are required to pay the full fees for the current half term. A minimum of one month’s notice, before the start of a new term is required for any reduction in days/times attended. The Setting relies on fees for payment of daily running costs and request that they are paid promptly. Should you find yourself in difficulty meeting the cost of fees, please speak to a senior member of staff as soon as possible.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS We enjoy celebrating birthdays and other special occasions with children and would be happy to mark your child’s special day. We foster awareness of other cultures that are of equal importance in today’s multi-cultural society. As part of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework all children will be invited to take part in celebrations from their own and other cultures.

CLOTHING We enjoy providing creative activities such as gluing and painting and provide aprons for these activities, but accidents still happen. Please bear this in mind when dressing your child; although the glue and paints are water-based some colours can leave a stain. In summer it is important to remember to send a hat and sun cream for your child, as we do have outdoor play and protection from the sun is vital. During that all important settling in period we ask that you send your child with some spare clothing to change into, just in case they have a little toilet accident. We do have a limited supply of spare clothing, but experience has shown that children prefer to wear their own clothing.

HOLIDAYS Term times are the same as the local Primary School and a list of these are available upon request and a copy is also posted in the entrance hall and on the website. During the school holidays we have a ‘Holiday Club’ in operation for children up to the age of 11 years.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

ILLNESS If your child is unwell, it is advisable to keep him/her at home. They will benefit more at home with you than struggling at the Setting. Should your child become ill, or be injured whilst at the Setting, every attempt will be made to contact you as soon as possible. Within the setting there is a Public Health England (PHE) poster on display which outlines exclusion periods for illnesses and diseases. Our ‘Illnesses and Injuries’ Policy follows the PHE guidelines.

ACCIDENTS

All accidents are recorded on an accident sheet. You, or the person collecting the child at the end of the session, will be shown the sheet and asked to sign, indicating you have been informed of the injury. You will be given the original and a copy will be kept in Pre School. With this in mind, we ask that we be kept informed of any changes to telephone numbers or emergency contact persons.

SAFEGUARDING All members of staff are trained in the procedures for dealing with such matters and will deal appropriately in such cases. Policies and Procedures are in place and are available upon request. Kathryn Goulding is the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Should your child have any Special Educational Needs, we have an appointed member of staff, Jess Thompson, as SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator); Kathryn Goulding is Deputy SENCO. We will work hand-in-hand with parents to provide the best care and education for all children.

FIRE DRILL These are carried out at regular intervals to ensure the safety of all children and staff. Our procedures are displayed on notice boards in the cloakroom and main hall. All fire-fighting appliances are checked annually and details are recorded on each appliance.

SECURITY We wish to keep your child and our staff as safe as possible during their stay with us, so the main door is locked 15 minutes after opening time. A member of staff stands at the entrance and exit doors to ensure no child can leave the building after parents/carers have left them on the premises. Visitors are asked to alert staff of their presence by using the doorbell. They are asked to show proof of identity to a member of staff before entering the main hall and to sign in and out of the visitor’s book. CCTV is in operation and the main school gates are locked between the hours of 9:15 am and 15:15 pm. A buzzer system is in operation if entry is needed between these hours.

INSURANCE

Cover is provided by Sun Alliance. A copy of the certificate is displayed in the entrance hall.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Please remember to inform any other adult who may bring/collect your child about the pedestrian access and parking restrictions.

TYPICAL SESSION When children arrive at Pre School they will be asked to find their name card from the box and write their name on it, and then attach it to the Velcro boards on the units. Parents are asked to help their children by spelling it out phonetically. Parents are discouraged from holding their child’s hand whilst writing their name. Activities for the session will already have been planned and set out prior to the arrival of the children. Each session is planned to allow children to experience learning through play, whilst developing personal, social and emotional skills interacting with peers and adults, early language and communication skills and mathematical skills. Children are asked to sit as a whole setting for registration. We encourage children to answer when their name is called. When registration is complete, children are offered the opportunity of sharing any news with the setting, such as personal achievements for swimming, dancing, competitions, etc. Children are then offered a variety of activities based around their interests, the details of which can be found on the ‘Activities Board’ in the main room. Staff work alongside them to offer support and reassurance when needed. Mid-session the children are offered a snack and drink. Up to 10 children sit around the table at any one time with an adult supervising, as one child leaves another takes his/her place until all children have had their snack. Children are encouraged to visit the toilet and wash hands before taking their snack. Drinks of milk, juice or water are offered and a snack of fresh fruit, breadsticks, crackers, toast etc are also offered. A list of each day’s snack can be found on the notice board and the kitchen door. Please remember to keep us informed of any special dietary requirements. In January 2012 the setting was awarded the Healthy Early Years Award (HEYA), achieved by working in partnership with parents and carers. Children are free to take part in activities until around 20 minutes before the end of the session when we ask that they help tidy away the equipment before sitting for a story, songs and rhymes. Children are ready for collection by your chosen finish time. Children will be offered the opportunity to participate in Physical Education activities throughout the week, examples of which are:- PE (currently Monday am) which is held in Silkstone Primary School’s main hall; Dance sessions are also run by Miss Maria, the local dance teacher (currently Tuesday pm) and gymnastics sessions by Mark Symons (currently Friday am). Also, once a week, a library session is held (currently Wednesday am). Each child can choose up to 3 books to take home with them until the following week, from a selection offered. This helps to encourage children to enjoy books and is good

preparation for reading and fosters good sharing and turn taking skills. Most children love to share a story with parents.

WHAT NEXT? We thank you for taking an interest in our Pre-School Playgroup. Should you wish to enrol your child at the Setting, please complete the enclosed registration form and return it to the address given. Your child’s name will then be placed on our waiting list until such time that he/she is eligible to enter the setting. Our Manager will contact you at the appropriate time. Should you wish to discuss any matters in our Information Booklet, or wish to arrange a visit to the setting, please do not hesitate to make suitable arrangements with the Manager. More detailed information about our Pre-School provision is available upon request. All relevant Policy documents are available for your perusal at any time, please ask.

WHAT IS THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE?

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years’ providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. The EYFS seeks to provide:

• Quality and consistency in all early years settings, so that every child makes good progress and no child gets left behind;

• A secure foundation through learning and development opportunities which are planned around the needs and interests of each individual child and are assessed and reviewed regularly;

• Partnership working between practitioners and with parents and/or carers;

• Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included and supported.

The EYFS specifies requirements for learning and development and for safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The learning and development requirements cover:

• The areas of learning and development which must shape activities and experiences (educational programmes) for children in all early years settings;

• The early learning goals that providers must help children work towards (the knowledge, skills and understanding children should have at the end of the academic year in which they turn five); and

• Assessment arrangements for measuring progress (and requirements for reporting to parents and/or carers). The safeguarding and welfare requirements cover the steps that providers must take to keep children safe and promote their welfare.

Overarching principles Four guiding principles should shape practice in early years settings. These are:

• Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured;

• Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships;

• Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers; and

• Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.

AREAS OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in Early Years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These three areas, the Prime areas, are:

• Communication and language

• Physical development • Personal, social and emotional development

Providers must also support children in four Specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The Specific areas are:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the world

• Expressive arts and design Educational programmes must involve activities and experiences for children, as follows.

• Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

• Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

• Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

• Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

• Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

• Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

• Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

Registered Office: Bank Chambers, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2EW

SILKSTONE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP LTD

Old Town School High Street Silkstone Barnsley

South Yorkshire S75 4LR

www.silkstonepreschool.btck.co.uk

TEL: (01226) 792294

MANAGER: Mrs Kathryn Goulding

Established 1977

Old Town School

High Street Silkstone Barnsley

South Yorkshire S75 4LR

Tel: 01226 792294

www.silkstonepreschool.btck.co.uk

Date Dear Parent/Carer Thank you for your recent enquiry about Silkstone Pre School Playgroup Ltd. We have pleasure in enclosing our Information Booklet which gives details about the facilities offered at the Pre School, its staff, the sessions and plenty of useful information. There is a registration form for you to complete to enable us to fully register your child with us. Please return the completed form to Kathryn Goulding, Manager, as soon as possible. However, if you have any questions or would like to arrange an informal visit we would be happy to help – just give us a ring on the above number. We look forward to working in partnership with you to develop your child’s Pre School education. Yours sincerely Mrs Kathryn Goulding Manager Enc

Registered Office: Bank Chambers, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2EW Registered Charity No 700333

Limited Incorporation No 4540155 Registered in England