Little Buds Pre-School, Ampleforth

Children can begin Pre-School as soon as they turn 3 years old. We ask parents to contact school for a registration form either by phoning 01439788357, via email admin@st-hildascofe.n-yorks.sch.uk or complete the online registration form here.

The Pre-School is situated in a customised classroom with a well-resources and beautifully situated adjoining outdoor area of learning.

Pre-School sessions are from 9:00am to 12:00 midday

and 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Monday to Friday during school term times. Pupils can stay for their lunch 12-12.30 and this will be charged at £1.50 (supervision fee) and (from September 2023) £2.40 if your child wishes to have a meal provided by school.

As your child starts Pre-School, they are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is the stage of education from birth – 5 years with Early Learning Goals (ELGs) which set out what most children are expected to know, understand and be able to do by the end of Reception.

The curriculum is divided into 7 areas of development.

Through this area, we aim to develop children’s social, moral, cultural, emotional and spiritual skills. For example:

• interaction with peers and adults

• independence

• knowledge of Christianity and some aspects of other world religions

• experiencing wonder and awe

• managing their behaviour

• developing self confidence and self-esteem

This area is concerned with developing speaking, listening, and understanding skills. For example:

• through role play, puppets and storytelling, discussion and taking turns to speak

• stories, songs and poetry

• listening activities

Through this area, children develop their fine and gross motor skills. For example:

• using malleable materials such as play dough and clay

• threading, sewing and constructing

• painting, writing and drawing

• running, jumping and skipping

Mathematical development addresses problem solving, working with numbers, shape, space and measure, money and some simple data handling. For example:

• counting rhymes and games

• number games and jigsaws

• role play

• shapes and numbers in the environment

• measuring and comparing

• using sand or water trays

Literacy development focuses on the early development of reading and writing skills. For example:

• sharing books, both fiction and non-fiction

• learning correct letter formation

• mark-making

• using the writing area

• phase 1 phonics

This area covers Science, History, Geography and Religious Education. For example:

• examining and appreciating the environment

• remembering past events

• exploring the local area

• developing questioning skills

• understanding their community and different cultures

Creative development is concerned with art, music, dance, designing and constructing. For example:

• using paints in different ways

• “messy play”

• collage and combining different media

• appreciating the work of different types of artists

• singing and listening to music

• using voice, body and musical instruments

• constructing models

• using bodies to express themselves through dance

At Pre-School, your child will have the opportunity to learn through play, enjoying a variety of activities. They will have fun exploring sand and water, making pictures and models, building, enjoying books and dressing up. They will use the computer, play with dough and learn about mark making, numbers and shapes.

Time will also be spent outdoors, come rain or shine, so please ensure your child brings outdoor clothing, wears suitable shoes and is protected from the sun in summer when necessary. (We suggest sun block is applied before Pre-School, shoulders are covered with clothing and a hat is worn.)

We believe strongly in parents as partners in the education of their children and we actively encourage them into school at every opportunity. The school holds two formal parents’ evenings during the year when you can discuss your child’s progress and development. You will receive a formal written report in the Summer term. We operate an ‘open-door’ policy which welcomes parents or carers into their child’s class and we encourage parents/carers to share any information that they feel school needs to be aware of which may be impacting on their child’s health, wellbeing or learning. The staff are normally available for informal discussion from 8.45-9am and after 3.30pm. Should you require a more formal meeting, please book an appointment through the school office.

If your child is ill and they need to be at home, please inform school how long your child needs to be absent for, and if possible, the nature of the illness. If your child has been sick or had diarrhoea they need to stay at home until 48 hours after it has stopped.

If your child has any medical needs, please inform us of the details and any medication that needs administering. Administration of prescribed medication can be undertaken by staff but only on completion of the necessary forms (available in the school office or on the school website). Occasionally minor accidents do occur and these are dealt with as you would deal with any similar occurrences at home. There are staff trained as First Aiders. If a more serious

incident happens, then every effort is made to contact you. If emergency treatment is required, then appropriate action will be taken.

School lunches may be purchased for Pre-School children. We can provide a choice of a hot meal each day or picnic or vegetarian option each day. Followed by a pudding, piece of fruit or yogurt. Pre-School children are welcome to eat a school meal if they stay for lunch or they can bring their own pack-up.

Children have access to a snack on a morning. Each day children will be offered a selection of fruit and a choice of milk or water. An adult is on hand offering support and encouragement to children in helping them choose and prepare their drinks and snacks independently. Please do let us know of any allergies your child has.

We do not encourage toys being brought in from home as they may get lost or broken, but if your child needs something specific to aid in settling on arrival, then we are happy to discuss this.

Children should wear comfortable and practical clothing and have a spare set of clothes with them at all times in case of mishaps (children can often get wet or dirty, especially during outdoor play). Aprons are provided for all messy activities, however, despite aprons, glue and paint may get on clothes but usually washes out if soaked in cold water first.

Children must be brought to Pre-School by their parent or another adult known to them. If another adult is collecting your child, it is vital you let us know beforehand.

We work in partnership with Daisy Daycare and, with them, are able to provide full day wrap round care from 8:00am to 5:30pm. Please contact them on 01439 788577 for further details, or see their website www.daisydcare.co.uk.

Yes. The Pre-School children may take part in special assemblies such as at Christmas, Easter or Harvest. They may share in activities when we have visitors in school. They may also use the school library. These activities will be helpful in building their confidence ready for school.

If you have any concerns about your child, if there is anything you want clarified or any information you think we need to know, do speak to the teacher. The best time is usually at the start or end of Pre-School session. There will be parent consultations during the school year as well.

If the Pre-School teacher feels that your child needs any extra help, we have available to us a range of professionals. After discussion with you, we may ask for support from the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator).