Sessions

Each session runs for 2½ hours. The OFSTED registered maximum number of children per session is 22 at the town hall site and 18 at Rising Fives. However, to maintain high standards of care we limit pre-school (town hall) session numbers to 18, increasing to 22 when demand is high. Children are accepted from age 3 years. Whilst it is preferred that children are clean and dry when they join us it is not a problem if they are not. Accidents happen to the most reliable children especially when involved in an activity. 

How our sessions are planned 


The curriculum is based on the six areas of learning identified by the Department of Education and Skills. These are called the “Early Learning Goals” and are listed below. 

We have a two year rolling programme of themes that we explore with the children. Examples of these topics include “Our Town” “All about me” and “Festivals and Celebrations”. All our pre-school sessions follow a similar routine to ensure familiarity and continuity. The following headings indicate the format: 
Welcome – We encourage parents to bring their child into the room to an activity where our helpers are waiting to welcome and help settle them in. After a short while we all go to the carpet for the session’s introduction. 
Introduction – During this period the register is taken and daily charts including “the weather” & 
“days of the week” are compiled. Children “show and tell” the others any special items or news, in particular things relevant to the current topic. 
Activity Time: This is a period when the children are invited to choose and explore the session’s different activities, in small groups or individual situations, making full use of both our indoor and outdoor environments. All the activities are carefully planned to include all the areas of learning and develop the skills that the children will build on during their lifetimes. On a typical session these activities could include Role Play; small work play; small and large construction; crafts including creative drawing, “writing,” cutting and gluing and painting; exploring materials such as play-dough, clay, dough, jelly, spaghetti, wood, leaves – to name but a few; ride on vehicles; exploring P.E. 
equipment and climbing apparatus; relaxing in a quiet area or enjoying a story. We have a wide 
range of resources available to draw on throughout the week. 
Tidy up Time – A time when all the children are encouraged to take on responsibility as they 
carefully put toys away.

Circle Time – An opportunity for the children to quieten for a few moments as they gather together as a group to appreciate books, handling them carefully and enjoy a story or two; join in with singing. 
Snack Time – The children enjoy a glass of milk or water and fresh fruit/vegetables sitting in small groups with an adult, engaging in conversation. 
Group Time – A chance to develop co-operation and turn-taking as the children join together to play; ring games, boxed games, with the parachute or enjoy a dance/singing session. 
Home Time – The children’s work is gathered together with their name card - another opportunity for the children to recognise their names. 

Staffing

 

Each session has a paid Supervisor, with a minimum qualification of NVQ 3 or equivalent, who is in charge plus 2 or3 paid helpers, depending on the number of children attending the sessions and depending on their individual needs. There is a maximum ratio of 1 adult to 6 children at all sessions with a minimum of one qualified first-aider on every session. All staff are vetted by OFSTED and the Police (Criminal Records Bureau).