Frequently Asked Questions

Placing your child in any pre-school environment will of course raise lots of questions for you. We hope some of these may be answered below. For any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

What time will the Pre-School gates open?

In the morning, the gates open at 8.55am for a 9.00am start. The gates will be closed by 9.05 am. From this time, please bring your child through the main school entrance. In the afternoon, the gates will be open from 12.00pm. The gates will then be closed by 12.20pm. From this time, please bring your child through the main school entrance.

How do I contact the Pre-School if I need to?

Both of our school sites share the same telephone number - 01234 768271 option 1 for Church End and option 2 for Forest End. Our Pre-School Administrator, Sarah-Leigh Smart, will be happy to support you with any questions you may have. Our e-mail address is chimneytotsadmin@marstonmoreteyneschool.org

How can I be sure my child will settle and get used to the routines?

When your child has officially been given a place at Chimneytots Pre-School and you have received written confirmation of the sessions available to them, we will ensure a complimentary, ‘visit and play’ for yourselves and your child. The settling in visit will be arranged at a time and date of your convenience.

At Chimneytots Pre-School, we want to ensure that your settling in visit gives you, the parent, and your child the confidence and reassurance that Chimneytots will offer an excellent provision to support your child’s earliest learning experiences.

Your Pre-School visit will:

· Be led by our Early Years Senior or Deputy Practitioner – an excellent chance to meet the senior staff for discussions about your child.

· Allow you to experience the Pre-School ‘in action’ – a chance for you to see how your child settles in, interacts with others and explores the free-flow learning environment.

· Be an opportunity to meet key workers – it’s important to us that, like your child, you know all of the adults who will enjoy, achieve and learn with them each day.

· Allow your child to play, learn and enjoy – a wonderful opportunity for your child to get to know both Pre-School rooms and the outside area, with you in a comforting proximity.

· Be a time to share any questions or concerns you have - we are committed to ensuring we make the very best start to our Pre-School and Parent relationship. Please don’t hesitate to speak to our friendly staff.

Following your settling in visit, your child’s booked sessions will commence, we hope, with confidence and excitement! Our half termly newsletter, open access to your child’s Early Years Framework and a welcoming open-door policy, will provide you with continued support, feedback and reassurance. Each term, there is a report sent home followed by a parent consultation meeting with your child’s key worker.

To help the children settle we will follow a daily routine e.g. snack times are at the same time every day, outdoor play times are at set times daily etc.

Do you have a curriculum? What kind of activities do you provide?

We use the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework as the foundation for our play and learning. We incorporate this with our children’s interests and topics to form the basis of our activities. We provide a range of activities to support every area of development and the children have access to the outdoor area daily. We have a messy/exploratory activity every day and opportunities for large and small group work to enhance social skills.

If my child is unwell are they allowed to attend? Can you give medication?

A cough and cold and regular childhood illnesses can be managed. If any medicine is to be administered prior consent must be given. In accordance with our attendance policy and safeguarding policy, we request that you contact the school office to notify the Pre-School every day of your child’s absence. We want the children attending Pre-School to be fit and healthy; please do not send your child if they are showing signs of illness.

What if I can’t get to the Pre-School in time for the session closing? Can I send someone else?

If you can’t get to the Pre-School in time to collect your child at the end of a session you may send someone else but they must be over 16 years old. This person must have consent to collect your child. You must inform the school office who will be coming and what time they will be arriving.

Children are entitled to government funding for up to 15 hours of childcare from the term after they turn 3. A funding form will be given to you in the first week of each term and we ask that you complete and return this form as promptly as possible. Currently the entitlement allows for up to 15 hours of childcare per week and this can be shared between two settings if you wish.

If you require further sessions in addition to the funded 15 hours a week for your child additional charges will apply and you will be invoiced for these sessions in advance. Sessions will be invoiced half termly at the beginning of each half term, and there are no reductions for absence or holidays. We ask for payment by cash, cheque or childcare vouchers.

If you wish your child to stay for school dinners you will be required to book in advance and pay via ParentPay. Log in details are given on your child’s first session with us.