Brochure

Mission Statement:  We aim to develop each child’s talents, abilities and self-confidence within a caring, ordered and stimulating environment. 

Here at Downham Pre-School we teach to the guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).  We actively seek to provide opportunities for the development and growth of intellectual and physical skills and carry out regular assessments in all areas of the curriculum.   

What are the EYFS Principles? 

Split in to four themes, the EYFS guidance is as follows:- 

Theme:  A Unique Child

Principle:  Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. 

Theme:  Positive Relationships

Principle:  Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or key person. 

Theme:  Enabling Environments

Principle:  The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning. 

Theme:  Learning and Development

Principle:  Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and interconnected.  

For further information about the EYFS please visit: our latest news page - information for parents - EYFS - guide for parents.

Key Worker System 

Whilst children are involved with all members of staff we do operate a key worker system.  This enables each child to have their own ‘special’ person who will be the main point of contact for any information to be shared with parents/carers about your child.  The key worker is also responsible for the recording and development of your child. 

Confidentiality & Access to Records 

Personal information is only available to Practitioners.  Children’s personal and development records are kept in a secure cabinet; however these are always available individually for parents to view at any time.  A quiet area of the Pre-School will be used for any meetings or discussion with parents.   Twice a year we hold a Parents Information Session where parents will have access to their child’s Learning Journey. 

Extended Opening Hours 

From September 2009, we are licensed for extended opening hours as detailed on our homepage.  Children can attend 1-3 sessions per day in any combination.  We recommend children attend a minimum of two sessions per week.  For those staying for lunch time sessions, packed lunches will be required.  Children are provided with a healthy snack and drink during both the morning and afternoon sessions and water is available at all times.  Tips for appropriate foods for packed lunches can be found at www.netmums.com.   We also have a book in pre-school entitled The Healthy Lunchbox by Fiona Beckett, which you may borrow to read at home. 

Discipline 

We aim to work towards a situation in which children can develop self-discipline and self esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.  We ensure that rules are applied consistently to encourage the child to feel secure.  All adults try to provide a positive role model for children and praise and endorse good behaviour.  Our full Behaviour Management Policy is contained in our Prospectus. 

Complaints Procedure 

Our Prospectus contains our full complaints procedure, however if any parent has cause for complaint in the first instance they should contact the Pre-School Manager or Mr Tom Manson, Director, Ingham & Yorke, Littlemoor, Clitheroe, BB7 1HG.  01200 423655.  If the matter cannot be resolved directly with the Pre-School, parents/guardians should take the matter to OFSTED. The OFSTED website is www.ofsted.gov.uk

Admissions Policy 

Children’s details are entered into the Admissions Book according to the first half term in which they are two and a half.  A record of the date of entry is made.  Places are allocated in the following order:- 

1)      Downham Estate Children

2)     Siblings of previous Pre-School children

3)     Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

4)     Date order of when the child’s name is recorded in the Admissions Book.

5)     Special Cases – ie new to the area, changing pre-schools, not on the waiting list but are pre-school age. 

6)    2 year olds taken at our discretion.

Full details of all our policies and procedures can be found in our Downham Pre-School prospectus.  If you would like a copy of the Prospectus or would like to arrange a visit, please call us on 01200 441665.  

We look forward to welcoming you!