Parent information

Attending Preschool

We understand that starting preschool can be a big step for you and your child. Before your child starts preschool your child will be allocated a key person, who will visit you and your child at home to complete paper work and to start getting to know you and your child. You will be invited to a play session to familiarise you and your child with the preschool. Please read our key person and settling in policy.

Documents for new parents

Parents are expected to read all policies before accepting a place.

Admission criteria

We must stress that although the Preschool is within the grounds of St Augustine’s Primary School, they are separate establishments. Therefore having a place at the Preschool does not mean you will get a place at the primary school.

If oversubscribed the following criteria will be followed:

Siblings of present children (i.e. 2 or more children at preschool at the same time).
Siblings of children attending St Augustine’s primary school.
Other children whose parents wish them to attend (If we are over subscribed places will be allocated on distance from school, as the crow flies).

Session times

We offer Morning, Afternoon and Whole day sessions Monday to Friday. Morning sessions run from 9am to 12pm and Afternoon 12pm-3pm.

We also offer early starts at 8.30am and late finishes at 3.30pm for a separate charge- please refer to our fees policy. Lunch is to be provided by Parents. A snack will be provided by the pre-school for children attending Morning and Whole day sessions.

Parental involvement

Parental involvement is encouraged, as you are as much a part of the Preschool as your children are. It is beneficial to you and your child/children to share their Preschool experience. With this in mind a parent duty rota is available to which you may sign-up to.

If you have any special talents; for example playing an instrument, an interesting job or would like to share your cultural background with us, please let us know. The children would enjoy hearing from you.

A weekly email is sent to parents to inform you of what your children will be doing in Preschool in the following week.

Your child will have an online journal which you will be able to view at any time. This will include photographs of your child having fun at preschool and keep you up to date with their progress. You are welcome to add to the journal yourself.

Parents are invited to join us for various occasions throughout the year e.g nativity which is held in the church, Mothers day celebration, Easter bonnet parade, Fathers day celebration, sports day on the school field and your child’s graduation from preschool.

Special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)

We aim to provide welcome and appropriate learning opportunities for all children.

For more information please refer to our SEND policy and also see our local offer.

School dress and toilet guidelines

Please dress your children in practical clothing that you feel will not be spoilt with paint, glue or grass stains etc. Aprons are provided for messy play but do not cover the whole of your child’s clothing.
Preschool t-shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase.

Print an order form

Please bring your child to Preschool with a spare pair of trousers/skirt and pants as even when toilet trained, accidents do happen. If your child is in nappies we ask that you provide a clearly labelled bag with spare nappies, wipes and nappy sacks.

We encourage children to be independent when going to the toilet. Please help us by ensuring clothes are suitable, for example dungarees are not advisable. You can also help us by ensuring that all clothing and bags are named.