Key person system and Tapestry

We allocate a key person to each child when they start pre-school. Your child’s key person will help them to settle in and to get the most out of their time at pre-school. They will work with you to understand your child’s needs and interests, helping us to provide tailored learning and development activities and experiences for your child. They co-ordinate the sharing of appropriate information about your child’s development with other carers.

We use an electronic learning diary called Tapestry. You will be emailed a link which you need to accept. Tapestry allows you to view observations and photos of your child online. Ongoing observations of your child help us to assess the progress they are making in their learning and development and help us to plan your child’s individual development through appropriate play and learning experiences, which are based on your child’s interests and needs.

Learning through play

We have a well-planned and stimulating curriculum that supports all round development of your child. We will use your child’s interests to extend their learning and development. We take our lead from the children, ensuring that there is a balance between child-led and adult-led activities. Your child can join in with lots of group activities (both small and large groups) for stories, songs, activities and discussions.

Your child can choose to play inside or outside, whatever the weather, so make sure that your child is dressed in clothing appropriate for the weather.

Our indoor space is well organised, with lots of toys and activities. Your child can choose from arts and crafts, play dough, sand and water play, construction toys, mathematical games and puzzles, home corner, dressing up, books and much more. We encourage the children to try different activities and explore a variety of materials, including paint, chalks, play dough, clay, glue, sand and water. We provide aprons for messy play activities, but it is very helpful to have a named change of clothes in pre-school for your child, just in case.

Outdoor play in our garden helps to keep your child healthy and gives them the chance to explore and be physically active. We have a large selection of ride on toys, scooters and cars, climbing and physical games equipment, and areas for gardening and exploring the natural world. We also use the school fields and woodland areas for playing and getting active.

Encouraging independence

We help your child to explore new activities and gain new skills, helping them to become more confident and independent. We help them learn to get along with others through sharing, turn taking, listening and playing together.

We also encourage your child to learn to look after themselves, by putting on their own coat and shoes, going to the toilet and washing their hands. Your child does not have to be toilet trained when they start at pre-school, and we will work with you to support you and your child in toilet training. If your child is in nappies, please provide spare nappies, wipes, nappy bags and a change of clothes in a named bag.