Partnership with parents

Pitton Pre-School encourages an atmosphere where communication occurs readily between the pre-school and home. We help to foster this culture and build strong pre-school / parent links by

  • Sharing information before the child starts

  • A settling in period

  • A key-worker system

  • Regular communication about the child’s day

  • Regular opportunities to discuss a child’s progress

  • A Parent’s board containing relevant and timely information

  • Opportunities for parents to contribute their own knowledge and skills

  • Frequent newsletters

Before your child starts

We encourage all parents to visit the pre-school. Our application form requests basic information concerning the child and parents, medical, dietary and religious / cultural information.


Keyworker system

Each child has a keyworker. This is a specific adult who has responsibility for your child’s well being at pre-school. They will be the first point of contact for parents and will keep, maintain and share information about your child.

Settling in

When the child and parents come for their introductory visit they are introduced to their child’s keyworker and encouraged to join in. Supplementary information is gathered, for example information on siblings, pets, experiences, and preferences. This is also an opportunity to share more information regarding the day-to-day operation i.e. the planning and routine. We usually suggest two or three visits, the first of approximately ½ - ¾ hour accompanied by a parent, and further ones where we suggest the parent leaves for a short period, say 20 – 30 minutes. However, all children are unique! Fewer or more visits can be arranged to suit individual children.

During each day

The keyworkers are always available at the start and end of each session to share and exchange news with parents and carers.


After your first month

After a short settling in period (usually about 1 month), the keyworker will arrange a time to discuss with the parents how their child is getting on and to share any relevant information. These discussions are quite informal.

Each Term

We hold regular meetings with parents to discuss how their child is developing, and to jointly agree appropriate next steps. We are also available to talk with parents at other, mutually convenient, times where all involved can discuss any concerns, update records, share news etc.


Recording your child's learning

Pre-school will keep and maintain records that record your child's learning and development whilst they are at pre-school. We welcome parental input to these records, and plans for the next steps in a child's learning. Interests and feedback from home help to ensure continuity for a child, and help us to provide a more appropriate experience. Records are only shared with parents , permission will be sought before records are made available to other agencies if deemed appropriate.

Parent’s Board

The pre-school has a parents’ board displaying planning, notices and posters to share information with parents and carers. Display boards will supplement this, providing examples of work, photographs and our experiences.


Newsletters

Newsletters are sent home on a regular basis to keep parents informed of the current topic, special events and activities in the pre-school.


When your child leaves pre-school

When your child leaves the pre-school we will provide a ‘pen-picture’ of your child and a document describing their progress towards the Early Learning Goals. These are available to you and, with your permission, are also made available to the reception teacher at school, or to the new pre-school / nursery.

If you are happy

We would encourage you to tell your friends!

We also welcome feedback about things the children have particularly enjoyed (we might do it again!) and constructive comments to help us improve our provision.


If you are not happy

We would encourage you to talk to your child’s keyworker, or to the owner immediately about any concerns you have or any issues you wish to raise, even if they seem quite trivial. The owner will liaise with parents, keyworkers and any other interested parties in trying to find a satisfactory resolution.


Your child's safety

Your child's safety whilst at pre-school is of paramount importance. We therefore carry out CRB checks on all members of staff, adhere to the correct ratios of children / staff, secure outer doors during pre-school hours and have robust Health and Safety Policies and procedures in place.