SCOUT HALL PRE-SCHOOL LIMITED

BELLS LANE, STUBBINGTON.

PO14 2BA
Tel: 01329 661259

Our email scouthallpreschool@gmail.com

Our website www.scouthallpreschool.weebly.com

Manager: Mrs Estelle Dolling Deputy Managers: Mrs Anne Mardon & Mrs Joanne Purssey

Dear Parents and Carers,

May we take this opportunity to welcome you to Scout Hall Pre-School.

‘Explore, Enjoy, Achieve’

It is our mission to provide an enabling and supportive learning environment, empowering children to have the
confidence to prepare them for future success.

Explore - We provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment, exploring learning through a child-led and play based
curriculum, supporting children’s increasing abilities and confidence.

Enjoy – We offer a supportive atmosphere, acknowledging children’s emotions and building positive relationships with
children both as individuals and with their families. We encourage children to enjoy their natural journey of forming
friendships and having fun with their peers.

Achieve – We will support children to learn the skills they need to develop resilience, to keep trying what they set out to
do, accept challenges and be ready to start their school journey.

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Pre-School Hours: The Pre-School term in general coincides with that of local schools although precise start and end of
term dates may vary by a few days. Parents are advised of exact dates on our Pre-School website.

We offer flexible hours as shown below:

OPTIONAL OPTIONAL
START TIMES FINISH TIMES
0900 1200 1230 1500 1530
0930 - 1230 1500 1530
1200 - - 1500 1530
1230 - - 1500 1530
- The period between 1200 -1230 requires a packed lunch

Fully flexible days are on Monday to Thursday (with a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 6.5 hours available each
day.) On Friday the Pre-School closes at 1200 hours.

Our Pre-School is registered with Hampshire’s Services for Young Children and is inspected by the Office for Standards in
Education (OFSTED).

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CURRICULUM
We offer a play based curriculum where children have time to pursue interests and become engrossed in their play.
Outdoor time, songs, rhymes and stories are valued and included daily. A flexible snack time is also available every
session. We have a high adult to child ratio and each child is also supported by their own Key Person to develop at their
own pace.

Early Years Foundation Stage Principles

The work of Pre-School practitioners is guided by four guiding principles which, in simple terms, reflect every child’s
right to grow up safe, healthy, enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution and achieving economic well
being.
The four guiding principles are:
 A Unique Child which recognises that every child is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident
and self assured.
 Positive Relationships describes how children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and
secure relationships with parents and/or key person.
 Enabling Environments explains that children learn and develop well when their experiences respond to their
individual needs and there is a strong partnership between Pre-School staff and parents and/or carers.
 Learning and Development recognises that children develop and learn in different ways. The characteristics of
Effective Learning – playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically – underpin learning
and development across all areas and support each child to remain an effective and motivated learner.

The Learning and Development Requirements

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework which sets the standards for the Learning Development and
Care for children from birth to five. The Pre-School has a legal duty to ensure that we meet the learning and
development requirements as set out in each of the seven areas of learning below. Each area is important and all are
interconnected.
Each of the seven areas of learning and development, as outlined below, is important and inter connected. Children’s
learning is supported through purposeful play with a balance of adult-led and child initiated activity.

The Prime Areas of Learning as shown below, are crucial for all children:
Communication and Language
The development of spoken language underpins all seven areas of learning and development. In both small and large
groups and individually, we encourage the children to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking and listening.
Children’s back and forth interactions from an early age form the foundations of language and cognitive development.
The number of quality conversations that children have in a language rich environment is crucial. Practitioners build
children’s language by commenting on their play, echoing what they say with new vocabulary added and reading stories
and factual material frequently.
Physical Development
Physical activity is vital in children’s all-round development, enabling them to pursue happy, healthy and active lives.
Gross and fine motor skills develop incrementally through early childhood and a range of equipment, used in and out of
doors allows the children to gain confidence, develop control and co-ordination and enjoy their own physical skills. A
high level of adult supervision allows the children to safely create and meet physical challenges. The children are also
supported in developing fine motor skills and hand/eye co-ordination by the use of tools including pencils, and to
handle small objects with increasing dexterity which is later linked to early literacy.
Children are encouraged to recognise the importance of keeping healthy and ways in which they can achieve this. They
are supported to manage their own personal needs successfully, including dressing and going to the toilet
independently.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The children will be supported to develop confidence, individuality, self-respect and a positive approach to learning.
They will be supported to develop friendships and form good relationships with their peers and familiar adults.
Personal, social and emotional development is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives. Strong and
supportive relationships with adults enable children to understand their own feelings and emotions and those of others.
The children will learn to share and take turns and by example and practice, they will gain an understanding of right and
wrong, learn acceptable ways to express their feelings and also respect the feelings of the others.

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Progress check

In respect of the three Prime Areas of Learning a progress check, when your child is aged between two and three, will
provide you with a short written summary of their development in these areas. The check will identify your child’s
strengths and any areas of delay and will be made by your child’s Keyperson.

The Specific Areas of Learning which support children to strengthen their knowledge and further develop the three
prime areas of learning are detailed below:
Literacy
It is crucial for children to develop a life-long love of reading. Reading consists of language comprehension and word
reading. Language comprehension starts from birth and develops when adults talk with children about the world
around them and when adults and children read books and enjoy poems, rhymes and songs together. We support
children to use mark making in their play and have a variety of books available throughout the day.
Mathematics
Children are supported through a broad range of practical experiences, to familiarise themselves with counting,
measuring, sorting, sequencing and ordering to form the basis of early mathematics and practical problem solving. It is
important that children develop positive attitudes and interests in mathematics, ‘have a go’, and not be afraid to make
mistakes. Songs, games and picture books help the children to become aware of numbers and to develop confidence.
Understanding the World
Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The
children are encouraged to talk about their environment, their families and past and present events in their own lives.
They are encouraged to use a range of natural and man made materials, to investigate for themselves and ask
questions. Listening to a broad selection of stories and non-fiction helps to foster an understanding of our culturally and
socially diverse world.
Expressive Arts and Design
The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. We encourage
the children to use a wide range of resources to express their ideas. A range of safe and well-maintained equipment
helps the children develop skills such as cutting, joining, folding and building. We use art equipment as well as natural
and discarded materials to provide exploration of colour, shape and texture and develop skills in painting, drawing, etc.
Children join in with music, songs and stories and there are many opportunities for imaginative play, as individuals and
as a group.

Special Needs
We aim to provide equality of opportunity for all members of our group and this includes children with Special
Educational Needs. The numbers of adults present at the Pre-School enables us to provide individual attention to enable
each child to progress at his/her own rate in all developmental areas. This is true for children with and without
disabilities or learning difficulties. We are experienced in working in close liaison with professionals across the range of
Special Needs including our Area Inclusion Co-ordinator and we operate in accordance with the Government Code of
Practice on Special Educational Needs. Should you wish to discuss the group’s ability to meet your own child’s needs
please speak to Anne Mardon who is our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo).

Training
The Pre-School has a staff training policy and a staff training co-ordinator. We have access to a range of professional
publications and support from ‘Services for Young Children’. All staff attend regular Child Protection training and have
completed Food Hygiene training. Estelle Dolling has completed children’s Emotional Health Training.

Small Group Time

The pre-school team have recognised that children benefit from working within smaller groups to gain confidence to use
and hear their voices and therefore develop their language and listening skills. Children work in small regular adult led
groups for a short time during morning sessions to develop these skills. We recognise that small group work may not be
necessary throughout the whole academic year, and tailor the groups to suit the needs of the children. Therefore,
small group work may run throughout certain terms depending on the needs of each cohort.

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STAFF TEAM:

Pre-School Manager – Estelle Dolling

Estelle has a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Degree, a paediatric first aid certificate and relevant and
up to date child safeguarding training. Estelle is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Pre-School
and the Emotional Health Co-ordinator (Early Years ELSA).

Deputy Manager – Anne Mardon

Anne has a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, a paediatric first aid certificate and relevant and up to date
child safeguarding training. Anne is the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) for the Pre-
School.

Deputy Manager – Jo Purssey

Jo has a Level 3 NVQ in Early Education and Childcare, paediatric first aid experience and relevant and
up to date child safeguarding training.

Early Years Practitioner – Tracey McDade

Tracey has a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People in the Workforce, a current paediatric first
aid certificate and relevant and up to date child safeguarding training.

Early Years Practitioner – Caroline Webber

Caroline has a Level 3 Diploma in Nursery Nursing and Childcare (NNEB), a current paediatric first aid
certificate and relevant and up to date child safeguarding training.

Early Years Practitioner – Claire Watson

Claire has a BEd. Hons (Primary) Degree in Early Childhood Studies, paediatric first aid experience and
relevant and up to date child safeguarding training.

Early Years Practitioner – Clare Hedger

Clare has a Level 3 Diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB), a current paediatric first aid certificate and
relevant and up to date child safeguarding training.

Early Years Practitioner – Jo Vincent-Spall

Jo has a Cache Level 3 Early Years Educator certificate, a current paediatric first aid certificate and
relevant and up to date child safeguarding training.

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The Role of Parents & Carers
The Pre-School recognises parents and carers as the first and most important educators of their children. Staff will work
in partnership with you to provide care and education for your child by exchanging knowledge about your child’s needs,
activities, interests and progress.
We welcome parents to help in the group and share their own interests and ideas with staff and children. Please let us
know if you would like to come in to “play” and/or have a particular interest, skill or talent which you might like to
share.
The Pre-School would welcome parents interested in forming a PTA group. In past years the PTA has successfully
organised social events and fundraisers and it is a great way to meet other parents and build friendships.
Details of any local training which may be appropriate to parents are displayed on our Pre-School website.
We aim to provide support to all parents within the group and we are always available to discuss any concerns you may
have.

Key Persons and Record Keeping.

Your child will receive the consistent support of a key person. The aim of our key person system is to provide a
supportive atmosphere so that your child can feel secure, initially through close attachment to one particular person,
then with the other familiar members of our staff team. Your child’s key person will help to settle your child at Pre-
School and will provide support for both your child and you, the parents/carers. The key person will monitor your child’s
progress, keep simple records and support your child’s learning and development. Through our observations and
knowledge of your child’s interests, together with your views and knowledge, we plan a curriculum that will meet the
needs of each child. The learning journal will be sent home once each term and we hope that you will add your
comments and information on your child’s interests and development. Other carers i.e. childminders, grandparents,
nursery, can also add their observations.

POLICIES
Our Policy Statements are available to read in the Pre-School and on the website. A copy for you to keep will be made
available on request. We do advise you to read them. All our policies are designed to offer the best possible experience
for the children and families in the group. They are reviewed on a regular basis and we welcome comments and
suggestions from parents. For information on how we collect, store and use data please read our Privacy Notice.

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

The Pre-School is managed and led by Mrs Estelle Dolling, supported by members of our experienced staff.

Fees
- A £25 non-refundable deposit is payable on completed on each child’s pre-school registration paperwork.
- The Pre-School is registered with Hampshire’s Services for Young Children as a provider of nursery education, meaning
that eligible two and three year olds and all four year olds are entitled to a maximum of 15 hours free per week or a
maximum of 30 hours free when the eligibility criteria is met. (A copy of the Hampshire County Council Privacy and Data
Protection Notice is available on request).
- The Pre-School is registered for the tax-free childcare scheme for eligible children.
- For all children not eligible for government funded education and any “funded child” who may require additional hours
beyond their free entitlement our fees from May 2022 are £5.10 per hour. Parents will receive an invoice which should
be paid within a month of the invoice date by BACs transfer only. Any alternative arrangements can be made at the
discretion of the Pre-School Manager. Please see our Fees policy for full details.
- Flexible attendance patterns are available as shown on page 1 with a minimum of 3 hours and maximum of 6.5 hours
available daily.
- In cases of absence, fees for missed sessions must still be paid for. Where the payment of fees falls into arrears i.e.
payment is still outstanding at the end of a term, the Pre-School reserves the right to exclude the child of their private
hours.

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SETTLING IN SESSIONS

Prior to your child starting pre-school, we offer three free settling in sessions of an hour each. During these sessions
your child will spend time with their key person. Some children may need more than three settling in sessions and if so
this can be arranged with the Manager. The full details are laid out in our Settling- In Policy which can be found on our
website.

STARTING PRE-SCHOOL

The First Days

We want your child to feel happy and safe with us. Our Pre-School Staff work with parents and carers to help each child
to settle, confidently and securely, into the group. Some settle quicker than others and parents should not be worried if
their child takes longer. Please refer to our Settling In policy.

What To Wear
The Pre-School has designed its own sweatshirt and T-shirt which can be bought in the Pre-School at a very reasonable
price. However, these garments are not obligatory. In order to feel free to explore and experiment with all kinds of
materials, including messy ones, we recommend your child wears easily washable clothes or those not too new. Simple
clothing which they can handle themselves will allow them to go to the toilet when they wish and to put on and take off
their outdoor clothes without them being too dependant on other people’s help. We would ask that children DO NOT
WEAR play jewellery as small parts that can come loose can present a choking hazard.

For both safety and hygiene, footwear should be changed on arrival at each session, soft shoes i.e. plimsolls or
“Doodles” are ideal. Outdoor shoes or wellies and a coat or waterproof (as appropriate to the weather) should be
available at every session for the children to wear when playing outside.

ALL CLOTHING INCLUDING FOOTWEAR AND COATS MUST BE CLEARLY NAMED.

What to Bring.
During each morning session we operate a snack bar. The Pre-School offers a selection of healthy snack foods but we
ask you to supply your child’s water in a suitable container which is clearly named. We ask that this drink is water and
not squash, as is advised by the Dental Health service and is normal practice at both Stubbington Infant schools. There is
no charge for snacks however contributions towards them can be made via BACs transfer or a cash donation.

Children staying for lunch will need a named cool box/bag. We ask that children’s lunches are “healthy” (see our Healthy
Packed Lunch leaflet) and that no nuts or nut products are brought into the Pre-School due to nut allergies.

Should your child still be wearing nappies you are asked to provide clean nappies, wipes and nappy sacks each time
your child attends Pre-School.

Please ensure that your child’s bag is named clearly on the outside.
Finally, we hope that your child’s time in Pre-School will be both productive and happy. If you have any queries or if
we can be of help please do not hesitate to contact any member of Staff.

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