Pre-School

 

Preparation for school is very important at Wells House, and in order to maintain a high quality of education our staff follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, Every Child Matters, under the guidance and advice from the early years team.

The following activities are on offer to the pre-school children:

  • Swimming lessons (Monday, Wednesday or Friday afternoon)
    Lynda, our swimming instructor has an up to date CRB check and is a fully qualified swimming teacher who takes the children along with a member of staff to the local swimming pool where they have a half hour lesson then return to nursery (there is an extra cost for swimming lessons).
  • Spanish once a week
  • Diddikicks every Tuesday morning
  • Dance lessons every other Thursday afternoon with Cynthia, our dance teacher, who has been coming to nursery since we opened

All pre-school work is only conducted in a happy and relaxed atmosphere with no undue pressure being put upon any child to participate. The children follow the "Jolly Phonics" literacy scheme to help with understanding of letter names and sounds. Profiles are kept on every child who attends Wells House and these are available for parents to view and discuss at any time.

Monitoring and Reports

Play plans are completed weekly and displayed enabling parents to view activities on a daily basis. Monthly reports are sent home each month to inform parents of the monthly activities each child will have the opportunity to be engaged in and how you can help them at home; it will also show your child's individual set targets throughout the month.

 

Play

The children in the pre-school unit have a set outdoor play time of 12:30 to 1:30pm; this is as well as the other variety of flexible times where they have access to outdoor play throughout the day. We feel it is important for this to occur and understand that some parents prefer their child to stay indoors; however, we must assure parents that no child is forced to play outside, it is out of choice.

During cold months the child must have coat, gloves, a hat and a cap, and suncream for the summer months. Failure to supply these may cause your child to be unable to participate in full outdoor activities.

Parents to provide

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • One pair of slippers for indoor use (this allows your child to be comfortable during the day)
  • One change of clothing (with name tags)
  • Suitable outdoor shoes.
  • Wellington boots for outdoor play (wet days)
  • Coat, gloves, hat and scarf for outdoor play (cold days)
  • Suncream and sun hat (sunny days)

Here are some of the comments Ofsted made about Wells House Kindergarten in their latest report

  • The experienced and long standing management team are committed and passionate. They have high aspirations for the quality of the nursery. The management team regularly create clear targets to help them improve further.

  • Since the last inspection, they have forged links with local primary schools and nurseries and together they share good practice.

  • The environment is highly stimulating. Each area is carefully planned to capture children’s interests and to support their development. For example, older children benefit from a vast range of activities and interesting resources aimed specifically at supporting their literacy skills.

  • A wealth of information is exchanged between staff and parent’s. Staff offer well targeted support for parent’s to extend children’s learning at home. For example, parents are offered activities and professional advice, such as tips on promoting children’s speech. This contributes to the good progress that children make.

  • Staff provide a consistent approach to promoting children’s positive behaviour. For instance, staff working with very young children use picture cards to communicate positive messages, such as kind hands. Older children help to create the rules which are displayed in their room. All children’s behaviour is good in relation to their age.

  • Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. This is underpinned by effective policies. Consequently, children's safety and well-being is supported

  •   The management team demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting high-quality childcare  

  •   Regular training opportunities undertaken by staff ensure qualification levels are high and they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide quality care and learning. This has had a positive impact on the learning experiences offered to children, particularly babies