Welcome

Welcome to Newton Ferrers C of E Primary School

Nursery / Voss Class!

Aims and Objectives

Our aim at Newton Ferrers C of E Primary School Nursery is to provide children with the opportunity to reach their full holistic potential through a positive experience which they will remember and benefit from all their lives. We will ensure excellent provision for every child to access stimulating, creative, fun activities and play opportunities in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.

Please arrange a visit to come and see us in action!

nursery@newton-ferrers,devon.sch.uk

Nursery / Voss Class 01752 873909

Our preschool follows the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage which sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five.

Admission

We have a fully inclusive setting, providing equal opportunities for all children and families.

We can cater for a maximum of 24 children between the ages of 2-5yrs, per session. In the event of reaching maximum numbers in sessions the preschool will operate a waiting list with priority given to the oldest child on the list receiving the first available place.

Parents/carers are required to complete a registration/health form before their child starts at preschool and also to sign consent for children to take part in local visits, permission for children to be photographed, taste food and for staff to provide assistance with toileting.

A home visit is offered to all new families to enable your child to become familiar with a member of staff before their first day. This is also a great opportunity for staff to develop an insight into your child's interests.

Opening hours

St Francis Preschool/ Voss Class is open from Monday-Friday, term time only, with two sessions available each day or combined for the whole day. Children staying for the afternoon session, or the whole day, may bring a packed lunch from home.  Water, milk and a healthy snack are provided at both sessions.

Morning session – 9am-12pm.

Afternoon session (including lunch) – 12pm-3pm.

Children two years and above are welcome to use the extended hours clubs which operate Monday-Friday. These are the Early Bird Breakfast Club which is available from 8am-9am and the All Stars After School Club which runs from 3pm-5.30pm. The clubs provide children with breakfast and a light tea.

Fees and Funding

Sessions are priced at £12.00, which includes a healthy snack and drink. Hot meals for the pm session are available at £2.50 for a main meal and pudding. Fees are due half a term in advance.  If this is a difficulty, then parents/carers should see the preschool manager for a more accessible arrangement.

We accept all forms of funding: EYEF, Extended 30 Hours, Childcare Vouchers, Tax-Free. Please ask for details of how to apply for the various forms of funding

There are three means of funding for preschool children and details of both can be obtained from staff or the internet.

‘The government provides funding for all three and four year old children, starting from the funding period after their third birthday until they start school (usually at statutory school age – the term following their fifth birthday), to attend an Ofsted registered early years and childcare setting. 

These children qualify for 15 hours of free Early Years Entitlement per week for up to 38 weeks per year, during school term time. The full 15 hours must be used over at least 2 days, a minimum of 2 ½ hours and maximum 10 hours per day.’ (DCC). Parents that fulfill certain criteria may also apply for the new 30 hours funding.

The Government also provided 15 hours of funding for 2year old children from the term after their second birthday, who meet the funding criteria.

Key Workers

Each child will be allocated a key worker when they join preschool, parents/carers will be informed which member of staff this will be for their child. A key worker’s role is to keep records of the child’s progress up-to-date, share successes or concerns with parents, ensure the child’s learning and care is tailored to meet the individual needs and seek specialist support when necessary.

You are always welcome to approach any member of staff to discuss your child’s care and please ask if you would like to be seen in a private room for confidentiality.

Staff

St Francis Preschool strives to provide the best possible staff to work with your children. All members of staff are DBS (formerly CRB) checked to ensure they are suitable to work with children and undergo an induction process once they are successfully employed. Staff are supported and encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities in order to achieve higher level qualifications and in-house training is an ongoing part of their performance management.

Currently 5 members of staff are employed in the setting.

Nursery Practitioner  - Mrs Julie Gilbury - NAMCW, Paediatric and Emergency First Aid at Work

Nursery Assistant - Mrs Amy Dooley, Level 2 Children and Young People's Workforce, Paediatric first aid

Nursery Assistant /administrator- Mr Matt Gilbury

SENCO - Mrs Jodie Childs

Designated Safeguarding Leader – Mrs Penny Bishop - Head of Teaching and Learning

All staff are trained in safeguarding.

Healthy eating

The preschool operates a healthy eating policy and encourages all families to share our ethos on healthy living. Children are provided with a healthy drink and snack during both sessions and all hot meals contribute towards a healthy balanced diet for your child.

The children take part in cookery activities in preschool and we discuss the importance of healthy choices of food and lifestyle.

Parents

An excellent relationship between parents/carers and the preschool is paramount to a child’s learning and well-being. We encourage parents to be open and honest with staff regarding any issues that may affect their children and staff members are always available to talk to.

Parents/carers who would like to be involved in supporting preschool are very welcome to join the fundraising group who organise events to raise invaluable funds to provide equipment and contribute towards trips and visits.