Netherfield Pre-school

arden and play area. At Nethefield Pre-school we believe that children learn and develop when they are safe, secure and stimulated. We aim to provide an environment that promotes interesting and inspiring learning opportunities, catering for children's individual learning styles, interests and developmental stage. Our practitioners are well qualified individuals that respect children's wishes and views, these views are reflected in the setting through displays of children's work and an on-going commitment to creating an environment where children's participation is sought in all areas of learning.


2-Year Old Preschool group

At Netherfield Pre-school we understand that children of this age are starting to develop their social skills and are becoming aware of others around them although they may not be quite ready to share! We provide a smaller room for this age group in which they can explore with their key person nearby. The room is resourced with equipment that is specific to this age group, including opportunities to engage in physical and sensory play. Free play is available throughout the sessions including outdoor play thereby encouraging imaginative development, language and fine motor skills within a caring environment.


3-Year Old Preschool group

The main room where our 3 year olds spend most of their time is divided into sections including a book corner, role play area, messy play area and construction area. The children are offered free play sessions and structured activities are planned for each day, such as cooking and investigation opportunities. These are closely monitored and each child is encouraged to reach their full potential at their own pace. During the course of the day the children have quiet periods for story and circle times, also free-flow outdoor play particularly in the summer when the garden is in constant use. Each child compiles an electronic folder of work to enable monitoring of their developing skills, along with observations made by their key person. Routines
Each room and group has its own daily routines, these will include :

• Free play, encouraging freedom of
choice.
• Snack time, encouraging healthy eating.
• Toilet time, encouraging independence.
• Structured planned educational activities.
• Outdoor play, helping to develop
physical and observational skills. Transitional rising 5's group

Starting school is an important milestone for every child and their parents. At Netherfield Pre-school we believe that when children leave to embark on the next chapter in their lives we must do all we can to support and celebrate this transition, ensuring the children are well prepared for the next stage in their learning. Netherfield Pre-school believes that all children need to be able to start school ready to learn, that they are able to make friends and play and that they are confident to ask for what they need and voice what they think. Children’s early experiences are paramount for their future success and these are influenced by many factors including the impact of their early education and care. Parents and Key Persons working together in partnership are important to develop the home learning environment. By working together we believe that this will help improve your child’s progress and support them in making a better start at school. At Netherfield Pre-school we have a well-established routine with Netherfield School where children are given the opportunity to visit the reception classroom every week in the last term in order to become familiar with the environment and the teaching staff. For children attending different schools we believe that it is important to liaise with the school prior to children joining them and will invite the teachers to visit the children at the Pre-school. Named photographs of their school teachers are also displayed in the setting as part of the transition process. In the time leading up to the children leaving the Pre-school to start school the Key Persons will plan and provide a variety of activities to promote school readiness for example:

• Reading books together about starting
school
• Role playing; pretending to be in the
classroom
• Wearing school uniform for the day
• Changing into PE kits
• Taking part in a fun sports day

Staff will also discuss with the children how they are feeling, taking an interest in what they say and engaging in conversations, for example asking them what their teacher's name is. At Netherfield Pre-school we want to involve parents in the transition process and will share ideas with you as to what you can do at home to support your child in being ready to start school, such as walk or drive past the building to help your child to visualise where their school is and have an image of what it looks like. Our staff understand that it is paramount to communicate as much as possible and endeavour to ensure that as parent's you feel re-assured at all times so that this experience is a seamless transition for both parents and children.