Starting school is an exciting time for both children and parents, and we know there’s a lot to take in—especially when it comes to early years education. It’s a very special stage that’s all about helping young children grow, explore, and develop in a way that feels natural and joyful. We focus on the whole child—not just what they learn, but how they learn, and how we can support them to become confident, curious little learners.

Sometimes, the early years world has its own way of doing things—and even its own language! You might hear us talk about things like “continuous provision” or “enhancements,” or phrases like “planning in the moment.” Don’t worry if these sound unfamiliar—we’re always happy to explain.

Continuous provision is a big part of how we set up our classrooms. It simply means the different learning areas your child can explore every day—like the creative area, water play, construction, or role play. These areas are always available and full of open-ended resources that children can choose from and use in their own way. As the children show new interests or ask questions, we add new things to keep the learning exciting and meaningful.

We usually update these areas to reflect the themes we’re exploring at school and the children’s own ideas. Some areas stay the same for longer if the children are really enjoying them. We plan these spaces carefully so they support a wide range of learning and help children become more independent in their play.

We’d love for you to come and see it all in action! You’re always welcome to join us for our stay and play sessions, and we’re always open to your thoughts and feedback.

 

A few common Q&A’s for new starters to Pre-school

• The Preschool day starts between 8.45-9am.  We ask that parents come through the wooden side gate through to EYFS where you will be greeted by a member of the team.

• A morning session finishes at 12:15pm and children will be collected from the side gate.

• At lunchtime your child can have a school dinner at the cost of £4.62 (including care – lunchtime care is £1.25) (This price is wef 1.4.25)

• An afternoon session starts at 12:15pm and finishes at 3:30pm; the side gate opens at 3:30pm picking up via coming to the shelter and waiting outside.  We ask that you try to stick to the dropping off and collecting times to help sessions run smoothly.
• We offer a rolling snack which consists of a fruit and milk, a rolling snack means we do not stop everything for snack, we love seeing the children engaged in their play and learning offering snack in this way allows them to come when they are ready and not when we tell them.

• Please could you provide a bag of spare clothes which can be left on their peg for any little accidents.  The children do take part in PE sessions, and we encourage them to get changed.  Could we have a bag with short, t-shirt and plimsoles – only if they are in on the PE sessions.

• We encourage the school uniform in the Pre-school setting.  Please find enclosed in the packs more information about the uniforms and providers. We also ask that all children come to Pre-school with wellies and waterproofs. Please make sure all belongings are clearly labelled.

• You are able to add additional sessions to your child’s free 15-hour entitlement however these are charged as follows:-

half session £15.75,

whole day including lunch £36.12.

Extra sessions are bookable through the office. Your child may be eligible for the 30hrs – for this you need to do this independently through the government website. If you are they will give you a code which school will need before we can offer you a full-time space.

If you have any queries as always feel free to ask any of the EYFS team or email Jen Morfoot dsdjmorfoot@staindropce.co.uk