Parent's Information

Clothes

Children will wear a St Clements Pre-school polo shirt and sweatshirt. These are purchased through the school office.

Please send your child to pre-school in practical clothes that do not restrict their play.

We do use aprons but sometimes play gets messy and clothes may become marked. 

We ask that each child has a named pair of wellies that can be left in school.

Please ensure all clothes and shoes are named.

On a daily basis, your child will need to bring:

• A named bag containing a full set of spare clothes including socks and pants.
• Appropriately named coat suitable for the days weather conditions.
• A book bag containing their 'sharing book' which will be provided by the pre-school when your child starts.

Nappies

Children do not need to be potty trained to attend pre-school, but we do ask that parents send children with their own nappies and wipes, in a named bag. If your child is toilet training please supply plenty of changes of clothes! 

Snacks

Our pre-school has a healthy eating policy. All children will be offered a choice of milk or water in the morning and afternoon, with a healthy snack such as toast, fruit, cereal, raw vegetables and dips. We will taste different foods and cook a variety of dishes, so it is very important that parents inform us of any allergies their child may have. If your child has a food allergy please advise the Pre-school Manager and this information will be recorded on a Health Care Plan. There is no extra charge for daily snacks.

Lunch

We offer the option to purchase a hot school meal, which can be ordered on a termly basis for all or selected days.

We believe that teaching children about healthy eating and promoting a healthy lifestyle is essential, we urge parents/carers not to put sweets or chocolate bars in your child’s lunch box.

Children staying for lunch should bring a packed lunch, which should include a drink (not fizzy). Please name lunchboxes and bottles.

We are a nut-free school, this includes spreads such as Nutella.

Preschool Book Bag

When your child starts pre-school they will be given their own book bag and asked to choose a 'sharing book' to take home and share with you. The books are sent home to encourage your child to enjoy sharing a story with you. Each time your child brings their book back to the pre-school they will be encouraged to choose a new book.

Illness

Please use your best judgment to decide whether your child is fit and well for pre-school.  

If your child is unwell, please do not let them attend.  Children can’t play when they are ill and germs are spread very easily. If your child is unwell whilst at pre-school,  staff will offer the child the appropriate care and a phone call will be made to the parent/ carer or emergency contact to ask for the child to be collected and taken home. The pre-school appreciates that this can sometimes cause disruption for parents/carers but would ask them to collect their child or arrange for them to be collected by another party at the first available opportunity. If it is a different person collecting the child, parents/carers must inform the school office. Please keep us informed of any changes to emergency contact details, including changes to phone numbers.  

Medicines

• Short-term medicines: We are only permitted to administer medications that have been prescribed by a UK doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist. Any medication brought into pre-school must be in its original packaging. The pharmacy label displaying the child’s name and details of dosage and instructions must be visible. Parents/ carers will be asked to complete a short-term medication form stating the above details along with their signature giving staff their full permission to administer the medication to their child. Parents/ carers must hand the medication to a staff member so that the relevant paperwork can be completed and the medication can then be stored following the instructions on the packaging and most importantly be out of sight and reach of children. Please also advise us if your child has been given any medications at home and at what time.
• Long-term medicines: If your child requires long-term medication such as inhalers for asthma, you will need to provide the pre-school with an inhaler and Aero chamber which can stay at the pre-school. You will be asked to fill out a health care plan for your child including key information and describing symptoms, dosage and a basic plan of action. You will then be asked to sign the plan along with all staff members at pre-school.

Accidents

Unfortunately, accidents do sometimes happen even though we put measures in place to prevent them. All accidents are recorded in our accident book, which parents are required to sign at the end of the school day. We keep parents fully informed of any injuries.

Sun Protection

Please send your child into pre-school with a named sun hat so that we can ensure safety in the sun. Staff are not permitted to apply sun cream during the day. A longer-lasting sun cream should be applied by parent/carers before your child arrives at pre-school. Longer-lasting sun creams can be sourced in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Please do not send your child in crocs, sandals or flip-flops as these can prove problematic and unsafe when the children are active, running and climbing and can sometimes cause accidents.

Safeguarding Children

Our prime concern is the safety of the children in our care.We therefore ask that no-one other than staff take photographs within the school, and that no mobile ‘phones are used except in the office area.

Dropping off and picking up

Access to the pre-school entrance is located at the front of the school, at the side of the Rivers Teaching Alliance. At the end of the blue railings, there is a gate and pre-school is through this gate. This gate will be opened to parents at 8.40 am, 11.45 am, 12.30 pm and 3.20 pm. Once through the gate, the path will lead you into the pre-school garden.  On arrival, a staff member will be at the door to greet your child and ensure that no child wanders back out through the gate. Once all parents have left, the gate is locked. When collecting parents must arrive on time. This process is important for the security of the children. 

***When bringing your child to pre-school we ask that you do not park in the school car park. This is for staff only.***

Change of details

Please inform us of any change of address or any other information relating to your child. We text and email regularly, so we must have correct details at all times.

Communication and Engagement with Parents

At St Clements Pre-School Nursery, we value open communication and strong relationships with parents and carers. Here’s how we ensure this:

• Two-Way Communication: We encourage you to share any concerns via email at preschool@riverscofe.co.uk, especially during busy mornings.

• Parent’s Evenings: Held twice a year, these meetings with your child’s key person are essential for discussing progress and addressing any questions.

• Seesaw: This interactive tool allows you to see your child’s daily activities and share photos from home.

Our Commitment to Your Child

We aim to create a safe, happy, and stimulating environment where your child can thrive. We ensure:

• Safety and Happiness: Your child is always in a secure and engaging setting.
• Daily Updates: We discuss your child’s day with you regularly.
• Regular Communication: You’ll receive newsletters and notices to keep you informed.
• Activity Insights: Seesaw provides updates on your child’s daily activities.
• Dedicated Key Person: Each child has a key person responsible for their assessments, planning, and parent meetings.

We are dedicated to helping your child reach their full potential and look forward to working closely with you.

We Ask That You:

• Send your child to pre-school for their allocated sessions.
• Ensure timely arrival and collection.
• Inform us if your child cannot attend, or if they have any illness, injury, or injections.
• Share any worries or concerns with us.
• Label your child’s belongings.
• Pay fees promptly to avoid arrears.
• Notify us of any changes in home life, address, or phone numbers.
• Inform us if you plan to take your child on holiday.

We hope we have covered all the information you will need. If there is anything else you would like to know, please feel free to contact preschool@riverscofe.co.uk