Holly Hedgehog

Holly Hedgehog is a Christian-run pre-school offering pre-school education to children between the ages of three and five. It provides high quality care and education with a variety of activities involving both play and learning within the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum. Our aim is to show the love of Jesus through everyday learning and to appreciate God's wonderful creation. Each child is encouraged to reach his/her full potential; to develop a caring attitude towards others and at the same time to develop self-confidence and the ability to express himself in preparation for his future schooling.

Our curriculum is based upon the guidelines set out by the DfES known as Early Learning Goals, also referred to as the Foundation Stage, covering the age group from birth to the end of the Reception Year in school. These goals are: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Mathematical Development; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Creative Development, and Physical Development.

Organisation and Administration

The Holly Hedgehog Pre-School is administered by a Manager who is Pre-School Learning Alliance trained and trained assistants. Each child is monitored through regular observations to encourage progress and development.

The Pre-school operates on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings and afternoons during term-time, catering for a maximum of 24 children.

Admissions Policy

Children will be accepted in to the Pre-school from the age of three and above. Priority will be given to:

1. Church Members' children.
2. Brothers and sisters of children who have previously attended the Pre-school.
3. The waiting list
4. Children with special needs

We are unable to accept children who are not toilet trained.

Fees and Funding

Fees are required one calendar month in advance; details can be found on the notice board. Weare sure that parents will understand the need for prompt payment as we have to plan and budget some way ahead, and no reimbursement will be possible for periods of sickness or absence for holidays etc. Fees are reviewed annually. Government funding is available from the term after your child's 3rd birthday. Please ask for details.

Parental Involvement

It is part of our policy, and also a Sure Start recommendation that we have parental involvement. Research shows that children learn better when their parents are involved. We therefore, encourage participation in our activities and welcome help during sessions. It is also a useful opportunity to develop conversation and language skills with your child.

A calendar of three-day weeks will be drawn up each half term for parents to put their names on, otherwise there may be a £5 charge for any parent unable to support the Preschool in this way, whether you are government funded or not.

Under Ofsted rules, we are not allowed to have any children under the age of two in the Pre-school, so we suggest that perhaps parents could arrange to look after each other's younger children on their rota morning.

Uniform

We have sweatshirts and T-shirts with the Pre school logo, which can be purchased. Though this is not compulsory, it will help the child to have a sense of belonging and prepare for their next school and also feel they are 'going to school' if they have older brothers and sisters who wear a 'uniform' to school.

Newsletters

Regular newsletters are produced to let parents know the planned themes for each half term, coming events and other relevant information.

Transfer to School

The children from Holly Hedgehog Pre-school will have many opportunities for informal contact with the children and staff of West Green First School. Towards the end of the summer term there are also visits from the teachers of St. Margaret's School.

Contact

Mandy Kelly, 07745 226689