FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE FOLLOWING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?
The pre-school was temporarily closed following the government's advice, however we are very pleased to have been able to re-open to a selection of children.
We have made changes to the layout of the school, in order to enable better social distancing, parents are asked to drop off and pick up their children during their allocated 5 minute time slots and follow a one way system. Parents should not enter the building where possible, your child will be collected from the garden on arrival and will be brought out to meet you on collection. Please see further information on our drop off and pick up procedures below.
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Children are asked to wash their hands on arrival, and when they leave, as well as encouraged to do so regularly throughout the sessions. They will be assigned a small 'bubble' group, with one key person overseeing that group. Toys are cleaned between uses, and any items that would carry a higher risk of contamination, or be harder to clean, have been removed. Outdoor play will be conducted as often as possible and we ask that on the colder/wetter days children have suitable clothing and footwear. We also ask that any toys from home aren't brought in, unless absolutely necessary.
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Further information on the Coronavirus Policies can be found here.
WHERE CAN I FIND THIS YEARS TERM DATES?
The Hampshire County Council website has all the info you need to know on term dates and school holidays here.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Fee structure depends on the age of your child and whether certain criteria is met for government funding options. Full details are available here.
CAN I SCHEDULE A SCHOOL VISIT?
Yes absolutely! We would love to meet you and show you around. Please get in touch here, or using the details at the footer of this page, we look forward to speaking with you.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK FOR MY CHILD?
A complete change of clothes, if you're child is being potty trained then please pack as many as you feel would be needed. These can be kept in a named bag and left on their peg
Nappies, nappy bags and wipes (if needed)
Seasonal clothing/items, which could include:
a jumper and coat for outside play in all weathers
a pair of wellies for outdoor play (named). These can be left at pre-school if preferred.
sun hat (named) and sun cream
lunch in small packed lunch box or bag (named)
water drinks bottle (named)
We encourage the children to be independent so clothes and shoes which your child can put on and take off by themselves are very helpful.
Sun hats should be provided in hot weather, with sunscreen applied before your child has come into the setting. In very hot weather, please dress your child appropriately in long sleeved tops and no flip flops.
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MY CHILD ISN'T POTTY TRAINED, WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM?
Not at all, just please provide us with enough nappies, wipes & nappy bags to last the day. Children wearing nappies will be regularly checked and changed when necessary.
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We will also work to support you and your child when he/she does shows signs of being ready to be potty trained. All new children are accompanied to the toilet by staff during their initial weeks and given regular reminders throughout the morning.
WHAT IS THE ENTRY/EXIT PROCEDURE?
We are currently operating a change in our pick up and drop off procedures inline with the government advice regarding Coronavirus.
Drop off & collection is now via a one-way system through the side gate to the right of the hall, through the garden, the exit is then through the gate towards the rear of the garden. You will be provided with two 5 minute time slots for the days your child attends, this is so that social distancing between parents can be maintained as easily as possible.
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A member of staff will greet you when you enter through the gate, there will be a hook provided for your child's bag and a box for their water bottle to go - please note, we are not currently allowing lunchboxes. Hanging on your child's peg will be a dedicated sign in/out form & a pen within a plastic folder, which will need to be signed by the parent each day.
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At the end of a session, your child will be handed over to you in the garden again. By the gate there will be a whiteboard with information of some of the activities the children have been involved in throughout the session.
If the staff have any confidential information to share with you at the end of a session, you will be invited for a chat.
IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes, there is a dedicated car park available at the village hall. We kindly ask that all parents reverse their cars into the spaces so that visibility is kept at a maximum when leaving.
I'D LIKE TO GET INVOLVED AND HELP SUPPORT THE PRE-SCHOOL, HOW CAN I DO THIS?
Thank you! We welcome your involvement in the pre-school. You can come in and play with your child for 20 minutes, an hour or a morning. You may have a skill, interest or hobby you would like to share with the children. You may like to read a story to the children or have lunch with them. Please talk to a member of staff to decide on a suitable date and time; you will be very welcome. We also occasionally need volunteers to accompany us on outings.
Alternatively, if you'd like to discuss joining the committee please contact us using either the details in the footer below or via the form, we'd love to hear from you.
DO YOU ACCEPT DONATIONS?
The pre-school is a registered charity and we do rely on fundraising and support where possible. We would welcome, and be very grateful, for any contributions made, please visit the Support Us section of this website to find out more, alternatively contact us using the details below..
MY CHILD IS SICK OR INJURED, EITHER AT HOME OR DURING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, WHAT ARE THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES?
All of our permanent staff members hold a current Paediatric First Aid qualification. All accidents are recorded in an Accident Book and parents will be informed of any accidents that may have occurred during the session and will be asked to sign the Accident Book. If your child sustains a bump to the head during play, a member of staff will contact you by telephone to make you aware. If there are concerns, you will be asked to collect your child and seek medical advice.
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Should your child become unwell during a session, a member of staff will contact you to collect him/her. Please ensure that the contact numbers held by the pre-school are always up to date. A member of staff will be assigned to look after your child until you arrive.
If your child has suffered from sickness or diarrhoea please keep your child at home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have ceased.
If you are keeping your child at home because he / she is unwell, please let us know by phone or text (07934 981271).
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If your child has been given a medicine such as Calpol before they come into pre-school, please let a member of staff know and you will be asked to complete a Previous Medicines record.
If you suspect your child may be suffering from head lice or a contagious disease such as chickenpox, please talk to a member of staff.
IS THERE A SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER?
Yes, every year a school photographer attends and will take individual and group photos which you will be given the option to purchase in a number of different formats, including gift items.
MY CHILD HAS AN ALLERGY, HOW WILL THIS BE HANDLED?
The pre-school take allergies very seriously and is currently a nut-free setting. Should your child have any allergies at all please speak to a member of staff and we will make sure any requirements are adhered to.
IS ANY FOOD/DRINK PROVIDED? DO I NEED TO PACK A LUNCHBOX?
Snacks (fresh fruit or veg) are provided in the morning, plus the children have access to water throughout the day. For full day sessions lunchboxes will need to be brought in.
QUESTION NOT LISTED?
Please get in touch using either the form or details below and we'd be very glad to help!
GET IN TOUCH
Micheldever & Stratton Pre-School, East Stratton Village Hall, Church Bank Rd, Winchester SO21 3DU, UK
07934981271