Pre-School

Preparing the way

The Pre-School Room, aged from 3 years plus is where your child will first experience a more structured school environment. The structure at this stage is a balance between learning through play and using aspects of Highscope. As the children progress so too does their language skills and as they are able to communicate more clearly they are less frustrated as they are able to part take in more activities It is at this stage that parents notice that they can now work successfully in little groups.

Your child will adapt and become used to sitting on a chair at a table and to concentrating for longer periods of time.
All children develop at different speeds and Pre-School allows us to assess how each child is faring with the different tasks set.
By spending more individual time at this stage, we are able to introduce some elements of highscope to your child.
Through various techniques, your child will grasp the fundamentals of reading, writing and mathematics.
Languages, arts and crafts and social behaviour are also key areas of the curriculum.

The Preschool Room
The room encourages your child’s overall development by using a variety of toys and equipment to aid and refine your child’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills.

The Room is divided into separate work areas and autonomous play and exploration is encouraged.
For the new children short ‘work’ periods are still encouraged for the few months..
Tabletop activities such as jigsaws, sorting and pairing are introduced to promote motor skills, hand/eye co-ordination and basic numerical and literacy skills.
Home corner and Role-play, music, arts and crafts feature also and continue to refine and aid your child in the promotion of self-awareness and confidence.
Through various techniques, your child will grasp the fundamentals of reading, writing and mathematics.
Your children also have access to gardening programs all year round, with our on site gardener.

The Sleep Room

Each child is required to sleep or rest for a short duration. This would enable them to manage the second half of the day.
All children sleep/rest on individual floor mats with their own individual sheets in their room.
A staff member monitors the children at all times in the room.
Please discuss with a member of staff, the length of time you wish your child to sleep or if you wish your child not to have a sleep, please inform a member of staff.

Out Door Space

The Bessborough Centre Crèche has access to an amazing parkland grounds and the children are taken for a walk every day, weather permitting. Providing children with the experience of the outside world, the sun, the wind and sometime the odd rain shower!.
They have access to a purpose built climbing frame who aims to increase their challenges and in turn build their self esteem.
Outside they get a chance to explore and develop their ability, discover and see how the world changes through the seasons.
There is direct access to a large grassy area from their room.

Staff

Our staff, continuously works very hard to build a bond and trust with each child to promote successful development and self esteem.
Majority of our staff are all highly qualified, min Fetac 5 up to degree level.
All staff are formally trained in either Occupational First Aid or Paediatric an first Aid.

And Most Importantly

Our Staff ensure your child is never short on the cuddles and hugs front! Why, because “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth” —Virginia Satir, family therapist.

Menu’s

Food is prepared daily, offering good quality and highly nutritionally balanced diets, see menu displayed.
Staff will watch and encourage your child to feed themselves, assisting if necessary.
Staff will encourage your child to have their drinks from a cup.
New dinners will continue to introduce different foods to your child.
· Special dietary requirements catered for.

Parents Feedback

Your child will receive a daily feedback sheet outlining their day, these reports outline each child’s sleep, meals, nappy changes/toileting, medical administration and activities they were involved in each day.
Staff will discuss with parents on a regular basis your child’s progress on their development in the key areas of physical, intellectual, linguistic, emotional and social development.
Parents are encouraged at any time to discuss their child’s every changing requirement.

Required from Parents:

2 x Spare set of clothes
Weather appropriate clothes, as children are taken out to get fresh air.
Summer – Sun cream & hats
Winter – Ensure they have warm coat & hat
Any allergies: Food / Creams
Please do not let children to bring in their own toys, as it may cause conflict with children.
Out of courtesy can you please phone the crèche when your child is either sick/late. Dinner orders are placed at 10 0 clock.