FAQs
THE ANSWERS YOU NEED
Can I schedule a school visit?
Please ring 01765 620019 for a chat and arrange a suitable time to visit us. We are looking forward to talking more about what we can offer your child and meeting you.
How are sessions structured?
We organise the sessions so that the children can choose from, and work at, a range of activities and, in doing so, build up their ability to select and work through a task to its completion. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult-led small and large group activities, which introduce them to new experiences and help them to gain new skills, as well as helping them to learn to work with others. Outdoor activities contribute to children's health, their physical development and their knowledge of the world around them. The children have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to take part in outdoor child-chosen and adult-led activities, as well as those provided in the indoor playroom(s).
What time is drop off and pick up?
Drop off pick up times:
Doors open 8.15am -5pm Mon-Wed inc.
Thurs and Fri 8.45am- 3.25pm.
How much do you charge?
We details our fees and funding on our fees page.
For any specific questions please get in touch by email or call us to discuss further.
Do you offer school meals?
We use the cooking facilities at Fountain's Primary school next door and therefore can offer school meals to students who would like them. See an example menu to see what delights your child could enjoy.
We cater for dietary requirements and allergies.
School lunch example £2.60 each meal.
The Children's independence skills are developed as they are encouraged to serve themselves during snack and lunch times.
Children bring their own water bottles in each day to provide water available at all times.
Do the children need to wear a uniform?
Optional but recommended for the of belonging and getting them used to wearing a uniform. Staff also wear a uniform that mirrors the children so there is a real sense of belonging.
Uniform polo shirts and jumpers can be bought from Dawn at the nursery and the shirts are embroidered by a local firm. Uniform prices - £9.50 for a polo shirt £13.50 for a sweatshirt.
Please ask a member of the staff for details and to pay by Bacs where possible and put a reference of Uniform.
We ask you to provide protective clothing for the children when they play with messy activities.
The shoes/ wellies/ boots your child comes to playgroup in will be the piece of footwear they will wear for outdoor play. Please bring them in footwear suitable for the weather.
We encourage children to gain the skills that help them to be independent and look after themselves. These include taking themselves to the toilet and taking off, and putting on, outdoor clothes. Clothing that is easy for them to manage will help them to do this (jogging trousers or leggings) and give them a sense of achievement.
We ask you to supply a pair of indoor pumps/ slippers for your child; these will stay in playgroup and not be moved from setting to home each day/ week.
During the current time of Covid 19 we ask that you child has bare forearms when possible to facilitate the safe washing of hands.
Please ensure all items of clothing are clearly named. .
Do you use social media as a communication platform?
We have a Facebook site for the parents of our children attending Fountains Playgroup & Pre-School, this is a closed group and Dawn Rogers approves parents that have requested to join. There will be pictures of your children on here from time to time, with your parental permission (see registration form).
We also have a Facebook page which is open for all to see and a form of advertising for Fountains. On the page as it is open to all, there will be NO pictures of your children with faces showing to allow them to be identified. I may put on work of the childrens from time to time however, their name will not be connected to their work and again your child will not be identified.
How did the Fountain's Playgroup and Pre school perform in Ofsted?
We are affiliated with Ofsted and our latest report can be viewed on the Ofsted website (under reports 29th March 2023)
Will my child be assigned a Key Person?
Fountains Playgroup & Pre-School uses a key person approach. This means that each member of staff has a group of children for whom she is particularly responsible for. At Fountains, the staff work closely with each child and each member of staff holds a special relationship with our children, we understanding their background and interests. Your child's key person will be the person who works with you to make sure that the childcare that we provide is right for your child's particular needs and interests. When your child first starts at the setting, the designated key person will help your child to settle and throughout your child's time at the setting.
Are staff continually trained to reflect best practice
As well as gaining childcare qualifications, our staff take part in further training to help them keep up-to date with thinking about early years care and education.
We also keep up-to-date with best practice, as a member of the Early Years Alliance, through Under 5 magazine and other publications produced by the Alliance.
The current copy of Under 5 is available for you to read. From time to time we hold learning events for parents. These usually look at how adults can help children to learn and develop in their early years.
What mid day snacks are offered?
We make snacks and meals a social time at which children and adults eat together, social distancing taken into account. We plan the menus for snacks and meals so that they provide the children with healthy and nutritious food.
Please tell us about your child's dietary needs and we will plan accordingly.
Can I see a copy of your policies?
Our staff can explain our policies and procedures to you. Copies of which are available on the drawers near the main door, these can be borrowed to read or the policies can be emailed to you.
Fountains Playgroup & Pre-School’s policies help us to make sure that the service provided by us is a high quality one and that being a member of the setting is an enjoyable and beneficial experience for each child and her/his parents.
Our staff and parent committee take part in the annual review, updating and adopting policies. This review helps us to make sure that the policies are enabling Fountains to provide a quality service for its members and the local community.
What information do you hold about you and your child
Please see our privacy policy