The preschool setting is a charitable organisation run by a committe of parents. We rely on volunteers to join our committee, please speak to Tracey for more information. Our aim is to give your child the opportunity to develop social skills, interact with other children and learn through play in a safe, stimulating environment. We believe in equal opportunities for all children and their families
. We believe in the 'Unique Child' and welcome children with Additional Needs or English as a Second Language. All of our staff are highly qualified Early Years Practicioners. Our preschool is registered for 24 children per session aged between 2 years and 5 years. We have a minimum of 4 staff in the morning session and 3 staff in the afternoon session. We gained 'Herts Quality Standards' which is valid for 3 years and were rated 'Good' in our recent (2015) inspection by OFSTED and are striving towards and 'Outstanding' rating. The Preschool Setting
The preschool is based in Leverstock Green Village Hall. We have an inside and outside play areas which the children can freely explore. Our indoor area includes a 'Quiet Book Area', a 'Creative Area', a 'Computer Area' and large play areas. Our 'Home Corner' is regularly turned into a shoe shop, vets, hospital, baker's or anything else the children choose! Our outdoor area consists of a newly laid artificial grass area and a concrete playground. We have a large climbing frame and a playhouse which are always out. We also have a large container full of toys including bikes, cars, mark-making equipment, balls etc which are put out daily. Another new feature is our 'Mud Kitchen' area in the corner of the garden together with a flower bed and tubs for growing fruit and vegetables together with plants in the opposite corner. Settling In
You are welcome to stay with your child or a few sessions to settle them in. Please be assured that we will contact you if your child becomes upset or distressed. Please ensure that you are punctual when collecting your child as your child may worry if you are late. Key Person
Your child will be assigned a key person who will monitor and record their progress through observations. They will be available at the start of the session if you would like to speak to them about anything. Fees
Fees are payable half-termly in advance. An invoice will be emailed to you when payment is due. Any absences, holidays or sick days must also be paid for. Funding may be available (subject to criteria). Funding
All children in preschool are eligible for Government funding the term after their third birthday. They will then be entitled to the current 15 hours of free nursery education. We also offer funding for two year olds if you meet the funding criteria (please ask Tracey Dignum for more details). Snacks
We provide milk or water and a snack mid morning. Lunch Club
Lunch club is available until 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Your child will need a packed lunch and drink. Nuts or products containing nuts are not permitted due to allergies. Education
At Leverstock Green Playgroup we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS principles are:
A Unique Child
Positive Relationships
Enabling Environments
Learning and Developing
Every child deserves the best possible start in life and we aim to ensure that we provide your child with a firm foundation to allow them to make the most of their abilities. We plan our activities according to each child's needs. Information about the EYFS Principles and Early Learning Goals is available on the notice board. Your child's 'Learning Journal' will be recorded by their key person, through observations, photographs and pieces of their work. These will be put into a 'Learning Journal' which is given to you when your child moves on from preschool.
