Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Key Person?

Each child at the Pre-School will be assigned a key person. The key person works closely and builds a relationship with the children to whom they are assigned. Parents will also get to know their child’s key person and can discuss any concerns, questions they may have about the child/Pre-School etc.

What is the EYFS and Curriculum?

We follow The Department For Education’s Early Years Foundation Stage framework which is mandatory for all early years settings. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

For every child attending the pre-school their key person will commence an online learning journal. This will include information to help track your child’s progress according to the EYFS and will include evidence of what your child has been learning. Parents are asked to regularly contribute to the learning journal to support their child’s development.

What is Tapestry?

Tapestry is an easy-to-use and secure online learning journal which helps staff and families celebrate their children’s learning and development. The communication between staff and parents that Tapestry enables, helps build a shared understanding of how every child can reach their full potential. You will be sent an activation email when your child starts at Springfield Bees.

What is School Transition?

During your child’s final term at Pre-School they will take part in ‘transition’ sessions which will encourage them to gain the necessary skills in preparation for starting school. These include activities such as getting ready for PE and encouraging literacy and numeracy skills. We work closely with local schools to support your child’s transition to school.

What are Achievement Stars/Wow Moments?

Achievement Stars/Wow Moments are used as a tool for staff and parents to acknowledge when a child has done something they can be proud of. Children are encouraged to talk about their achievements with the staff and other children. These are a great way for staff to gain further information about their key children at home and promote self-esteem and confidence. Please request these from a member of staff.

Can I come into the setting with my child?

Yes. In the mornings you can come in and help your child find their name and hang up their coats. You are welcome to bring them into the room, but if you would prefer to leave them with a member of staff that is fine too. Whatever works for your child. We ask that all parents are out of the rooms by 09:15 in order that we can start our day. For the afternoon session, again, you may bring your child into the room and help settle them but we would request you leave by 12.15pm. At collection time, staff will bring your child to the door and release them into your care (or other person authorised to collect).

What should my child wear?

We encourage messy play as part of learning at Pre-School and ask that you please send your child into Pre-School wearing old clothes. Could you also send your child in with a spare set of old clothes in their bag. Accidents do happen and children often feel happier to change into their own clothes from home.

We do have uniform available to purchase and this is a great way of saving your child’s clothes from getting grubby and creates a feeling of belonging in the Pre-School. The uniform consists of T-shirts, sweaters and fleeces which can all be purchased via the Pre- School office.

Please can we ask that all belongings are named so that any lost items can be returned to their owners.

Do they need outdoor clothing and footwear?

We do go outside in all weathers and provide children with all in one wetsuits. Please provide appropriate clothing for outdoor play, i.e. wellies/coats/hats/scarves in winter and sun hats in summer. Sun lotion cannot be applied at the setting so please ensure that an all day, high factor lotion is applied to your child prior to attendance. In addition we ask that children wear sensible footwear when attending the setting.

They play outside regularly, where there is climbing equipment and other apparatus and therefore, shoes which fasten properly and preferably with grips are recommended. Please no flip flops.

What about snacks?

Healthy snacks are provided for all children in each session, which consists of fruit, breadsticks, rice cakes etc. Water and milk are also provided to drink. Children may bring in a named drinks bottle for the session which must contain water only. This is to prevent sharing of bottles and promote good oral hygiene. We ask parents for a voluntary contribution of 50 pence per session towards the cost of snacks. If your child has any allergies, please discuss this with their Key Person.

What is the Weekly Roundup?

We post a roundup of the weeks activities on our Facebook page and to your child’s Tapestry account. We also post useful information about the Pre-School on our Facebook page so keep an eye on this.

What if my child is sick?

Please let us know if your child will not be attending Pre-School if they are ill. If your child has had sickness/diarrhoea we ask they remain away from pre-school for 48 hours after their last bout of illness. Please refer to our Manging Children who are sick, infectious or with allergies policy.

Who are Bertie & Bella?

Bertie & Bella are our Pre-school mascots who come home with the children during the year. They love spending time with our families and sharing in your child’s life for a few days.

We kindly ask you to please write a little bit about your child’s time together in the book and perhaps put in a photograph. If your child would like they could draw a picture too!

Is there onsite car parking?

No. We do not have access to the car park, but there is plenty of local parking close to the Pre-School.

Do I need to provide nappies?

If your child is in nappies, we please ask that you provide sufficient nappies, wipes and nappy sacks in their bag. We are happy to work with parents potty training your child and have excellent nappy changing and toilet facilities.

What if I am late?

It is very important that you are on time to collect your child from their session.
Our session times are as follows:
Morning Sessions - Monday to Friday: Drop off 09:00-09:15, collection 12:00 prompt.

Afternoon Sessions - Monday to Friday: Drop off 12:00 - 12.15, collection 14:45-15:00. 

We occupy a shared hall and have to pack away and vacate within a tight time constraint. Any delay in vacating the building can result in a fine for the Pre-school.

As per our schedule of fees we implement our Late Collection Fee of £15.00 per 15 minutes or part thereof from the end of your child’s session.

What if my child can’t attend?

If your child is to be off for any reason please let us know at your earliest convenience. Unfortunately no refunds will be given for periods where the place is unfulfilled due to illness or holidays on the part of either party. We are closed on bank holidays and our term dates are available on our website.

Can my child sleep at Pre-School?

Unfortunately, we do not have facilities/staffing to accommodate sleeping children. If a child falls asleep we will call the parent/carer for them to be collected.