Things you might want to ask:
Nursery FAQs
How can I communicate with school?
We like to hear from parents and encourage personal daily contact and written notes in the individual home-school link books. Information can also be found on our class notice-boards, newsletters, calendars and our website. Regular letters and emails are sent out from class teachers and the Head of Pre-Prep, and there are a number of Parents’ Consultations.
What happens at lunchtime?
Meals are nutritious and healthy. Our staff sit at the tables with the children and serve the meal. The youngest children are seated on high-backed pews and are provided with appropriate sized cutlery. We monitor closely what the children are eating and drinking, and ask that the children try a little piece of everything. We also encourage use of cutlery as well as good manners such as ‘please and thank you’!
What do I do if my child is not yet toilet trained?
Our staff work alongside parents to help the children become toilet trained. Children may attend wearing ‘pull-ups’ and we ask that parents provide spare underwear, ‘pull-ups’ and wipes. We celebrate any successes with you!
What should I do on the first day?
Maintain a calm positive attitude! We suggest you set a routine and explain to your child what is going to happen, and then stick to that routine. Always give yourself time so you are not rushed and anxious – don’t respond to anxiety with anxiety! If your child is anxious, distract their attention by playing with the toys set out or pointing out their friends in the class and other items of interest. Above all, don’t worry; we are only a phone call away!
How can I support my child before he/she begins school?
It is really helpful to encourage independence in self-help skills such as: dressing, eating, using the toilet as well as separating from you. Good social skills such as sharing and taking turns as well as developing language skills through listening and responding (nursery rhymes are great for this) is helpful too.
A parent class representative will probably contact you before joining; do take the opportunity to arrange play dates to familiarise your child with other children. The children will also be invited in for ‘taster days’, do come to these and pop by at other times or join our Little Vines Playgroup on occasion.
