Monday-Friday am sessions 8:30/9:00-12:00 and Monday-Friday pm sessions 12:00-3.00/3.30pm. Children may come to our setting all day. We will accept children from 2 years 6 months but funding is not available until the term after their 3rd birthday (We also accept children from the age of 2 if they are eligible for 2 year funding).
This setting has signed up to offer Tax Free Childcare.
Based at Bitterne Manor Primary School
| Amount | Cost Type |
|---|---|
| £4.60 | Per Hour |
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:30/9:00 | 12:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30/9:00 | 12:00 |
| Friday | 08:30/9:00 | 12:00 |
| Monday | 08:30/9:00 | 12:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30/9:00 | 12:00 |
| Monday | 12:00 | 15:00/15.30 |
| Thursday | 12:00 | 15:00/15.30 |
| Friday | 12:00 | 15:00/15.30 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 | 15:00/15.30 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 | 15:00/15.30 |
Prior to application for a place at Bitterne Manor Pre-School the main point of contact is the manager.
Induction days are held termly, the term before your child is due to start to support the child’s settling in to Pre-School. Inductions allow an opportunity for parents and their child to meet the staff, see how we run, ask questions, provide details of any individual needs and complete all necessary paperwork. They are the starting point of creating a bond with the child and family which provides support for when parents decide to leave their child in our care.
The Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) attends the Inductions and is available for consultation at any time by prior arrangement via the manager.
At any time Parents/Carers can talk to their child’s keyperson, manager or deputy regarding day-to-day concerns.
The Services for Young Children, Area Inclusion Team, Portage, Children’s Centres and Health Visiting Team would all be able to provide information and advice.
The Local Authorities Local Offer can be found on the parent notice board.
We aim to make learning a natural/stimulating process, by creating an environment which encourages each child’s independence, through child initiated play and planning for their individual needs.
All children attending Bitterne Manor Pre-School are observed on their learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2012). These assessments will identify if your child’s individual needs require additional support. Your child will be monitored and supported by the Pre-School and Outside Agencies (Portage, Area Inclusion Officer, Speech and Language Therapy, Services for Young Children, Children Services, Social Services, Children’s Paediatrician, Foster Services, Occupational Therapist, Medical Family Support Workers, Health Visitors and close links to adjoining Infant Schools) with Parental consent. We operate a Keyperson system “The role of the Keyperson is to help ensure that every child’s care is tailored to meet their individual needs, to help the child become familiar with the setting, offer a settled relationship for the child and build a relationship with their Parents/Carers.” EYFS (2012) in partnership with Parents. Bitterne Manor Pre-School cater for children with special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) such as visual or hearing impairment, diabetes, communication difficulties, behavioural problems, English as an Additional Language and allergies. We cater for the local diverse community and actively involve groups such as families with communication barriers (English as an additional language). We include all families through Inductions, home/school communication books, our open house policy and the completion of a ‘My Unique Child’ booklet upon admission. Bitterne Manor Pre-School have a named Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and Behaviour Officer. Bitterne Manor Pre-School’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Offer is supported by the following Policies: Admissions Policy, Behaviour Management Policy, Complaints, Confidentiality, Data Protection Policy, Equal Opportunity Policy, Health & Hygiene Policy and Practice, Home/Pre-School Agreement, Outings Policy and Procedures, Parental Involvement Policy, Physical Intervention Policy, Risk Assessment Policy, Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures, Safety Policy and Practice, Selecting Play Equipment/Toys, Settling-In Pre-School, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy and Procedures.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School Staff are widely trained in a variety of areas which includes Speech and Language, Autism (Thomas Training), Behaviour Management, Makaton and Principles of Portage in Early Years Education (Popeye). Bitterne Manor Pre-Schools keyperson system involves each keyperson planning around their children’s individual needs, tracking their child’s development and reviewing their progress termly to parents and weekly to the Manager. The termly progress report detail the child’s achievements that term, next steps to development and what activities the parents can carry out to support their child at home. Bitterne Manor Pre-Schools home communication book supports communication between parents and staff. At Induction observation, assessment and planning, along with the routine of the Pre-School is explained to Parents. Each half term Bitterne Manor Pre-School send Parents a questionnaire to gather opinions on the service and support we provide to children and their families and information regarding their interests outside of the setting. These results are used to inform Pre-School development and planning. Bitterne Manor Pre-School’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) is familiar with the Send Code of Practice (CoP), monitors records and ensures with the child’s keyperson and parents they are kept up to date regarding information about their child’s learning and progress. Our SENDCo establishes and maintains positive relationships with our parents informing of any progress ensuring the Pre-School staff are familiar with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy and it is reviewed annually. Our SENDCo supports staff with children with special educational needs.
Every child and family is unique and we take into consideration your child’s progress by planning support at your child’s own pace. We use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum as a guide for your child’s development.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School’s SENDCo and Behaviour Officer help children who need extra support. They provide each child’s keyperson with support and activities for your child to learn within the area of need. Progress will be evidenced in your child’s Learning Story and Personal Support Plans (PSP’s) will be written if required to support learning in the Pre-School and at home. PSP’s will be reviewed on agreed timescales to view your child’s progress. Observations are taken on your child and an assessment is made, which will highlight areas of development that may need to be focused on. Planning will be address within these areas of learning.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School use a Progress Recording and Monitoring System (PRAMS) to track and evaluate children’s development and plan their next steps as recommended by the Primary National Strategies team of the Department for Education in 2009.
We encourage feedback from Parents through termly reports, PSP’s, communication books, Parent feedback forms and face to face contact.
Learning Stories hold each child’s observations and assessments, Developmental Summary Sheets, creative work, along with photographs telling the story of the child’s progress whilst at the setting. PSPs if required will also be found within the Learning Stories which explain what area of learning your child needs support in and how the keyperson and parent can support this at home and at the setting. Bitterne Manor Pre-School assess development termly through the EYFS curriculum to monitor and adapt targets to maintain and challenge a child’s developmental progress. In line with the revised EYFS we supply a short written summary of the child’s development in the three prime areas of learning and development when the child is aged 24-36 months and a copy is provided in time to inform the ‘Development Review’ at age two, where appropriate.
Parents are their child’s first educator; Bitterne Manor Pre-School involve their Parents in their child’s learning and development. Parents are encouraged to be involved in supporting their child’s learning at home. We have an open door policy and Parents are welcome to come in at any time. Keypersons will discuss, if required, how your child is doing and any progress made. Termly reports to parents are focused on your child’s development and achievements. Bitterne Manor Pre-School issue half-termly Newsletters containing important dates, reminders, news, and events. There is also a Website detailing recent events, activities, information and termly open days.
Ofsted Inspection Report 19th April 2016 “Staff support children’s needs well and effectively, so that children feel settled and secure……and all children make good progress from their starting points”.
During initial conversations regarding admission to Bitterne Manor Pre-School enquiries are made to ascertain whether any additional training of staff, resources/equipment, outside agencies involvement is necessary or currently in place.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School Staff can administer medicines with parental consent. A child with behaviour difficulties will be supported by each member of staff. The Pre-Schools Behaviour Officer and SENDCo will ensure each child has a Personal Support Plan (PSP)/Personal Behaviour Plans (PBP) in place to support their child’s needs. Bitterne Manor Pre-School have policies in place to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (refer to section 1). The child and their family, along with the Area Inclusion Officer service and possibly other agencies will work together with Bitterne Manor Pre-School to ensure the child receives the amount of support needed. Every child has a choice and a voice. Children are invited and supported to play, learn and develop; however Bitterne Manor Pre-School respect that this is on your child’s terms. The Pre-School has a quiet area inside and outside to encourage calm down time. The environment is set up to encourage different types of play. Small language groups are held throughout the session to encourage positive language and social skills and to build self-confidence. Emotions and feelings discussions are carried out during set activities, and in day to day conversations with the children. Sensory resources and activities are routinely carried out and Makaton used throughout the session.
All Staff are checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service and the setting has a named Child Protection Lead Officer, Behaviour Officer and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Officer.
Each member of Staff is fully qualified to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 or above in child care. They are all trained in Paediatric First Aid and have attended level 2 or above Safeguarding training. The Pre-School’s SENDCo and additional support staff have attended courses such as Thomas training for children with autism, visual impairment, behaviour and attend termly SENDCo network meetings which contain important changes, legislation or new ideas and resources to support children with special educational needs.
The Pre-School has had Makaton training, used through songs, rhymes, within our language activities groups and through general play, snack time, nappy changing etc. Sign and symbols for Makaton and English as an additional language are displayed around the setting in the appropriate areas to support our children’s communication skills. Bitterne Manor Pre-School have policies and procedures in place to support the running of the Pre-School, and the safety and wellbeing of the children and staff.
Wildgound Pre-School work together with Outside Agencies (see section 1).
Bitterne Manor Pre-School has six members of qualified Staff holding NVQ level 3 or equivalent in childcare, with the manager holding a Foundation Degree in Early Years (level 5). The Pre-School’s SENDCo has received training in line with their role and supports planned in house training.
The manager has attended training in the Principles of Portage in Early Years Education (Popeye), Enhanced Makaton, Behaviour, Thomas training for children with autism, Speech and Language, and SENDCo Plus. Bitterne Manor Pre-School staff have attended training in Communication and Language, are all qualified in Paediatric First Aid and have attended Safeguarding training at level 2 or above.
Trips and outings are advertised through our Website page, half-termly newsletters and individual booking forms. Parents are requested to give consent to outings on each event and are asked to attend with their child. Depending on the needs of a child a one-to-one support worker, in addition to the Parent, may be allocated on trips outside of the Pre-School.
Visual pictures and activities are used by the staff to prepare your child and explain what is happening on the outing, allowing them to feel comfortable at all times when out of the Pre-School.
All outings are supported by our Outings Policy and Risk Assessments Policy.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School is fully wheelchair accessible and the environment is structured to allow access by all that attend. The Pre-School has a time line demonstrating the structure and routine of each session, through photographs, symbols and signs, together with visual cards to support children’s independence. Each member of staff supports their key children to ensure the child’s needs are met.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School’s outside environment consists of a small paved area/garden with many resources and experiences on offer. In addition to the activities that are set up each session, we have a stage area, quiet den area and planted tubs for the children’s growing. The garden provides challenging activities for children to take part in and connects them with the natural world as well as space to investigate the larger resources such as large wooden blocks.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School also has access twice a day to the local Primary School’s wood-chip area and twice a week to their hall and library.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School operates an open door policy, so visitors are welcome to come at any time. We invite new children and families to attend Inductions a term before they are due to start to support the child’s settling in to Pre-School. Inductions allow an opportunity for parents and their child to meet the staff, see how we run, ask questions, provide details of any individual needs and complete all necessary paperwork. They are the starting point of creating a bond with the child and family which provides support for when parents decide to leave their child in our care. At the Induction Pre-School uniforms are available to purchase if required, but are not mandatory.
For children attending Infants School, transition is supported by the feeder School teacher visiting the Pre-School to meet the children going up and the children visiting the School on more than one occasion. We have regular planned times to use the feeder school’s library, hall and playground. If necessary, we can arrange individual meetings between the Pre-School, Parents and the local Primary. Non-feeder Schools contact Parents directly to make alternative arrangements for their children, but our service to our feeder school is offered to all rising children, should they wish.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School includes children whom are fee paying, in receipt of two year old funding, three and four year old Early Years Education funding and additional funding that can be claimed for Special Educational Needs.
A child receiving funding for Special Educational Needs will have access to all facilities provided by the Pre-School. The funding is allocated to enable the child to achieve their full potential, possibly one-to-one support, specialist equipment and appropriate resources to aid development or the purchase of pictorial aids. This is decided upon through consultation with all involved with the child’s care; keyperson, Parent, SENDCo, outside agencies etc.
If your child has already had the involvement of other agencies a meeting will be held before he/she starts at the Pre-School. Decisions regarding support are made through consultation with all parties involved with the child’s care; this includes you, specialists, as well as the Pre-Schools SENDCo and key staff.
If your child has no diagnosis but you have expressed concerns or your child’s keyperson has identified a problem, a meeting will be held with you to explore ways of supporting you and your child.
Observations and behaviour records are carried out and shared with you on a regular basis.
The amount of support is dependent upon your child’s needs and is decided through all parties involved and the Management Committee.
The SENDCo draws up Personal Support Plans (PSP’s) in collaboration with you and the keyperson, which is reviewed on agreed time-scales. At the review the impact of the support will be assessed and moderated as appropriate.
Monitoring of progress is carried out termly and recorded, to ensure that the curriculum is ensuring progress in all seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Bitterne Manor Pre-School is owned by a Committee of Parents and Carers, members of which are nominated and seconded on a yearly basis at the Annual General Meeting, which is open to all. We are always pleased to welcome new members to join and contribute to the running of the Pre-School.
Through our Parental Involvement Policy you are encouraged to share any specialist ability or interest with the Pre-School such as nursing, playing a musical instrument, or cooking skills which could benefit your children in the Pre-School.
To involve Parents/Carers in the life of the Pre-School we use home communication books and send out questionnaires half-termly requesting feedback on the performance of the Pre-school.
Our termly developmental reports provide Parents with an opportunity to feedback on their child’s development and their Learning Story, and offers suggestions of activities that Parents may like to try at home.