St John' s Church School VA
Together we achieve, learn and grow in a caring, Christian environment
'St John's Church School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff volunteers, parents and children to share this commitment.'
St John's
P
r
e
s
c
h
o
o
l
Welcome to our preschool, which is set within and is a part of St John's Church School.
We cater for children from aged 2, before they join their primary school setting.
Caterpillars (Age 2)
We have a strong focus on nurture and positive relationships within our Caterpillars class. The children have access to their own inside and outside space, which has been carefully constructed to meet their individual needs. The staff hold appropriate qualifications to cater for our youngest children with a sensitive and loving approach. We know that for many, this will be their first experience of care away from the home & so we aim to replicate the safe, secure space that they will be used to, whilst developing their independence.
Ratios 1:4
Butterflies (Age 3+)
Whether your child starts with us here, or is continuing their journey from Caterpillars class, they will be able to enjoy their own inside and outside area. The areas available are extensive and offer a wide range of opportunities to allow them to exercise their imagination and creativity, alongside our experienced staff.
Ratios 1:8
Within both of our classes, we follow guidance from:
Development Matters: Click here
Statutory Framework: Click Here
Reception Transition
While the children are with us, they have the exciting opportunity to engage in activities and expertise from across the whole school setting, including:
-
PE lessons
-
Forest School sessions
-
Outdoor story time
-
Story time and phonics with Reception teachers
-
Collective Worship
When children are ready to move onto their primary school setting, we believe that they have been given the best start with us and have established wonderful relationships with staff in the Reception classes and across the school at St John's.
Link: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/schools-and-education/school-readiness
Food
The following healthy food options are provided within the setting and are included within the fees outlined below:
-
09:00 Breakfast bar: cereal, bagels, fruit, milk/water
-
11:30 Lunch (link to school menu)
-
13:30 Afternoon snack
We encourage families to send their children in with bottles of water only.
We are proud to share with you, that we have been accredited with the 'My Smile' quality mark, which supports daily toothbrushing, ensures that snacks and drinks provided are tooth friendly and encourages families to visit the dentist regularly https://www.dentalhealthcareeoe.nhs.uk/services/oral-health-improvement/my-smile/)
Uniform
Children are provided with two polo shirts upon starting at the setting,which they are encouraged to wear. If you would like to purchase any further uniform options, you are welcome to do so at your own expense link to shop
Funded places
We offer a variety of funded placement options, depending on your individual circumstances.
-
30-hours funded childcare for working families (link to https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/nurseries-and-childcare/30-hours-free-childcare-for-working-families)
-
Funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds (link to https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/nurseries-and-childcare/free-childcare-for-three-and-four-year-olds)
-
Free childcare for 2 year olds (link to https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/nurseries-and-childcare/free-for-twos-childcare)
Fees
For those who do not qualify, we also offer places that will be charged a fee.
TIME: 08:30-11:30 FEE:£9
TIME: 11:30-12:00 FEE: £3 (includes a hot meal)
TIME: 12:00-15:00 FEE: £9
As a prospective parent, if you would like to arrange a visit for you and/or your child, please contact the office on 01733 230 194. We would love to show you around our setting, following current social distancing guidelines.
Emma Melville
Preschool Manager
PRE- SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Intent:
At St John's preschool, we embed the importance of early development. We ensure that every child has the best possible start to life and that high quality early learning provides the foundation for children to make the best of their individual skills and knowledge.
At this early stage of development, full consideration is given to the individual needs and interests of each child and this informs a challenging and enjoyable experience for every child across all areas of learning and development. We ensure our children have the opportunity to play and explore in an enriched environment and actively learn and think critically – making full use of both our inside and outside space.
KEY PRINCIPLES:
· Every child is a unique individual who is constantly learning.
· Children learn to be independent through positive relationships
· Children learn and develop well in enabling environments
· Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
Our Curriculum meets the requirements set out in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2021). These details seven areas of learning and development, each important and interconnected:
The Prime Areas of Development are particularly crucial for engaging pupil’s curiosity and enthusiasm, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and achieve.
Communication and Language
We give our children opportunities to experience a rich and varied language environment to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
Physical Development
We provide opportunities for the children to be active and develop their co-ordination, control and movement. They are helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food and their teeth.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We are committed to helping our children develop a positive sense of themselves and to form constructive relationships; they learn to manage their feelings and to understand appropriate behaviour.
The Specific Areas follow on from the Prime Areas:
Impact:
Implementation:
The focus on our work in preschool, is to ensure when the children continue their journey through the EYFS stage at primary school, they are empowered with confidence, independence and self-belief; skills that will support them through their learning journey. Their experiences enable them to develop the building blocks they will need as they progress through school.