Somerford Kindergarten

History

Somerford Kindergarten, a registered charity, was established in 1982, organised by a committee of

parents on a non-profit making basis.

In September 2004, Kindergarten became a company limited by guarantee, although it has retained

it’s charitable status. It has a Board of Directors and is run by a Management Committee of parents.

All parents can become members of the company (liability is limited to £1) by completing the

membership form available from staff. The committee organises many fund raising events

throughout the course of the year together with the help of parents and friends. The Kindergarten is

a small, friendly group with a high ratio of qualified and experienced staff and we aim to provide a

caring, homely atmosphere in which your child may confidently take their first steps towards

independence.

We are based in the grounds of Quinta School and are fortunate to have close links with them. As

an independent organisation, we are pleased to welcome children from throughout the area.

Children generally attend the Kindergarten from the age from 2.5yrs. During their initial visit the

staff assess a child's readiness for preschool and will suggest the best programme to help them

settle in successfully.

We belong to the Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA) and are bound by our Articles and

Memorandum of Association and the latest 2008 PLA Constitution. A copy of our Policy Document is

on the Notice board and available upon request.

Education

Programmes

We are fortunate in having four members of staff to care for up to twenty children (registered

maximum is twenty four) at each of our sessions; although the surroundings are informal the

sessions are carefully structured to offer a stimulating and enjoyable programme leading to the

nationally approved early learning goals, with a mixture of child and adult led activities

Personal and Social Development

In a supportive atmosphere your child will be helped to relate well to other children and adults and

to develop independence, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. There will be many

opportunities to learn to share and to take turns. Through activities, conversation and practical

examples, your child will learn acceptable ways of expressing feelings and empathising with

others.

.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Language and Literacy

In both large and small groups we particularly encourage the children to extend their vocabulary

through the provision of stories, rhymes and news sharing. Because we are keen to foster a love of

books, we run a small library from which each child may borrow a book to take home and share with

their family. Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of

the purposes of writing and when they are ready, to use drawn and written symbols for themselves.

Numeracy

By means of adult supported practical experience, children will become familiar with the sorting,

matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities, which form the basis for early mathematics.

As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children will be

assisted to learn and use the vocabulary of mathematics identifying objects by shape, position, size,

volume and number. Songs, games and picture books help children to become aware of number

sequences and when they are ready, to use practical mathematical operations such as adding and

subtracting.

Knowledge & Creative Development

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

To extend the children’s knowledge and understanding of the World, we follow a theme or topic of

interest. The children are encouraged to bring in relevant objects for the interest table, to observe,

contrast and compare. Sometimes we invite visitors, or we go out on related trips. There are many

opportunities to experiment with natural and man-made materials, to use a variety of tools and to

question and record why things happen and how things work.

Creative Development

The Kindergarten provides an extensive variety of materials to encourage creative expression in

paintings, drawings, collage and modelling. Children join in with and respond to music, dance and

stories and there are many opportunities for imaginative role-play.

Physical Development

The Kindergarten has a good range of equipment both inside and outside, to help develop the

children’s confidence and enjoyment in their increasing physical skills, in climbing, balancing and

movement. At the same time, children are supported in the development of the fine motor skills

required to use tools, including pens and pencils and to handle small objects with increasing

control and precision.

Behaviour and Discipline

We aim to create a calm, busy and interesting atmosphere to ensure that the children feel secure,

happy and involved. We encourage the older children to help the younger ones. We make a point

of praising good behaviour, effort and achievement. We encourage everyone to help in tidying up

and the children take turns in tasks such as handing out snacks, feeding the fish etc.

Unacceptable behaviour such as hitting, throwing, biting or spoiling other children’s play is dealt with

by explaining why it is unacceptable, and the child is helped to play appropriately. However, if we

did come across a difficult behaviour problem, we would discuss this with the parent and try to solve

the problem together.

Equal Opportunities and Special Needs

Equal Opportunities

Somerford Kindergarten is open to all children, regardless of sex, race, colour, religion or disability.

We review the materials and activities on offer so that children have an appreciation of other peoples

culture e.g. through books and stories, dressing up clothes, dolls of different races etc.

Kindergarten has a designated member of staff for Equal Opportunities matters.

Special Education Needs

The Kindergarten aims to follow the DfEE (Department for Education and Employment) ‘Code of

Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs’ and to provide a

welcoming environment and appropriate learning opportunities for all children.

Our staff to child ratio is high and our care system ensures that each member of staff is responsible

for, and close to a small group of children, so that each child receives plenty of adult time and

attention.

If your child has any special needs (speech, help with socialising etc.) the Kindergarten staff will

work in liaison with outside professionals to help meet the child’s needs and would also attend,

whenever possible, relevant in-service training courses. Kindergarten has a designated member of

staff for Special Educational Needs (SENCO).

.

Staff and Procedures

Staff

We have a highly qualified, dedicated and caring staff, all of which have been with the Kindergarten

for several years. All members of staff attend relevant training courses on a regular basis and hold

current first aid certificates. As parents themselves, they understand the worries and needs of both

children and carers so please feel free to talk to them at any time.

Procedures

A full set of procedures is available in our hand book.

.

Session Times and Fees

Session times (The School operates from 9:05 until 15:05 on School term days)

There are three options that are available and are as follows:

Session

(9:05 -11:35) or (12:35-15:05)

Half Day

An additional 1hr is added to the session for lunch club (lunch provided by parents)

Full Day

Both Sessions plus lunch club.

The current fees are £9.25 per session and £3.70 for lunch club.

Free places are available via the government grant for 3 and 4 year olds - please enquire for details.

.