We are a small Pre-School providing excellent facilities in a friendly environment. We enjoy a close relationship with Pinchmill Lower School, benefiting from its facilities and often taking an active part in its activities. The Pre-School thus gives a child an excellent and very happy introduction to school in general and to Pinchmill Lower School in particular.

We also operate a lunchclub at a cost of £3\.00, which must be pre-booked each term. The children bring a packed lunch and are able to experience eating with others in a different environment from home. This can help prepare them for lunch at school. The lunchclub start up was funded by a grant provided by the European Social Fund.

The Pre-School Rota
Research shows that children learn better when their parents are involved. Our rota system involves all the parents helping in the group on a regular basis. This helps to maintain the high ratio of adults to children in our group, guaranteeing individual care and attention for each child. In addition, the rota system provides a valuable opportunity for all the children to see their own parent/carer in a new role.

Admissions
Pinchmill Pre-School caters for a maximum of 16 children per session, between the ages of 2½ and 5 years. The Pre-School has an equal opportunities policy, any child regardless of race or gender is admitted. In the event of a waiting list, priority will be given to children in the parish of Felmersham and Radwell as per our policies.

The Role of Parents
The Pre-School recognises parents as the first and most important educators of their children. Our Pre-School aims to support parents. Parents are welcomed to:
• Work in the group with the children
• Assist with fundraising
• Take part in the management of the PreSchool
• Represent the Pre-School at branch and county activities of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.
• Attend training courses, workshops and conferences organised by the Pre-School Leaning Alliance.
The Pre-School is run by an elected committee which ensures that major decision making is in the hands of the parents who use the group. The committee is responsible for reviewing both policy and practice, and for the employment and appraisal of members of staff. Our Annual General meeting at which the committee for the following year is elected is held in the Spring Term and parents will be informed in good time so they are able to attend.

Pinchmill Pre-School offers your child:
•  Individual care and attention made possible by a
   high ratio of adults to children.
•  Fun and friendship with children and other adults.
•  The support of our staff.
• Opportunities for you and your family to be directly involved in the activities of the group and in your child's progress.

Fees
Fees are payable termly in advance. Fees continue to be payable if a child is absent without notice or for a short time. In cases of prolonged absence, parents should consult the management/committee about fee payment. Each child's attendance at the group is conditional upon continued payment of any necessary fees and/or receipt of the Government Grant for 3 and 4 year olds.
 
Special Needs
Each child is able to progress at his/her own rate in all areas of development, and this is true for children with or without disabilities or learning difficulties. We are experienced in working in close liaison with professionals across the range of special needs. If you would like to discuss the group's ability to meet your own child's special needs, please talk to the Pre-School Leader.
 
Curriculum
Within the group, all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace. Our staff plan the curriculum to meet the needs of each individual child. By means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of adult input, we offer a curriculum, which leads to the nationally approved learning goals.
• Language and literacy
• Personal and social development • Mathematics
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development
This prepares children to progress with confidence to the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 at the age of five years (year 1).
 
OFSTED
The most recent OFSTED inspection was held on 29 Nov 2006 and recognised the outstanding quality of care and education.
 
"Children become highly motivated, independent learners who develop an exemplary awareness of others and this helps them to join in, take responsibility and play a truly productive part in the setting."
 
"The friendly, mature staff team are well-qualified and dedicated to the concept of quality childcare and education. This promotes highly positive outcomes for children."  Link to Ofsted report

Insurance
Pinchmill Pre-School is covered by the Pre-School Learning Alliance Standard insurance policy issued by the Royal Sun Alliance. Details are held on the notice-board.
 
Health and Safety
We follow OFSTED National Standards on Health and Safety monitoring, which include fire drills, accident reporting and safety checks.
 
Toddlers
A separate Toddler Group takes place in the Felmersham & Radwell Village Hall (adjoining the Pinchmill Lower School) on Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.30pm
 
Additional Information
If you require any further information, please contact our Pre-School Leader, Christine Callaghan on 01234 781770.