KNUTSFORD METHODIST CHURCH

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PRINCESS STREET PRE-SCHOOL
The Gentle Start to Schooling
WELCOME This is a friendly, happy playgroup (originally established in 1972) where we welcome children from age 2 to school-age. We are registered with Social Services for up to 24 children. Our sessions are normally held in Room 1 in the Community Centre behind Knutsford Methodist Church, although, for our more energetic sessions we also use the large hall in the same building. We are conveniently located in the town centre, and there are parking facilities to the rear. We also have a Baby and Toddlers Club which meets in the church's large hall on Wednesday mornings from 10.00am to 12noon. Pre-school is a registered charity, and has a 'Pre-School Committee' which meets once a term, with an Annual General Meeting in June. The Committee is comprised of Pre-School parents and staff, and is chaired by the Minister of the Church. However, although we are under the 'umbrella' of the Church, there is no bias towards any religion, denomination or culture - we strive for an environment of care and respect for everyone. We are open for all children, whatever nationality, race, religion, ability, means or status. Our aim is to provide a secure, happy and caring environment in which children can take their first steps in learning. We hope that this will form a strong foundation on which parents and teachers can build for the future. We have been successfully OFSTED inspected, and we are members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance. Please call at any time to look around - you will be most welcome. SESSIONS We are open every weekday during our term-time from 9.15am until noon. Generally we suggest children start with two sessions a week, building up to three, four or five when the parents and staff feel each child is ready. We now also run a lunch-club.	OUR DAY At Pre-School the children learn to play alongside other children and to relate to adults outside their family circle. Through structured play, they learn to share, to be tolerant, to develop confidence, to be creative and to learn the importance of rules and fairness. In short, your children will learn a variety of skills to prepare them for school in a friendly and caring environment. We follow the National Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage as advised by the Department of Education and Skills. In Pre-School we have paint, sand, play-dough, jigsaws and games, construction sets, activity toys and a home corner, water play and dressing-up clothes. We cook, sing and look at books. Our sessions start with register and free play. We then have 'circle time' when we discuss our theme and look at the letter of the week. There is then free play, craftwork, writing activities, computing and cooking. After snack-time we talk about the weather, share our news and have singing, rhymes, story-telling, music and PE. HEALTH & SAFETY Our premises are inspected regularly, including our equipment and toys, to ensure that we maintain the required safety standards and procedures. We have regular fire-drills. All members of staff have undergone all the required checks and fulfil the necessary registration requirements. We also hold a Dental Health Certificate for providing healthy snacks and drinks. We are insured through the Pre-School Learning Alliance. The supervisor can give specific advice on Pre-school policy with regard to childhood illness. Should your child be unwell on a particular day, we prefer that he/she be kept at home. In the event of your child having an accident at Pre-school, this will be recorded in the accident book, and you will be invited to read and sign your acceptance of the statement. We ask that you register with us an emergency contact-number - also we require the name of the person collecting each child.
For further information, please contact Lucy Davies via the Church Office (Knutsford 652251) or visit our website at www.pspk.co.uk