Parent partnership

We believe that children benefit most from an early years education in which parents and the setting work in partnership. We acknowledge the integral role that parents play as their child’s first and most important educators.

We believe an open relationship between home and preschool enables us to have an holistic understanding of the child allowing us to meet their individual needs and support their family as appropriate. We operate an ‘open door’ policy and aim to support parents in confidence and with sensitivity.

 

Working together

  • We operate a key person system which facilitates a close working relationship with all parents and supports a two-way information sharing relating to each child’s individual needs, both in preschool and at home.

  • We will discuss and consider all parent’s suggestions that concern the care and learning of their child.

  • We respect the family’s religious and cultural backgrounds and beliefs and accommodate any special requirements wherever possible and practical to do so.

  • Each child’s journey at preschool starts with a comprehensive discussion with a manage and a key worker.

  • Staff are available to chat to every day though we ask that longer discussions be done at the end of session where possible.

  • Key workers report back to parents about their children regularly including feedback on development and sharing of their Learning Journey.

  • If key workers have any concern about the wellbeing or development of a child, they will share this with the parent so that the best support can be given. Staff will complete a 2 year check for each child that requires it, they will also organise 3 year integrated check with the Health Visitor, for both these reviews staff will engage the parents fully.

 

Events

  • A Stay and Play session is available each week for those children due to start with us, these sessions are free and run every Tuesday morning 9:15 – 10:30.

  • In the summer holidays and Easter break we offer regular stay and play sessions to our parents and children.

  • We hold a number of events throughout he year that families are invited to, from our Magical Woodland Walk at Christmas to our summer Sports Day.

 

Supporting families

  • Parents are offered enrichment sessions to encourage wellbeing from wreath making with the local flower club to working in our allotment or making biscuits for sale at events, these are held on different days each week to allow all parents the opportunity to join.

  • We work with a local counsellor and a child psychologist to assist in the wellbeing of our staff and they are also at times brought in to assist parents and families.

  • We hold SEND parent only events to allow these parents to get to know each other as a way to build a support network.

  • We offer learning opportunities for parents at coffee mornings with sessions giving advice on anything from trouble potty training to First Aid workshops, some are offered through existing staff or we get external agencies in such as Health Visitors or Autism Beds

  • We offer the opportunity for family enrichment with an annual pass to a local farm and bird of prey centre that allows parents to take their families free of charge.

  • We support parents in their own continuing education and personal development, informing them via email of relevant conferences, workshops and training available as well as inviting in external agencies for talks and training.

  • We promote opportunities for parents to come into the preschool to share their skills, knowledge or interests to support the children’s learning.

  • We offer parents the opportunity to share their interests with other parents at coffee mornings.

  • Parents in receipt of 2 year funding or EYPP are given a free set of waterproofs and offered discounts on events we hold, we also ensure they are added to CBC portal to receive the Government Household Grants.

 

Information sharing

  • Parents/carers must update all relevant personal details, relating to the family, when necessary. These include, change of address, phone numbers and emergency contacts., this is to ensure we provide efficient childcare in case of emergency.

  • No information about your child is shared without consulting you unless it puts a child at risk.

  • Policies are available on our website for parents to view, we also keep a paper copy in setting.

  • Regular surveys are sent out to gain parent feedback on preschool and aspects within it, responses are then fed back via email to parents including action taken as a result if appropriate.

  • We ask that parents respect confidentiality and do not write negative comments about the Clophill Preschool on any social networking sites, but rather that you approach us directly with any concerns. In addition, we ask that in the interest of safeguarding children, you do not publish photos from events, of children other than your own, online.

 

Communication

  • Parents can engage with staff in person in setting, or they can phone us or email

  • We have a Facebook page

  • We have a Parent Lending Library of useful books covering topics such as potty training and ASC

  • We hold a Dad’s week each year to encourage the participation of male role models

  • We hold Adventure Friday explore dates throughout the term for those considering joining us for those sessions

  • We offer open days throughout the year for those parents considering sending their children to us

Feb 23