WELCOME TO CHRISTOW FOUNDATION STAGE UNIT
PRESCHOOL INFORMATION
We actively promote emotional and social well-being, in partnership with parents/carers who are seen as experts on their children. All children are equally valued as unique individuals and are helped to reach their learning potential, within a nurturing environment. Children are encouraged to be independent learners and to have an active role in their learning journey.
Play-based learning for children aged two years old until they start school
Excellent links with Christow Primary School with many opportunities to integrate into school life where appropriate e.g. sports day, harvest festival, charity events, assemblies, some trips etc.
Fun and friendship with other children and adults
High quality education and care for children in a safe and caring environment
Individual attention for your child in a warm and nurturing setting
A purpose built facility within the Christow Primary School site
A new outdoor learning environment at our Forest School
A wonderful range of indoor and outdoor toys and games to cater for all interests and abilities
A quiet area with a wide range of books
Lots of role play facilities
Creative/structured art activities every day
An enclosed safe ‘desert island’ garden and a large outdoor play area
A covered deck area allowing all weather access to the outdoors and activities such as sand and water and music making.
A kitchen area for cooking activities
Use of the school’s playgrounds, halls and other facilities
FOREST SCHOOL
Christow Pre-school is delighted to offer Forest School sessions for all children attending the Pre-school. Following a successful Big Lottery Fund award, we have developed a purpose built Forest School site adjacent the Pre-school building.
The site includes a fire pit, sheltered area, bug hotel, mud kitchen and tree house. We have one level 3 qualified Forest School teacher and offer sessions all year around in this superb outdoor learning environment.
The Forest School ethos is based around the idea of children learning to take responsibility for their surrounding environment and inspires children to grow in confidence, self-esteem and independence; we feel it also greatly enriches a child’s Pre-school experience.
It is our aim to make our Pre-school accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community, with priority given to children within the school catchment area. However, if there is a waiting list, this is operated in order of date of birth to give each child the opportunity to attend. Please note that attendance at the unit is not a guarantee of a place at Christow Primary School.
How to apply
To apply to Christow Pre-school, please contact the School office on 01647 252542 or email Jenna Collins on reception@christowprimary.org.uk and we will arrange a time for you to come and visit and discuss your child’s requirements.To view the over subscription criteria click here
STARTING PRE SCHOOL
Every new child receives a visit at home from a member of our staff and the Pre-school Leader. This gives us the chance to get to know more about your child in their own home environment and can make a very big difference to how they feel about coming to the Pre-school.
Children are welcome to attend some taster sessions in the weeks before starting and parents/carers are encouraged to accompany them. These mornings are aimed at giving your child a gentle introduction to the people and the Pre-school environment and a chance for the parents to help ensure their child is happy and confident.
A child who is anxious or unhappy will not be able to play or learn properly so we are keen to work closely with parents/carers to ensure your child feels happy and secure.
We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. We also run a lunch club everyday 12 to 1. Children are welcome to have one of our school meals which is cooked on site. £2.00 per lunch. You are able to choose sessions to suit you and your child. Ask our Pre-school leader about availability.
We believe that care and education are equally important in the experience which we offer children. The routines and activities that make up the Pre-school session are provided in ways that:
Help each child to feel that he/she is a valued member of the group.
Ensure the safety of each child.
Help children to gain from the social experience of being part of a group.
Provide children with opportunities to learn and help them value learning.
We organise our sessions so that the children can choose from, and work at, a range of activities and, in doing so, build up their ability to select and work through a task to its completion. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult-led small and large group activities, which introduce them to new experiences and help them to gain new skills, as well as helping them to learn to work with others.
BABY AND TODDLER GROUP
Christow Babies and Toddler Group is hosted at the pre-school on Fridays from 9.30am -11.30am. This informal and friendly session provides a stimulating environment for little ones and as well as an opportunity for parents/carers to chat and meet other like-minded individuals. Each week we have a craft or messy play activity followed by singing. Coffee and tea is provided for grown-ups and a snack for little ones.
This is a great opportunity for children to get used to the pre-school setting before they are old enough to attend.
Prices are £2.50 for first sibling (over 1 year old) with each further sibling 50p. Babies under one are £1.50.
For more information please call main reception on 01647 252542
Some two year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of free early learning under the governments 2together funding.
Christow Pre-school is a registered provider of 2together funding. Please see Devon County Council’s website for further details as to whether you are eligible:
All three and four year olds are entitled to free pre-school education under the government’s nursery voucher scheme. This allows up to 15 hours per week for up to 38 weeks a year. If they haven’t received 2together funding, your child is eligible for Early Years Educational Funding in the term AFTER their 3rd birthday. See below:
Before 31st March Summer (after Easter Holidays)
Before 31st August Autumn (after Summer Holidays)
Before 31st December Spring (after Christmas Holidays)
Fees for additional hours/non funded are now £4.50 per hour.
Lunch Club is £2.00 per child.
Childcare Vouchers
If you are having to pay for your child to attend Pre-School, either because they are not yet three and eligible for funding or because you have exceeded your 15 hours of allocated funding then you should be able to reduce your childcare costs by using childcare vouchers.
The Childcare Voucher Scheme allows your employer to pay you in Childcare Vouchers prior to tax being taken off through a salary sacrifice scheme.
If you would like more information please see either the Pre-School leader or ask your employer for details of the scheme.
You may now also be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare. For more information on how to apply please click here
CHRISTOW COMMUNITY PRE SCHOOL
CONTACT US
If you have any further questions or would like to arrange a visit to see us in action, then please contact the school office by phone on 01647 252542 or via email on reception@christowprimary.org.uk
Christow Pre-school
C/o Christow Primary School
Dry Lane
Christow
Exeter
EX6 7PE