Benenden Pre-School Playgroup
the On-line Prospectus

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Benenden Pre-School Playgroup  -  is a non-profit making organisation, relying on the close involvement of parents and carers. We are run by an elected committee of parents, holding an AGM each May. We are members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, registered for full day care with Ofsted, and are also a Registered Charity.

Session Times  -  Playgroup is held every weekday between 9 am and 12 noon for children of pre-school age, and we are fully insured for this period. Children may start for two Sessions each week as soon as they are 2½ years old, increasing if required to a maximum of five Sessions a week at the age of 3.

School Transfer  -  We have a very close relationship with Benenden C E Primary School, and most of our children transfer there. Our children visit the Reception Class during the term before starting school, and we also enjoy regular visits from the reception class teacher and pupils.

Supervisor  -  Our children are in the care of a qualified Supervisor, who is responsible for all activities. Each day the Supervisor is helped by at least one qualified Assistant, and by other adult helpers on a rota system.

Fees  -  £9.00 per child per morning, payable in advance, weekly, half-termly, or preferably termly. We also ask for an initial 'Registration Deposit' of £5.00 per child, but there will be a corresponding reduction of £5.00 in your first Term's fees.

Rota  -  In order to run smoothly, we need the co-operation of all parents or carers, who should help at least twice each term, depending on how often their child attends. This voluntary help contributes a great deal to the success of our group, and is important to help keep down costs. However, if this causes particular problems, special alternative arrangements can usually be made.

Parent Support Groups  -  We run a scheme whereby each committee member liaises closely with a small number of parents, helping to ensure the closest possible communications.

Keyworker System  -  Each member of staff acts as a 'Keyworker' with special responsibility for a small number of children, ensuring that the particular needs of every child are recognised through close observation and monitoring of progress. Your Keyworker will liaise closely with you, to provide individual care and attention for your child.

A Typical Morning  -  Starts with Registration just after 9 am when we talk about the theme of the day. This is followed by free play and arts & crafts until about 10.15 am, when the children help to tidy up the Main Room before washing their hands in preparation for the mid morning break. When the children have settled down around the snack tables we look at the Weather Board as we discuss the day, date and month.

The children take it in turns to count how many cups are needed, and to collect a tray with the correct number of cups and a jug. Milk or water and a varied snack are provided, and special cultural and dietary needs can be met by arrangement.

After break the children choose a library book and look at it until it is time to go into the other room for 'Story Time', when we all read a book together.

After this we have nursery rhymes, PE, etc., according to the 'Weekly Programme' curriculum plan displayed on the Notice Board, which details the planned activities for the week within the current week's learning goals.

We then go outside, encouraging the children to put on their own coats and boots. If it is raining we set up the indoor climbing frame, and either the trampoline or our 'adventure play' blocks. Finally, we return upstairs for a 'goodbye song' before going home.

Our Aim  -  Is to provide a safe and happy environment, where child-centered activities enable our children to learn the following:
  1. To make the step of leaving parents or carers a gradual and happy experience.
  2. To be able to make their needs known, and to have confidence that unfamiliar adults will be able to help them.
  3. To be able to sit quietly for a while and listen to a story.
  4. To be able to recognise their own clothes, shoes, etc.
  5. To be able to dress and undress, particularly shoes and coats.
  6. To share toys and to play in groups.
  7. To explore as many aspects of sensory play as possible.
  8. To use scissors, pencils and crayons correctly.
  9. To enjoy talking, and to build a wider vocabulary.
  10. To be able to recognise, and later to write, their own name.
  11. An introduction to 'pre-Science' and 'pre-Maths' skills, including recognising numbers to 10, and counting to 20.
  12. To recognise and name basic shapes, and all basic colours.
  13. To develop hand/eye co-ordination and physical ability, with proper control of both small and large muscles.
  14. To be introduced to the wider world through outings, visits, and themed activities.
Our Objective  -  Is to ensure that, by the time our children transfer to compulsory education, they have made good progress in all six of the 'early learning goals' which have been identified by the DfES.

Afternoon Sessions  -  When numbers permit, we also run special Afternoon Sessions, just for four (and 'rising-4') year olds, where we introduce these children to a more structured curriculum.

Outings  -  Each summer, we arrange a day trip to a destination which specialises in providing for 'early years' groups. From time to time we also arrange shorter outings to local places of interest, such as our spring visit to a sheep farm to look at the lambs, and an autumn walk in Hempsted Forest. We are always grateful for the help of willing adults on these trips, as our policy requires a ratio of one adult to two children on all outings.

Open Day  -  This is a very enjoyable day, usually on the first Saturday in July. The children's work is on display, and they perform a small entertainment for parents, relatives, carers and friends.

Fund Raising  -  As a voluntary organisation, we have several fund-raising events each year, such as a Jumble Sale and a Christmas Bazaar; the committee also hosts a social lunch every June, and a 'Christmas party' for the children in December. Such events are an important part of our philosophy, helping to build a sense of friendship and community, as well as generating some of the extra income needed to help keep our fees as low as possible.

Settling In  -  Some children do not settle in quite as easily as others, and may need a parent or carer to stay with them for a while to start with. Please feel free to do this; in time, your child will be happy to stay on their own.

Information  -  There is a Notice Board in the 'Messy' Room, with all our news and information. Please look at it regularly, so that you know what is going on, as well as to find out about any courses or publications which may be of interest to you. We also distribute a regular Newsletter, to keep you updated and informed.

Clothing  -  Please ensure that all outdoor clothing is clearly marked with your child's name, especially boots and shoes. Boots should be brought in a boot bag, NOT a plastic bag. Each child should bring in a small hand towel, which is clearly named and has a hanging loop attached. In order to avoid small anxieties when going to the toilet on their own, it is advisable to dress your children in clothing that they can easily manage themselves. As we have no facilities for nappy changing, all children need to be toilet trained before they join us.

Car Park  -  There is a car park at the rear of the building, which you should always use, as the main road is busy and dangerous. We have been asked by the Police not to park on the road.

Safety  -  As soon as they arrive in the morning, all parents or carers should mark their children in to the Register, and at the end of the morning a Supervisor will mark them out. We only release children to adults specifically authorised by you to collect them. In the interests of the safety of all our children, please make sure that you always shut all gates securely behind you.

Fire Drill  -  Our premises are inspected annually by the Fire Safety Officer. Fire Drills are carried out frequently, so that every child participates in one at least twice every term. This aims to ensure that all children and helpers are aware of exactly what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. The Fire Regulations and Fire Drill are on prominent display in the Playgroup Rooms, and copies are given to all new parents - You may view them now [Click Here] - using your Browser's 'Back' button to return to this page. A telephone is installed, for emergency use only.

Infectious Diseases  -  If your child is suffering from, or has been in contact with, any contagious diseases such as chicken pox, measles, mumps, diarrhoea, etc., or from head lice, we must be notified immediately, and the child kept away until completely free from infection, or as advised by your doctor.

Policies  -  We have specific Policies for many aspects of pre-school life, and these are all in the Policy Booklet which is given to new parents/carers. These Policies are also available on-line [Click Here] and are displayed on the Notice Board in the Playgroup Rooms. They include:- Admissions; Behaviour and Discipline; Confidentiality; Equal Opportunities; Health, Hygiene and Safety; Parental Involvement; Training and Induction of Staff and Parents.

Conclusion  -  We are here to provide a secure environment in which your child can mix with other children and get used to being away from home for a short time. Always be positive about it, and if we can help you in any way with a problem, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Toddler Group  -  We have close links to the village Toddler Group which is open, at nominal cost, to all accompanied children under school age. The Toddler Group is held on Thursday afternoons from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm in our rooms.

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