FAQ's
Answers to questions you may have.
When does the Pre-School open?
The Pre-School is open 7.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday during term time 38 weeks per year.
What can I expect from
Cricklade Pre-School Playgroup?
You can expect us to offer a high-quality service and to carry out our duties in a highly professional manner always. Your child will be cared for by our staff who have a love of children and for education in a stimulating, nurturing and safe environment. You can also expect your child's emotional and physical needs will be catered for in a sensitive and caring manner. Staff are forward thinking and strive to keep up to date through training and gaining qualifications to understand child development at a high level.
What do I need to bring for my child?
Summer: Sun cream, sun hat.
Winter: Warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves/mittens and wellies.
All year round: We suggest you bring a change of clothes and if your child is in nappies then you need to bring spare nappies and wipes.
If you would like, we do have a uniform of a red sweatshirt or polo shirt.
They are available to order via a download on our Get In Touch page.
Please ensure all items of clothing and products are clearly named.
Do I need to provide lunch if my child stays all day?
Yes please.
We are trying to encourage healthy eating and would like to you to support us by not including sweets, fizzy drinks or chocolate bars in the lunch boxes.
The children will not be able to eat these if they are put in and they will be placed back in the lunch boxes for home time.
We know it can be difficult to know what to put in lunch boxes so here are a few suggestions:
Sandwiches, pasta salad, bread sticks or crackers. Other suggestions would be fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, rice cakes or raisins. You could also include a small biscuit or cake as a treat.
It is best not to put too much into the lunch box as this can be confusing for your child as to what to eat first.
Is snack provided?
We provide a snack each day for the children every mid-session. We offer a range of snacks including fresh fruit, vegetables, biscuits, bread and crackers. Each week we display the weekly range on offer on our noticeboards and on our Facebook page. Every child is also offered a choice of water or milk to drink.
We encourage children to drink plenty of fluids during their session. The children have a jug of water and cups throughout the day if your child wishes to have a drink.
When and how are fees to be paid?
You will be invoiced at the start of each term for that terms sessions. This invoice should then be paid during the first two weeks of term. Details of how to pay will be placed on the bill and if you experience any difficulties paying your fees, please talk to our Manager.
Do I pay fees when my child is not at Pre-School?
Children that are hospitalised overnight for any period of time will not incur any fees. However, proof of hospitalisation will be required.
All other absences, such as short-term illnesses and holiday will still be payable.
Am I able to book additional sessions?
Yes. If you wish to book additional or amend your sessions then this is usually done at the start of a new term. To record your wishes please speak to the Pre-School Manager or Deputy and they will check availability and arrange the start date of the new times. If session times need to be changed mid-term please speak to our Manager who will try and accommodate any changes you require.
Hours are offered on a flexible basis, but children are encouraged to attend on at least two days to help them settle and mix.
What do I do if my child does not settle in?
Each child approaches change slightly differently and we want to make the settling in process as gentle and easy as possible.
We can provide flexible ‘settling-in’ sessions where you or another carer can come with your child ahead of them officially starting. This allows them to gain confidence in their new surroundings while having the comfort of a familiar face. These visits also provide the opportunity for parents and carers to see how our Pre-School works, learn about our varied activities and get to know our staff.
On settling into the Pre-School, your child will be allocated a Key Person who will build a relationship with your child and create a Learning Journey of planning and development for the duration of your child’s stay with us. They are responsible for the emotional well-being and educational needs of your child.
If we have any concerns about your child we will always ring and discuss these concerns with you.
What do I do if my child is sick?
If your child becomes ill at Pre-School or they are feeling unwell, we will contact you by phone asking you to come and collect your child as soon as possible. If you are unavailable, we will leave you a message and contact the next person on the emergency contact list supplied upon registration.
If your child is sick and unable to attend we ask that you telephone us and let us know. We have a strict no return policy for 48 hours after sickness or diarrhoea.
What happens if I am late collecting my child?
It is vital that you contact Pre-School as soon as possible to ensure we can plan to care for your child.
If you do need to contact us please call us on 01793 750817.
Who can collect my child from Pre-School?
We will not release any child into the care of any person that has not been authorised by you. Please, can you let us know at the start of the session who, in your absence, will be collecting your child at the end of that session. We will ask you to sign the diary to give permission for your child to be collected.
We cannot allow anyone under the age of 16 to collect your child.
In the unlikely event of a child not being collected, staff will contact the main contacts from the registration document. If we have no success we will then call the emergency contacts as indicated. For this reason, it is vital to inform us if any of your Emergency Contact Details change.
If my child is injured, will I be told?
Yes. Although we do our best to prevent accident from happening within Pre-School sometimes a child will suffer a knock or an accident.
Any injury, however minor will be recorded in our Accident Book and you are asked to sign on collection. This shows exactly what happened, when and what treatment was given to your child.
Do you have policies and procedures?
You can download all our policies from our website using the link below.
Hard copies are available within the Pre-School’s lobby for you to view at any time.
If you require assistance, please ask a member of staff.