The Scout Hut is located close to Kingsclere Primary School, which is our main feeder school, and with whom we enjoy close links. The Headteacher at Kingsclere has embraced the need for a smooth transition for the children starting school. Our preschool has developed good relationships with the Early Years teaching staff and with other cluster Primary Schools too. On Tuesday mornings we have an opportunity to take our older children around the village where they can engage with their local community such as buying snack from the shop or making sure the ducks don’t go hungry.

We promote our children’s learning through play by providing a range of resources to peak interests and rotating toys to extend play opportunities. Our spacious room is split into two separate learning areas, the Caterpillar Area and the Butterfly Area.

The Caterpillar Area -This area is for the younger children aged 2 to 3. We aim to provide rich language opportunities to support early speech development. This is encouraged through sensory play (shaving foam/gloop), singing, floor based activities and use of age appropriate cause and effect resources. Some of our caterpillars choose to nap at various points throughout the day which are accommodated in our comfy dome.

The Butterfly Area - This area is for the older children aged 3 to 4 who will be going to school. The role within the Pre-School is to prepare the older children for their transition into Reception class. We aim to prepare the children with good communication skills, understanding of right and wrong, how to approach problem solving and promote independence skills.

All staff are responsible for a number of key children. This means they form good relationships with the children and their families, ensuring that observation, assessment and planning is aimed at individual children. We encourage children to be aware of their likes and dislikes as well as of their achievements, as we have found this to boost their self esteem and sense of self. We understand the importance of building relationships with children and their families which will help promote and develop wellbeing.

Our children are encouraged to help prepare snacks, wipe tables and clear away plates. Fruit is donated by a local shop and we are very appreciative of occasional donations of healthy snack options from home. Snack time is a sociable experience where the children sit together to eat and drink. They are encouraged to select their food choice and serve themselves, promoting their independence.

We encourage parents to become actively involved in some way with the preschool. Parents are given regular opportunities to contribute to the continuing improvement of our preschool by expressing their views. Sharing learning and development with parents can be difficult when they are not present at drop off or pick up time. In order to help with this, we send out information via a closed social media page, newsletters, the child’s communication book and a parent information booklet (which you can request).

Our preschool is fully inclusive and we welcome all of our families with open arms. Every child is important to us and we strive to do our best for their continuing development. The Special Educational Need Co-Ordinator (SENCO) works with staff and other professionals to provide the level of support children may need, in order to achieve their full potential. Over the years we have supported many families and have built fantastic relationships with outside agencies such as Speech and Language Therapy, Portage and Health Visitors. Kingsclere Preschool is registered with EMTAS (Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service) who offer support to groups and families from the Traveller community and those who speak English as an additional language