Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pre-school? How does it differ from a nursery or a playgroup?

Our pre-school is run by the parents, is a registered charity and runs sessions for a maximum of 2 1/2 hours. It caters for children from the age of 2 1/2 years to 4 years. A private nursery is run by an individual person and caters for children from the age of 0 to 4 years. It opens all day and takes children for longer sessions.

How long has First Step Pre-school been established?

First Step Pre-school was established in 1970.

How many children are there at a session?

That will vary depending on which session your child will attend. 2 1/2 year olds maximum 12 children ,3 year olds maximum 18 children, Pre-schoolers (rising 5s) maximum 20 children.

How many adults are there?

Afternoon sessions - 3 adults, Morning sessions - 4 adults. The legal ratio is: 3 years and upwards 1 adult to 8 children, 2 1/2 year olds 1 adult to 4 children.

What qualifications do the staff have?

All of our staff are qualified or working towards their qualifications. The range of qualifications of the staff range from IPP, CPP, DPP, NVQ levels 2, 3 and 4.

Do I stay with my child?

No. The only time you will need to stay with your child will be the visit, which will happen just before your child begins pre-school.

Do I have to help out at pre-school?

No you do not have to help out at preschool but it is a chance for you to see what your child does and who your child plays with.

How many sessions will my child attend?

This will depend on which session your child attends. If your child attends the 2 1/2 or 3 year old sessions your child would attend 2 afternoon sessions per week. If your child attends the pre-school sessions, the number the child attends can vary from 3 sessions to 5 sessions.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

No your child does not have to be potty trained. All you need to do is put your child in pull up pants - we will help support you with potty training if necessary. However, we do request that your child is out of nappies by the time they attend their pre-school year.

Will my child automatically progress from 2.5 Club upwards?

No your child will not automatically progress from the 2 1/2 session, this will depend on how many children are in the 3 year old session, as we only have places for 18 children. However, your child will automatically move to the preschool session the year before they start school.

How much will it cost me?

The costs vary depending, which session your child attends, 2 1/2 year old sessions - £6.80 per session. 3 year old session and pre-school session - £8.50 per session.

How do I pay?

You will receive a payment envelope at the beginning of every half term stating how much you owe. You put your payment in that envelope and return it to preschool. However, if you are finding difficulty in paying you can speak to the pre-school leader.

What are the opening hours?

Our opening hours are: pre-school sessions 9.00*/9.15am - 11.30*/11.45am The 2 1/2 year old sessions 1.00pm - 3.00pm and the 3 year old sessions 12.30pm - 3.00pm However, there are staff on site from 8.45am until 3.15pm if you have any enquiries.

How is the admissions list managed?

The admissions list is done in birth date order, then siblings order.

Is there a keyworker system in place?

Yes we do run a keyworker system. Every child will be allocated a keyworker as soon as they start at the pre-school.

How are children monitored and assessed?

As soon as the child starts at the Pre-school they begin their 'Learning Story'. By carefully observing and recording in their Learning Stories what the child can do, we can see what the child needs to do next and are able to plan effectively for this.

Will my child be guaranteed a place at Crossways Infant School or Christ the King school if they attend the pre-school at that site?

No, whilst we are situated in the grounds of these schools this IN NO WAY guarantees automatic entry into either of the schools. You will have to apply individually in the October the year before your child starts school through South Gloucestershire Council. Children can attend either of the pre-school sites and this makes no difference as to which school they can eventually attend.

*CTK site

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