Little Hearts Pre-school offers opportunities for children to play that are structured around the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to ensure that all children receive a quality experience that supports their development and learning. Children are welcome from 3 to 4 years old and will qualify for free child places from the term after their 3rd birthday.
We operate separately to the main school, but we are based within the Early Years hub at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. This allows our children a smooth transition from Pre-school to Reception class. Our aim is to provide affordable sessional care within the local community which offers a safe friendly stimulating environment. This in turn will help your child to develop & learn to their full potential. Within the playgroup opportunities for children to play are structured around the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to ensure that all children receive a quality experience that supports their development and learning.
We have a fantastic, light and spacious room located in the Fr Mathew’s Early Years Hub that can offer spaces for 21 children per session. Our resources, which include construction, small world, home corner, cosy book corner, mark making and art materials, are all at child level and are clearly labelled to allow our children to independently choose their play experiences to reflect their own interests and needs. As well as the classroom we have an outdoor area which offers plenty of play opportunities for our children to explore. Our children enjoy free-flow indoor / outdoor play in all weathers and we have suitable waterproof clothing when needed. Our sessions include a welcome time, free play inside and outdoors, small focus groups, carpet time (songs & stories) and snack time.
THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING THAT WE DO – We believe every child is unique and are constantly learning, becoming confident, resilient, capable and self-assured.
Morning Session | 9.00am – 12.00pm (including lunch session) |
Afternoon Session | 12.00pm – 3.00pm |
Our dedicated staff are all highly trained and experienced in childcare and child development. We offer a high staff to child ratio in our sessions. An experienced member of staff will be assigned as key person to your child when they first start our setting. The role of the key person is to build a relationship with you and your child making your child feel safe and cared for in our setting and acting as an accessible and available point of contact for yourself.
Our staff team bring with them many talents, skills and attributes. They have a wealth of experience, knowledge and encourage children to become confident and self-centered learners. Staff continuously update their training and seek out new opportunities to enhance the child’s learning and development. All of our staff are trained first aiders.
Anne Pilkington – Manager
Anne
Terri Jackson – Deputy Manager
Terri
Ellie Dobbin – Early Years Practitioner Level 3 (SEN
Ellie
Leanne Mitchell – Early Years Practitioner Level 3
Leanne
Little Hearts Pre-school requires that children wear a school uniform. Our uniform code has been designed to give pupils a sense of togetherness and team spirit so that they can feel proud to be part of the Pre-school.
Little Hearts Uniform Requirements
Uniform can be purchased from our provider either in store – Logos Unlimited, Unit 1, Sands Industrial Estate, Swalwell, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 3DJ (0191 488 4300) or online via http://www.logos-unlimited.co.uk
We will provide the children with a book bag. Please could you provide a pair of wellingtons for your child, to be left in Pre- school.
Additional Items:
Children will go outside in all weathers so please ensure that your child has a warm/waterproof coat, hat and mittens that are clearly labelled. Please label all uniform. We cannot be held responsible for lost items of clothing etc. You can find some great items to label uniform on the following websites: www.easy2name.com www.mynametags.com and www.carehomelabelco.com
Jewellery may not be worn. If you wish you child to have their ears pierced, we advise you to do so at the beginning of the summer holidays to give the ears time to heal before returning to school.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF SMARTNESS, CORRECT FOOTWEAR AND WEARING OUR UNIFORM WITH PRIDE!
We are an OFSTED registered pre-school, in our last inspection we were thrilled to be awarded “GOOD” in all areas! We were particularly proud that Ofsted commented that:
Parent/Guardian Feedback
“I knew from the moment I had my first phone conversation I knew my daughter would be in safe hands. You are caring and have a warmth that my daughter obviously loves.”
“Thank you all for everything you have done for my son, he has become an independent confident boy and it is a credit to all your hard work. Providing opportunities within a safe environment.
“Thank you for a fabulous year in pre-school. Our daughter loved every day and we are delighted with the progress she has made! Thank you for all the lovely experiences your giving her and preparing the for school! She talks about you all so positively and that’s testament to the love and care you’ve shown throughout the year!”
The Early Years Foundation Stage
Within Little Hearts Pre-school we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children learn best when they are are having fun in something they have chosen themselves. You can help your child learn at home with simple fun activities and by encouraging them to become more independent. Here are some ways which you might like to help your child learn at home
Communication and Language
Mathematical Development
Understanding of the World
Physical Development
Expressive Arts and Design
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is an exempt charity. It is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company registration number 07890590. The registered office address is Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education HQ, Barmston Court, Turbine Business Park, Nissan Way, Washington, SR5 3NY