Starting at St.Richards Pre-School
At St.Richards Pre-school we welcome children from the ages of 2 to 5 years. Children attend two sessions a week initially which can be increased gradually to five at your request, provided we have the space. In order to feel free to explore and experiment with all kinds of materials, including messy ones, it is best to send your child in clothes that are easily washable. We provide aprons for the messy activities. Simple clothing that they can handle themselves will enable them to go to the toilet unaided. We ask that you leave spare clothing in case of 'accidents'

Settling into Pre-school
At St. Richards Pre-school you are very welcome to stay with your child as long as necessary to settle them in. On arrival at the Pre-school your child will be shown where their coat, shoes and bags will go. They can then self-register by means of finding their name card and putting it into the 'hanging pockets'.When your child is fully settled into the Pre-school, we hope you will be able to stay for a morning. You will find this is a good insight into what your child achieves during the morning. The staff are committed to working with you to ensure that your child is happy with us at St. Richards Pre-school.

Snack time
At snack time the children are offered a drink of milk or water and various snacks. The snacks are varied daily - sandwiches, toast, crackers, cheese, fruit, vegetables, savoury biscuits and dips. We encourage the children to try different foods but if there is an allergy or something they really don't like, you should let us know.

Further Information
We have various ways of keeping you informed regarding the Pre-schools' activities. Newsletter - Every term you will receive a newsletter rregarding forthcoming events, topics, term dates etc. Notice board - This board is situated in the lobby and contains the latest information, insurance policy, etc. There is also a whiteboard inside the hall that is used for messages. Ask me about ......These are slips that can be used for you to write about any occasion or event that you would like your child to tell us about at Pre-school. They are in the lobby and they should be passed onto your child's keyworker.

Fire Drill
At Pre-school we hold regular fire drills, this ensures that the children are fully aware of the need to leave the building as quickly as possible to go to a safe place. Our place of safety is the Church from where we will notify you and ask you to collect your child. Details of our fire drill are on the notice board.

Fund Raising Committee
St. Richards Pre-school have an informal parents/carers fund raising committee that holds various events during the year. Meetings are held once a term for approximately 30 minutes. Being on the committee provides an excellent opportunity to become actively involved in the Pre-school.

Policies
We have a folder of policies that are available for you to see. They cover Admissions, Accidents and Incidents, Allergies and Allergic Reactions, Arrival and departure of the children, Behaviour management, Child protection and Safeguarding, Collection of children, Complaints procedure, Confidentiality, Curriculum, Equal opportunities, Fees and Funding, Food and Drink, Health and safety, Hygiene, Medication administration, Keyworker policy, Managing accidents and incidents, Missing child, Outings, Protection of children while in Pre-school, Protection of staff, Record keeping, Selecting equipment and toys, Settling into Pre-school, Sick child at pre-school, Special needs, Staffing and employment and Working with parents. The policies are always available for you to see.