Leapfrogs - Pre School

Leapfrogs Pre-School is a separate charitable foundation which is situated within the premises of Hormead Primary School.

We believe that enjoyable play is essential to children, as this is the medium through which they learn and develop.

Our Aims

* To provide a happy stimulating environment within a structural framework.
* To build confidence.
* To encourage independence.
* To develop language and communication skills.
* To understand the importance of good behaviour and good manners.
* To create habits of listening and concentration.

Our Objectives
To enable children:

* To leave parents/carers happily.
* To join in group activities.
* To experience an introduction to Jolly Phonic sounds.
* To recognize colours, numbers and shapes.
* To appreciate the value of books and be able to listen to stories.
* To interact effectively with other children and adults.

Staff
We employ experienced staff who have proven ability in achieving our aims and objectives. In addition, staff have appropriate qualifications and a wealth of experience.

Admissions
We take children from two years old.

The pre-school allocates places on a first come, first served basis and we maintain a waiting list which allows to allocate places as soon as they become available.

We recommend that your child attends at least two sessions per week and then builds up the sessions as they approach nursery stage.

Moving into the Nursery
The children who attend Leapfrogs Preschool move into the main school nursery at 3 and a half years old. To provide a smooth transition these children receive regular visits from the nursery staff and also visit the nursery class before they start.

Parents may contact the main school office either in person, by telephone - 01763 289942 or email admin@hormead.herts.sch.uk.

Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities group and we do not discriminate against any adult or child.

Discipline
We believe that children flourish best in an atmosphere of care and respect, and in an orderly environment.

If a child misbehaves they will be spoken to on a one-to-one basis and it will be explained to them why their behaviour is unacceptable, respecting the child's level of understanding and maturity. Care is taken to praise and endorse good behaviour that we see as desirable, so that there is no risk of children receiving adult attention only in return for undesirable behaviour.

Illness
Please do not send an unwell child to school. If your child has a contagious illness, you must have clearance from your family doctor before the child is allowed to return. If your child has been sick or has had diarrhoea you must keep them away from school for at least 24 hours.
Please remember, an unwell child at preschool is not a happy one.

Settling In
Some children may take a while to settle in to preschool life. Parents should be assured that we will contact you if we feel your child is becoming so distressed to a point of not settling at all during the session. Always remember to say goodbye to your child and that you will return to collect them later.

All children need to have a pair of indoor shoes to change into on arrival; they may be left at school on your child's allocated peg.

Toilet accidents do happen, so please supply spare clothes, nappies, wipes, etc.

Arrivals and Departures
The safety of your child is of paramount importance to us. Please bring your child into the classroom and if your child is to be collected by someone other than yourself or a recognised carer, please notify a member of staff.

Playtime
On wet days when the children can't use our outdoor play area, we have the use of the school hall. The children have a large variety of equipment to use during their playtime.

Child Protection
Leapfrogs preschool works in partnership with parents and respects confidentiality, however the Children Act 1989 places clear responsibility on childcare education establishments to ensure they work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. As a result, if concerns are raised within the group we cannot guarantee confidentiality and concerns may have to be reported to social services. This is in line with government and Hertfordshire County Council policy.

Policy Statements
Available to view in our policy folder.

Morning Schedule
9.00am-10.15am: General free play (including messy play- playdough, cutting, sticking, painting, and drawing). Learning opportunities: fine motor skills, speaking, listening
10.15am-10.30am: Drink/discussion time. Learning opportunities: personal and social skills, speaking, developing imagination, knowledge and understanding of the world
10.30am-11.15am: Physical play/music/movement/daily activity. Learning opportunities: gross motor skills, develop imagination
11.15am-12noon: Story/song time. Learning opportunities: listening skills, literacy and numeracy skills, observation skills
12noon: End of session

We offer lunch time and afternoon sessions.

Leapfrogs is registered with Social Services and OFSTED.

Our direct telephone - 01763 289942