What Do I Need to Know Before my Child Starts at Southmead Pre - School?

Below is a list of things that your child will need while attending our setting.

- A named lunch box. Please remember to name all the pots and containers and food flasks too. We have a microwave so we can heat food if it is placed in a suitable named container. 
- A named water bottle.
- A named backpack / rucksack. 
- A named bag if you are sending in nappies, nappy sacks, wet wipes and spare clothes which can be kept at Pre-School while your child is toilet training.
- A pair of named wellington boots to change into for outdoor play which happens every day, for most of the day.
- A set of named waterproof dungarees or trousers and jacket.  
- A named waterproof or warm coat depending on the season.
- A named summer or winter hat.

Sunscreen - Please can you apply suncream to your child before they come into Pre - School to protect their skin as they will be outside for much of the day. You can now buy once a day application products that will protect your child.

Uniform - Our uniform is not mandatory however many children enjoy wearing it to be a visible part of our Pre-School and to help understand which day is a Pre-School day. Even though children wear aprons and outdoor suits they can still get paint or muck over themselves. We wear red sweatshirts, jumpers or cardigans and you can buy them at any of the supermarkets. You are also welcome to buy red checked, grey or black school dresses or joggers, shorts or trousers. 

Footwear - Please provide sensible shoes that your child will be able to take off and put on independently. We will of course help them until they learn this skill. Please note that flip flops and unsecured shoes are not allowed.  

Snacks - We provide cows milk or water for the children to drink at our morning snacks. Please provide a piece of fruit for your child to eat such as a banana, some types of berries, satsumas, mango, cucumber, tomatoes etc. 
To reduce the risk of choking please ensure that you cut items such as grapes, cucumber or tomatoes lengthways into strips so they cannot block your child's airways. 

Lunches - Children are encouraged to be independent and to learn about healthy choices. However we are a nut free environment to ensure that all of our children find the social experience of sitting together and eating a positive experience.

We have found that one slice of bread cut into two sandwiches, a small roll or a wrap is a good portion size for children.You might like to provide a yogurt, some cheese, a slice of pizza or breadsticks and a dip such as houmous. Please provide some fruit or vegetables. Pasta and beans are also good lunchbox fillers.

Can you also put a small ice block in your child's lunchbox and provide cutlery?  

You are welcome to send in food for us to re-heat in our microwave. Please ensure the container you provide is microwavable and is named. You may wish to send your child's meal in a hot food flask which is also welcome. 

We do not allow sweets, nuts including peanut butter spread or any kind of marshmallow. 

We encourage children to drink water but you can send in weak juice but once their bottles are empty they are re-filled with water from the tap. 

Nappies/ Pull-Ups - Our aim is to get all children toilet trained in partnership with yourself before starting school and as soon as they are able to.

If your child is still in nappies / pull ups when starting Pre-School, we ask that you supply a named bag of nappies / pull ups, a pack of nappy sacks and a pack of wet wipes. We do not provide these.

As the supply dwindles you will be asked to replenish.

Our children are changed in the bathroom area for privacy and to help them understand the link between the bathroom and toilet training. We encourage children to be changed on our child sized toilets but have a changing mat if needed.

Medicine / Illness -  If you need any medicine kept in Pre-School such as inhalers or epi -pens we will ask you to complete a form in order for our Staff to be able to administer the correct doses at the right times.

If your child has experienced an episode of sickness or an upset stomach they must stay away from Pre-School for 48 hours from the last episode of illness. This is because a germ can remain active and be passed on to others during this time.

Contact details - If you change telephone numbers or move, please remember to inform us so we can update our records for use in an emergency.

Arrivals and Departures - In the morning, please can you wait by the green double gates nearest to the main entrance. At the end of the day you are welcome to make your way over to Pre-School via any gate as they are all unlocked at 3pm.

Funding - If you are in receipt of the universal funding for 3 and 4 years or the 2 year old funding for families requiring additional support, you are entitled to 15 hours of childcare and education.

If you are eligible for the extended hours for 2, 3 and 4 year olds you are entitled to claim up to 30 hours of childcare and education per week. You must apply for this and also re-confirm your eligibility every three months. HMRC should send you a
reminder to do this although it is worth keeping a note yourself as this entitlement is time limited. 

Tax Free Childcare is where the Government will pay 20% towards childcare costs such as Pre-School, Child - minders or out of School clubs. This is based on a criteria list but it is worth looking to see if you would be eligible.  

Please visit The Best Start In Life Government website for more information.