At Helpston Pre-School, we understand that choosing the right early years setting is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. We are passionate about providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child feels happy, secure, and confident to learn.

Our practice is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Ofsted requirements, ensuring high-quality teaching, care, and safeguarding for all children. Practitioners observe children every day to understand their interests, strengths, and next steps in learning. These observations are recorded in your child’s Tapestry Learning Journal, allowing you to share in their achievements and special moments.

For children aged 2–3 years, we complete the statutory Progress Check at Age two in the three Prime Areas:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Physical Development
  • Communication and Language

For children aged 3-4 years, we support them across all seven areas of learning and development:

Prime Areas and Specific Areas

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

Our activities are play-based, child-led, and carefully planned to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. This helps us identify how your child is developing and how we can support them both in the setting and at home.

When your child joins us, they are assigned a Key Person who builds a strong, trusting bond. Your child’s Key Person plans learning opportunities based on their interests and individual needs, helping them feel safe, valued, and confident every day. Within the first 8 weeks, you will receive a Settling in report, and be invited to meet with your child’s Key Person to talk about your child’s progress and wellbeing. We believe parents are partners in learning—you know your child best, and together we can help them reach their full potential.

We keep you closely involved in your child’s learning and wellbeing through:

  • Daily handovers at pick-up time
  • Tapestry updates and photos
  • Regular parent meetings

Settling-In Visits

We offer two settling-in visits to help your child feel happy, safe, and confident in their new environment.

First visit – 1 hour (with a parent or carer)

You and your child will be warmly welcomed by their key person, who will be there to support you from day one. This visit is a gentle introduction to the setting, routines, and familiar faces.

Second visit – 2 hours

During the second visit, we invite you to stay until your child feels settled and comfortable. Depending on your child’s feelings and readiness, you may choose to leave them for the remainder of the session, as long as they are happy and relaxed.

Our settling-in sessions are designed to make the transition smooth, reassuring, and enjoyable for both you and your child.

Your Child’s Wellbeing at the Playhouse

At the Playhouse, your child’s happiness and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every child has a comfortable, settled, and enjoyable day while in our care.

To help us support your child in the best way possible, it is really helpful for us to know about anything that may affect their day at pre-school. Even small changes can make a big difference to how a child feels.

Whether it’s a change in routine, a family event, or something that might impact your child’s mood or behaviour, please do not hesitate to let us know. By keeping us updated, we can offer the right care, reassurance, and support to help your child feel safe, understood, and happy throughout the day.

Things that are helpful for us to know include:

  • If your child hasn’t slept well, woke up very early, or is feeling tired.
  • If they have needed Calpol or are feeling a little under the weather.
  • If they haven’t eaten breakfast.
  • Any changes in routine (for example, a parent travelling for work).
  • Family events or changes at home.
  • A busy, stressful, or emotional morning.
  • Anything else you feel may affect how your child feels or behaves that day.

Please remember, there’s no such thing as too much information. Sharing these details helps us create a calm, nurturing environment and ensures your child has the best possible start to their day at pre-school.

Thank you for working in partnership with us.

School Readiness

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