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Curiculum Vitae
Location
GENERAL INFORMATION
St Peter's Hall is located down a quiet backwater near
SCHOOL SESSIONS
The year is divided into three terms. Each term has a half term holiday of one
weeks duration.
Morning Sessions: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Full day Sessions: 9.00 am - 3.00 pm
SCHOOL FEES
All fees are payable in advance on or before the first day of each term.
For current fees and updated prospectus please call 01344 882942
THE MONTESSORI CHILD
Maria Montessori believed that the first six years of a child's life are
crucial to their future development.
We aim to provide quality care in a Montessori environment which will give your
child the freedom to learn in controlled surroundings with materials which
enable them to correct themselves. We are there to guide the child. The
Directress presents materials and activities as models for imitation but then
allows the child to make his/her own discoveries.
Our Practical Life activities will enable your child to gain control of his/her
own world. From simple pouring exercises to more complicated tying and
threading activities, your child will learn in an uncomplicated pressure free
environment.
The Sensorial activities lay the foundations for maths, language and science.
Maria Montessori advocated the phonic approach to reading and writing and most
children seem able to master the written language by the age of four.
Not only are Montessori mathematics materials stimulating and original, they
really do work. Sandpaper numerals enable the children to feel, see and hear what
they are doing and from there they will progress easily on to more complicated
and thought provoking exercises.
We hope to develop a moral awareness in our children.
Exercises in courtesy, tolerance, trust and respect are all important. Through our calm, firm but patient manner, we
will help our children achieve self discipline and motivation. In addition, our
rules aim to help children develop respect for the needs of others. Children
will be encouraged and praised in recognition of good behaviour, i.e. sharing
and helping others.
The children will also benefit from a certified Funfit programme, Music &
Movement, singing, cookery and art and will be encouraged to participate in our
gardening activities.
Little Acorns also follows the Early Years Foundation
stage curriculum which is split into six areas of learning; Personal, Social
and Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Problem
Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding, Physical
Development and Creative Development.
Written records will be kept on
each child. These records help staff
develop the various skills in the appropriate way. Observations are also done
on a regular basis; these achievements are then recorded in their
“Learning and Development Story”, which is updated regularly. All
records will be kept confidential and are available for any parent to see on
request. A Foundation Stage Transfer document will be completed with parents’
co-operation and will be forwarded to the child’s next school.
A register has to be kept of the
children's attendance, please inform the school if your child is unable to
attend.
You must provide a password to
allow another person other than the main carer to collect your child at the end
of a session. We must also be
informed in advance.
.
Little Acorns pursues a policy of equal opportunities and encourages all
children between the ages of two and a half and five years regardless of sex,
ethnic origin and disability. Special needs of children arising from the ethnic
origin or religious beliefs is recognised and respected. Val Duffy is our named
special needs co-ordinator.
No humiliating, aggressive or frightening methods
will be used; a non authoritarian approach will be used at all times.
Finally, an anti-bullying policy
is in place should a problem arise.
.
If any other than the main carer is collecting your child at the end of a
session, we must be informed in advance.
Please note. fees are payable on the first day of
each term. No refund can be made for
absence due to holiday or sickness; neither can days be made up retrospectively
for these reasons. One terms notice in writing is required when your child is
moving on to their next school or fees are payable for the following term.
Regular inspections of the nursery premises and
equipment are made to ensure that they meet fire and safety regulations. The
nursery is fully insured; insurance certificates can be inspected in the main
entrance of the nursery. Any accidents that occur in the nursery are recorded
and parents’ are asked to read and sign our accident book. If an incident
happens at home, this can also be recorded in the book.
Little Acorns will provide a varied and nutritious snack at break time. This
will consist of maybe fruit, cheese, sandwiches or biscuits together with a
drink of milk, water or squash.
Once children have settled into the school
environment they may for a small extra charge bring a lunch box and remain at
school until 1.30 p.m. This then leads naturally into a full day session.
Any child suffering from a sore throat, eye discharge, vomiting or diarrhoea,
or a doubtful rash should be kept at home until a Doctor has certified
otherwise. If a child becomes unwell whilst at school, every effort will be
made to contact the Parents or the person listed as the emergency carer.
Permission is requested from parents that emergency first aid and/or hospital
treatment will be administered if necessary. Permission is also requested to
change children's clothing should it become necessary.
Little Acorns follows the procedures laid down by the
Berkshire Local Safeguarding Children Boards Child Protection Procedures 2006.
Any Playgroup or Day Nursery staff
who become suspicious that a child may be the subject of abuse must discuss
with the designated person (Michelle Tuddenham) or person in charge who will in
turn inform the duty officer at the Children’s Social Care Office
immediately.
Little Acorns is registered within the Early Years
Partnership and a reduction in fees is made the term following your
child’s third birthday. To qualify for this grant
Little Acorns is also regularly
inspected by Ofsted which ensures that children in our setting are; safe
well cared for
take part in activities that help them
develop and learn
A copy of the latest inspection
report can be found on the Ofsted website;
www.ofsted.gov.uk/childcare.
Little Acorns was also accredited
by the Pre-School Learning Alliance in October 2004 which gives us Investors in
Children status.
REGISTRATION
If you require a place to be reserved for your child, please complete and
return the registration form which can be found within this website.
With the completed registration form, we will require a cheque for £100.00 made
payable to Little Acorns Montessori.
The £100.00 is compiled as follows:-
£50 Registration fee - Non refundable (includes 1 x T-Shirt, 1 x Sweatshirt and
a school bag)
£50 Deposit - This will be refunded when your child leaves.
If you decide not to take up the place this fee is non refundable
