Stalbridge Pre School

Stalbridge Pre-School is a long-standing, committee-run, Ofsted-registered pre-school (EY419797) that has been providing high-quality childcare for children approximately between the ages of 2yrs and 5 yrs. We are proud to have moved into a purpose-built building situated on the Stalbridge Primary School site in Spring 2011, which has further strengthened our links with the Primary School while remaining independent. Our pre-school is committed to safeguarding the children in our care, and we provide a happy, safe, and stimulating environment where children make good progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Our Approach to Learning

At Stalbridge Pre-School, we offer a wide variety of free play in an enabling environment both indoors and out, fostering an 'in the moment' approach to extend children's learning by following their interests and offering interactions and enhancements to build on what children already know and can do. Our dedicated team of staff are all qualified to NVQ/NNEB level 3 or equivalent and regularly update their training. Each member of staff is a key person to a group of children, giving individual support, encouragement, and recording the progress and planning the next steps of learning for their key children. We share this information with parents through our Tapestry online learning journals.

Opening Times

The Pre-School operates during term times only, in line with Dorset LEA and Stalbridge Primary School dates. We are usually open when the school is closed for inset days. Stalbridge pre-school is open Monday - Friday from 8.45 am to 3.00 pm.

Safeguarding Policy

Stalbridge Pre-School is committed to safeguarding the children in our care. We follow the Pan Dorset Safeguarding Children procedures to ensure the safety and welfare of all children in our care.

Admissions

Stalbridge Pre-School aims to make the Pre-School accessible to all families in the local community. Children can attend the Pre-School from the term following their 2nd Birthday. We expect all children to attend 2 sessions per week on 2 different days (6 hours min) to help them form relationships with staff and peers as well as gain an understanding of boundaries and routines.

To enable us to allocate places fairly, we keep a waiting list with Name, DOB, expected starting, preferred days, and contact details. We allocate places according to date of birth and follow the criteria below for over-subscription:

1. Funded 3 and 4-year-olds already attending who are not claiming their full 15 hours funding (school year).

2. Funded 3 and 4-year-olds already attending who are not claiming their full 15 hours funding (next school year).

3. Un-funded 3-year-olds already attending who wish to increase hours.

4. 3 and 4-year-olds in our catchment area with siblings already attending.

5. 3 and 4-year-olds in our catchment area.

6. Funded 2-year-olds in our catchment area (ratio's permitting).

7. Un-funded 2-year-olds in our catchment area (ratio's permitting).

8. 3 and 4-year-olds out of our catchment area (hoping to attend the Stalbridge Primary School).

9. 3 and 4-year-olds out of our catchment area (not expected to attend Stalbridge Primary School).

10. Any 2-year-old out of our catchment area (ratio's permitting).

*For catchment area, please refer to the Dorset For You website guidance for Stalbridge Primary School.*

Attending Stalbridge Pre-School does not guarantee a place at Stalbridge Primary School. A Birth Certificate and proof of address will be requested prior to a place being allocated.

Extra Sessions

Where places are available, a form for extra sessions will be sent to parents/carers for children to increase sessions.