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Crich Pre-school

Week days from 9.15 to 12.15. Children can attend from the age of 2½.

It has been a very busy few months seeing a lot of change at the Pre-School. Sadly our Pre-School leader, Vanessa, had to leave due to ill health. Replacing her jointly in the role are Tracie and Helen who have both worked at the Pre-School for many years. They have finally caved in to everyone’s pleas for them to take the role – we know they will do a fantastic job. This left a vacancy for a Pre-School assistant which has been filled by Sadie Hartshorne, whom many of you will know from her working at Costcutter. She has helped out at Pre-School many times and was Chairperson for the last four years – so welcome aboard Sadie.

The Pre-School was inspected by OFSTED in January and received a very positive report with an overall “good” standard.

A few highlights were:

  • The setting provides a clean, warm, welcoming environment for children and adults.
  • Children are able to freely self-select from the range of suitable, age-appropriate toys, games and resources which are well maintained and in good condition.
  • Children are happy and settled within the setting, making them feel secure. They form good relationships with their peers and the adults caring for them. They seek out their friends and play well together in small groups, learning to take turns and share.
  • Opportunities for children to relax are good. They have independent access to a quiet book area which contains a varied selection of story and picture books and soft seating where the children are able to sit in comfort.
  • Children are beginning to develop significant levels of self-esteem and confidence as they enjoy receiving praise and attention and like to see their work displayed within the room.
  • The quality of teaching and learning is good. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage and how the activities they plan are linked to the six areas of learning.
  • Children are articulate as they describe and ask questions. They enjoy circle time where they take interest in ‘show and tell’, speaking confidently as they describe what items they have brought in to show everyone.

The Pre-School also applied for and received an allowance from Derbyshire County Council for new IT equipment. We now have two new laptop computers, video cameras for the children to use (appropriately named tuff cams!), software, a new printer and a digital camera.

The topic for the last term was mini beasts which led to the children bringing some interesting items in for show and tell, including a rather large, very much alive spider!

Finally a very big thank you to Sally Parkin who is standing down as Pre-School secretary after working very hard for three years. She will remain on the committee. The Pre-School committee are always looking for new members. If you are interested please speak to the Chairperson, Tina Ottewell (or any other committee member). The input of parents is essential to the continued success of the Pre-School.

If you would like to put your child’s name on the waiting list for Crich Pre-School (it is never too early!) please contact Jeanette Dachtler on 856784 as soon as possible.

Alison Cumberworth