PARENTS' ROLE

How parents/carers are involved in Orchard Park Pre-School.

We are members of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, and all parents/carers are regarded as members who have full participatory rights. These include a right to be valued and respected, kept informed, consulted, involved and included at all levels.

As a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, Orchard Park Preschool recognises parents as the first and most important educators of their children. All of the staff see themselves as partners with you in providing care and education for your child. 

There are many ways in which parents can take part in making the setting a welcoming and stimulating place for everyone, such as:

  • Exchanging knowledge about their children's needs, activities, interests and progress with the staff.
  • Helping at any sessions in the setting.
  • Assisting in projects such as developing our garden area.
  • Helping their child choose a new book from the library.
  • Sharing their own special interests with the children.
  • Helping to provide, make and look after the equipment and materials used in the children's play activities.
  • Checking for any paintings or drawings at home time, or any communication from pre-school staff.
  • Being part of the management of the setting, by joining the committee.
  • Taking part in events and informal discussions about the activities and curriculum provided by the setting.
  • Joining in community activities in which the setting takes part.
  • Building friendships with other parents in the setting.

Your Child's Key Person

Orchard Park Pre-School has a key person system. This means that each practitioner has a group of children for whom she/he is particularly responsible. Your child's key person/s will work with you to make sure that what we provide is right for your child's particular needs and interests. When your child first starts at pre-school, she/he will help your child to benefit from the learning opportunities provided.

Snacks & Meals

Our healthy snack time, during each session, always includes fruit and often, food that the children help to prepare. The snack items offered (e.g. apples, breadsticks and cheese) and a selection of other healthy snacks. We also offer milk and water.