Godmanchester Pre-School offers a Play based approach to early years learning and development for young children, within our safe, friendly and stimulating environment. Children are supported by qualified and caring staff who support the Children to enjoy learning through play experiences in a free flowing indoor and outdoor environment.

We are managed by the Early Years Alliance, one of the largest providers of childcare in England with over 50 year's experience delivering childcare and practical, professional support to early years practitioners.

Our pre-school plans its activities in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. We have a strong focus on exploratory, imaginative play and healthy eating. We recognise and understand the huge benefits that free flow play has on the development of very young children. Every child in our care is supported by a key person who understands their individual needs and offers tailored care and support to them. 

Rigorous health & safety and safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to ensure that every child is protected and feels safe and happy with us. 

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a focus on learning through play and actively encourage parents to become involved in their child's learning journey within the pre-school.

Settling into Pre-School

At Godmanchester Pre-School we recognise that every child's needs are unique and we like to tailor our settling in programme to suit.  By working in close partnership with parents and carers we will offer a routine which will support the best outcome for the Child as well as follow our policies and and procedures.  Our aim is to make the big step from home to pre-school a positive experience for everyone.

Each family will be assigned a key person who will book either a home visit or settling in interview at the setting.  This is one of the best ways to reduce separation anxiety and will give families a chance to share important information about their child.

We recognise that the Covid pandemic and subsequent Lockdowns have had a huge impact on families and local services.  We aim to develop a plan to support everyone through this whilst ensuring our setting remains Covid secure.

Science Week

Science to inspire little minds.

 Dress to get messy and have lots of fun! 

For a whole week we took part in simple experiements and explored lots of new ideas in order to inspire the children's imagination and promote lots of new learning.

When the farm came to pre-school

Here at Godmanchester Pre-school we like to have lots of fun experiences and lots of visitors.  This year we were lucky enough to welcome some farm animals but unforetunately due to Covid restrictions Parents and Carers were not able to join in with what was a very enjoyable and sunny day!  Next year we aim to make this a much bigger and better event that allows us to bring families together to enjoy this wonderful experience.

Your child's day

Each day your child's key person will ensure that there is a variety of activities on offer which will support their learning through play.  There will be a range of healthy foods on offer for snack, and our weekly menu will inform you if there is an adjustment relating to a special occasion or celebration that might be happening.  

Children will take part in small group times and if they are staying for lunch they will be supported to follow our lunchtime routines.

Godmanchester Pre-School encourages a healthy lifestyle and we request that families support us to do this whilst their child attends the pre-school.  Children are asked to bring their own packed lunch and guidance for this can be provided in setting.  Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day to keep hydrated and they are provided freeflow inside and outside in order to ensure they are physically active.  Staff are aware of allergies and will support special dietary needs where possible, if your child has a dietary need please discuss this further with the setting.  

At the end of the pre-school session children will remain seated on the carpet area until their parents and carers have entered the room.  We take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and we ask parents to bear this in mind when informing us who will be collecting their child.  We like to keep our pre-school site as secure as possible which is why we keep doors locked, or manned by a member of staff at all times.  

Let's go outside!

Being outside is proven to enhance wellbeing.  Here at Godmanchester Pre-School we approach learning from all aspects, and most of all we like being OUTSIDE!!  It's often been said that 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing' and it's something we believe in here.  We encourage parents and carers to foster this ethos by providing their child with welly boots and coats for the rain, sunhats and sun cream for the summer and most of all spare clothes to get changed into if your child becomes wet or dirty! 

Children are offered the same learning opportunities inside as they are outside.  During their time at pre-school we will focus on developing children's social and communication skills, their ability to make decisions as well as resilience and the garden area plays a big part in that.

Parents as partners

At Godmanchester Pre-School we believe that Parents and Carers are a child's first and foremost educators.  From the day a child is born they are being taught.  This is why it is important to form good bonds with children and open lines of communication with their parents and carers.  We believe in forming open and honest relationships based on trust.  That is why we will always encourage families to get involved in their child's learning, whether it be contributing to your child's assessments, parent forums, fundraising opportunities or coming into the setting to help, every little bit is truly appreciated.

We believe it is our duty to safeguard all the children in our care, therefore we have robust policies and procedures in place.  These policies are available in setting and our staff will be happy to share them with you and talk you through if needed.  

Transitions and sharing

We will work closely with the local primary school's to support your child's transition to school.  Godmanchester Pre-School often feeds into local schools but we must remind parents that attending our setting does not automatically gain a place at the Bridge Academy.  You must follow the local authority's school admission process, which is something we can help you with in the setting.

Once it is known which school children will be moving to we aim to support children to get to know the school, its environment and its routines.  We will pass on all relavent information, in line with our data protection policies, in order to give children the best transition we can.

Sometimes it's necessary for a child to move out of area or attend 2 settings at the same time.  If this is the case then your key person will work with you to ensure consistency and support tailored to your individual needs.

Plastic free setting

   During Spring term 2020 Godmanchester Pre-school started their project to become a 'Plastic Free' setting.  Its aim is to ensure that as a setting we eliminate the use of as much single use plastic as possible.  As part of the project the children have conducted regular litter picks in our outdoor environment, talked about why we are trying to reduce our use of plastic and explored the environmental impact.  Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are fundamental in our operation and we are always looking for ways to have a positive impact on the environment for the children's future.

With regards to the impact of Covid 19 on our setting, we ensure that we use the appropriate PPE and follow the government guidance.  Despite the need for increased protection we continue to reduce the use of unnecessary single use plastic and in July 2020 we achieved our goal of becoming a plastic free setting.  the children and staff were so pleased with their award.

To find out more...

To arrange a visit contact Kerry, Pre-School Manager on 01480 276595 or email godmanchester@eyalliance.org.uk