SNETTISHAM BOBTAILS
PRE-SCHOOL

The Pre-school has been registered with the local authority since 1966, and is now situated at the new building within Snettisham Primary School. We have been rated GOOD by Ofsted again in December 2019. We are managed by a Committee of parents and school staff and funded by Early Years Funding from the local authority, fees and fundraising.

THE PRE-SCHOOL

Bobtails offers 9 x 3 hour sessions a week, for a maximum of 24 children per session. There are 4 permanent staff and all have relevant pre-school qualifications. Sessions are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 8.30-3.00pm and Friday 8.30 to 11.30am, totaling 29 hours of childcare.

OUR CURRICULUM

Balanced and relevant to the unique child

OUR AIMS

To provide quality learning experiences for all the children. Learning which is balanced, relevant to the child and related to the real world.
To provide a curriculum, which takes account of, and responds to, children’s developmental needs and allows them to make progress related to their differing abilities. Initial Child Profiles will be our starting point.
To provide positive experiences, in order to give them confidence and motivation for learning in the future.
To provide a curriculum which promotes the ‘Early Learning Goals’ identified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and which dovetails with the National Curriculum.
To create a partnership with parents in the development of their child.

OUR OBJECTIVE

To guide our children to learn through play and encourage them to explore through their own experiences, respecting and valuing their contributions.

The structure of the play is mainly free play, with children having a choice of activities. But there are other activities during the session, which are adult, led and have a planned objective, which is usually set in smaller groups.
The curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and is the period of education from birth to 5.

THE FOUR THEMES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE EYFS ARE:

A unique Child – every child is competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Positive Relationships – children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.
Enabling Environments – the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.
Learning and Development – children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected.

The Learning and Development theme of the Early Years Foundation Stage is made up of 7 areas, these are:

Prime areas

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development

Specific areas

Literacy
Mathematical development
Understanding of the World
Expressive Art and Design

MISSION STATEMENT

Quality Child Care

From language and literacy development to social skills and creative expression, the children at Snettisham Bobtails Pre-school are constantly being exposed to new activities and environments in which to thrive. We build on the strengths and interests of each child to help build a solid foundation where they can develop their futures. Get in touch to learn more about us.

Explore

ADMISSIONS

We give priority to all village children from all backgrounds and all abilities. However, children from outside the village will be considered if places are available and especially if they are going on to attend the village school. Children can start with us from
2 years old.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

The elected committee officers are the trustees of the pre-school, the people entrusted with the overall responsibility for ensuring that the pre-school runs successfully in accordance with its AIM. A list of current committee officers is available on the notice board in the waiting room.

There is a lot of work in running a pre-school, but the committee does not have to do it themselves. They should make sure that the work is done, that the decisions are implemented and that the pre-school money is properly accounted for. Responsibility for the children’s play and learning is usually delegated to staff.

The committee needs to:

Have regular committee meetings, at least termly, and an AGM
Fund raise on a regular basis to keep the pre-school solvent
Ensure the pre-school meets OFSTED requirements
Ensure that the pre-school meets Charity Commission requirements
Know and comply with their constitution
Decide fees and any review of them
Regularly update the membership list
Inform OFSTED, EYAlliance and County Early Years Support Network of any changes to officers/staff/opening times etc.

All parents/carers skills and contributions are very welcome and we appreciate any suggestions and help especially for fundraising as this money goes towards the ‘extras’ that the fees do not cover. Please feel welcome to share any skills you may have in relation to any or our topics with the staff and children. If you wish to spend time in the pre-school with your child this can be arranged and you will be most welcome.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Danielle Rodrigues - Chair

Rebecca Chilvers - Secretary

Cori Houliston- Treasurer

Hannah Bateson

Cheryl Rumens

Kirsty Stocks

Caitlin Callaghan
Nina Finnegan

Claire Mann
Emily McConnell-Walden

Apply to be a committee member