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Preparing Your Child for
Pre-School

Settling Your Child into Pre-School

Pre-school will be a new experience for your child. We want your child to feel happy and safe at pre-school and for the transition from home to pre-school to be an easy one. To make sure that this is the case, the staff will work with you to decide on how to help your child to settle into the pre-school.

We encourage you to make visits to the setting with your child before he/she starts so that they can become familiar with the surroundings.

When your child starts pre-school, it may seem strange to begin with, and they may feel upset or anxious. Once you have settled them at an activity or with a member or staff, explain that you will leave them and that you will come back later. Your child should soon settle into the routine, but we will always telephone you if there are any problems. You are also very welcome to ring us if you feel concerned once you return home.
 
The HM Government /NHS document Taking your child to an early years setting  contains lots of useful information for parents.  

What Your Child Will Need

Please make sure that your child is dressed in clothing suitable for the range of s activities your child will participate in at pre-school. They will go outside in all weathers to play and explore. In the summer, please include a sun hat and apply sun-cream to your child before pre-school.

Most children wear our Caterpillars Pre-school uniform (Jumpers & T-shirts). Children do not have to wear the uniform, but it does save their home clothes and having to decide what to wear each day. We also have book bags available for their weekly library book. Both the uniform and book bag is another way that helps prepare them when they tranisition to school. 

A supply of uniform T-shirts, Jumpers and replacement book bags are always available to buy from both settings. 

Footwear, in particular, must be safe, as your child might be playing on a climbing frame and slide, sit and ride toys in the playground or playing in our outside garden or field areas. Closed in shoes are a must to save them getting scrapped when playing racing games or caught when using climbing equipment. It also helps develop their independance if they can take off and put on their shoes without help (eg without laces)  

If your child has pierced ears, please ensure that they only wear stud style earrings to pre-school.