General Information

Settling In

At Harbour Bears Pre-School we work closely with individual children and their families to aid a smooth transition into our group. Past parents have found it helpful to make use of home visit before their child starts school. All children will be assigned a key-worker and they, along with the leader will visit you and your child in your own home for a short time. This practice has been in place for several years and helps children become familiar with staff and begin the foundation of a trusting relationship, which will help them adapt to a new setting.

Parental Involvement

Parents/carers are encouraged to take an active part in the pre-school, whether on the committee or by coming into the group as a parent helper. Parents/carers who have previously volunteered in the group have enjoyed the experience and have gained a better understanding of what happens in the group on a daily basis. We would also appreciate any parents/carers with special talents, (woodwork, cookery, etc.) to come in and show the children how to make something or discuss your job. This will be accommodated within our programme. Please note that all volunteers must be vetted – please speak to Kerry or Pamela for further details.

Special and Additional Educational Needs

Harbour Bears Pre-school has well defined procedures in place regarding children with special and additional educational needs. These are in keeping with current government legislation. Pamela is the school’s special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) and will ensure that our procedures are adhered to. All children who are identified as having special or additional needs e.g. Autism, Aspergers, speech difficulties, hearing/sight difficulties and behavioural issues will be recorded in a register in order to monitor, support and assess.

Children with medical conditions, such as asthma, allergies or broken limbs will also be recorded in the group’s medical register. Children may be recorded in these registers at any time throughout the year and may stay in the register on a short or long-term basis.