Tiddlywinks Pre-School
Leyland Methodist Infant School
Tiddlywinks is a private pre-school located in Leyland Methodist Infant School, mainly serving the children on the school waiting list. We are a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, a national charity committed to quality in Early Years Education.
Tiddlywinks is registered with, and inspected by Ofsted in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2012) and was deemed to be an ‘OUTSTANDING’ setting following our last inspection in February 2013.
The day-to-day running of Tiddlywinks is carried out by the owner, Mrs Conway, a qualified early years teacher and early Years Professional and is supported by well qualified staff with a wealth of experience supporting children’ care, learning and development in the early years. We encourage the help of volunteer workers and parents and provide placements for students following appropriate courses. Tiddlywinks caters for children from the term following their second birthday until their transition into reception classes. The setting works very closely with the Headteacher and staff of Leyland Methodist Infant School.
We hold Lancashire’s recognized quality award; STEP into Quality and are working towards the full ‘Lancashire Quality Award’. Mrs Conway is a Lead Practitioner working closely with and supporting Lancashire’s Early Years Consultants.
Tiddlywinks Pre-school
Mission Statement, Aims and Objectives
At Tiddlywinks we believe that young children learn best in full partnership with their carers and the community and in a structured, non-threatening environment which is interesting, exciting and stimulating. Staff are responsive to the individual needs of each child and committed to helping children to learn through exploration, first hand and well-structured play experiences. Children are encouraged to become independent in skills, their thinking and in the choices they make.
We intend that children will leave Tiddlywinks confident, successful learners, happy in who they are and eager to continue their learning as they grow and move on, having a sensitivity and concern for the needs of those around them and the wider world.
Aims and Objectives
Tiddlywinks Mission Statement and its Aims and Objectives are agreed and reviewed annually between Mrs. Conway and staff as part of our commitment to quality and continual development and improvement.
Admissions, funding & sessions
Tiddlywinks is open to all children whose parents wish to apply for a place with us in accordance with our admissions policy. Children with special educational needs are provided for and consultation with parents and other professionals carried out as necessary.
The information below is taken from the booklet ‘Parents’ Guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework’ and can be found on www.foundationyears.org.uk or a paper copy of the full publication is available from Tiddlywinks.
Parents’ Guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage FrameworkExciting times ahead for you and your child
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which is how the Government and early years professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and age 5.
This is a very important stage as it helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their future learning and successes. From when your child is born up until the age of 5, their early years experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure; and support their development, care and learning needs.
Nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes and childminders registered to deliver the EYFS must follow a legal document called the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
What is the EYFS Framework – why do we have one? The EYFS Framework exists to support all professionals working in the EYFS to help your child, and was developed with a number of early years experts and parents.
In 2012 the framework was revised to make it clearer and easier to use, with more focus on the things that matter most. This new framework also has a greater emphasis on your role in helping your child develop.
It sets out:
- The legal welfare requirements that everyone registered to look after children must follow to keep your child safe and promote their welfare
- The 7 areas of learning and development which guide professionals’ engagement with your child’s play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge
- Assessments that will tell you about your child’s progress through the EYFS
- Expected levels that your child should reach at age 5, usually the end of the reception year; these expectations are called the “Early Learning Goals (ELGs)”
There is also guidance for the professionals supporting your child on planning the learning activities, and observing and assessing what and how your child is learning and developing.
