We are small rural Pre-School situated outside of Canterbury in the scenic village of Westbere.
We welcome children from the age of 2 years upwards, nappy wearers and children with additional needs and/or SEND.
We accept children whose parent/carer are in receipt of free for 2 funding, childcare vouchers, 3/4 year funding.
and we participate in the 30 hours scheme.
We operate from the Westbere Village Hall. We have an extensive outdoor area with a mud kitchen and wild garden and concrete area for all weather play. We have a disabled toilet/changing area and small kitchen. We are situated in a rural, village setting and often explore the local environment with nature walks and visits to local church. We support children and families from the surrounding areas such as Canterbury, Sturry, Hersden and Herne Bay
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 09:15 | 12:15 |
| Monday | 09:15 | 13:15 |
| Monday | 09:15 | 14:45 |
| Tuesday | 09:15 | 12:15 |
| Tuesday | 09:15 | 13:15 |
| Tuesday | 09:15 | 14:45 |
| Wednesday | 09:15 | 12:15 |
| Wednesday | 09:15 | 13:15 |
| Thursday | 09:15 | 12:15 |
| Thursday | 09:15 | 13:15 |
| Friday | 09:15 | 12:15 |
| Amount | Cost Type |
|---|---|
| £4.75 | Per hour |
We have been established since 1974. We were recently awarded an overall rating of GOOD by OFSTED
http://www.westberepreschool.co.uk/assets/westbere-pre-school-ofsted-report-2017.pdf
At Westbere Pre-School we develop each child's uniqueness & individuality to allow them to learn, create, imagine & explore.
We are an ever-evolving setting who constantly strives towards engaging all children and their families in all aspects of learning and development. We have recently converted our learning journeys to an online system allowing parents/cares to access information about the learning and development of their children at their convenience.
We give each child and their family a sense of belonging and strive to develop self-esteem through; Equality, Respect, Love ... and most of all FUN!
We participate in the free for 2 funding scheme and the 30hrs funding scheme for those parents/carers who are eligible (maximum hours open per week is 26hrs)
WESTBERE PRESCHOOL PROVIDES CARE FOR 2-4 YEAR OLDS
- information from parents
- information from other settings or specialist agencies such as Portage, SALT, OT
- online learning journey
- formal assessment records (6 x p/a for children under 3, 3 x p/a for children 3+)
- qualified SENCo available every day for informal or formal discussion as required
- key person system to offer consistency of care
- ongoing observations accessible via online learning journey (online format makes this easy for parents/carers to share with other professionals as required)
- regular invitations to discuss formal assessments ( 6 x p/a for children under 3, 3 x p/a for children 3+)
- parent/carer involvement in targeted / personalised planning specific to your child and reviews of this planning
- relaxed 'family' atmosphere with staff and SENCo accessible for informal daily discussion at drop off/collection
- planning for the unique child and their specific next steps
- adaptations to the environment to allow inclusive access
- sensitive groupings (individual, small group, large group) to allow for inclusive access
- graduated approach to intervention
- targeted and personalised planning to monitor development
- SENCo liaises with outside agencies to ensure that therapy programmes are supported in setting (SALT, OT, Portage, STLS)
- visual support materials such as a 'now and next board' to support transitions
- use of signing and Makaton to support communication
- quiet/calm/cosy areas
- multi sensory learning
- 'good news' book or 'home/school' book to share information between setting/parents/outside agencies as required
- use of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) to support communication
- use of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Accessible, Realistic and Time bound) targets in targeted and personalised planning
- signposting parents/carers to additional training or support opportunities (Children's centre, Early Bird Course, Support groups)
- small team or experienced and committed staff who know all the children well and offer continuity of care
- disabled toilet and changing facilities for children up to 45kgs
- welcoming attitude to nappy wearers and happy to support personal care and toilet training as required
- - staff regularly attend relevant training such as EY SENCo forum, Autism Awareness, Positive Behaviour Management, Improving Outcomes with High Aspirations for children with SEND
- close working relationship between key person, SENCo and parent/carer
- support with DLA (Disability Living Allowance) applications as required
- experience of writing and reviewing ECH plans
- experience of applying for and utilising DAF (Disability Access Fund) funding
- experience of applying for and utilising SENIF (Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Fund) funding
- ongoing observations accessible via online learning journey
- formal assessments (6 x p/a for children under 3 and 3 x p/a for children 3+)
- using reports and assessments from outside agencies (Portage, SALT, OT, STLS)
- joint reviews of targeted and personalised plans
- daily informal contact with key person, staff team, manager and SENCo as required
- research and risk assessment prior to trips/events
- review and feedback after trip/event
- regular evaluations of planning and differentiation
- building all on one floor
- building accessible by ramp with hand rails
- accessible toilet and changing facilities
- 'My Unique Story' assessment report
- sharing of other relevant paperwork with parental consent
- activities such as school uniform dressing up, transition photo books
- meetings with new school and SENCo as required
regular visits from STLS and Equality and Inclusion Officers to the setting
- attendance at SENCo forum meetings
- weekly staff meetings
- regular staff performance appraisals
- self- evaluation forms
- parent/carer notice board
- compliments book
- suggestions book
- formal complaints procedure
- Manager
- trial sessions/visits to setting welcomed
- flexible settling in period
- friendly welcoming atmosphere with staff available for informal discussion daily
- private area available for sensitive discussions
- compliments book
- suggestions book
- formal complaints procedure
- parents/carers welcomed to join the committee
- annual AGM