We provide high quality session/full day care and education for children between the ages of 2 to 5 years. We are a registered charity and have been established since 1976. Our high adult to child ratio means we are able to offer excellent care and attention. We are registered with Ofsted and operate under their Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum ensuring every child matters. We pride ourselves on the excellent Ofsted reports we have received from our regular inspections.
Woodlands Under 5's Pre-School
Who to contact
- Contact Name
- Anne Taylor
- Contact Position
- Manager
- Telephone
- 01622 671131
- woodlandsunder5@hotmail.co.uk
Where to go
- Address
-
Maidstone
Kent - Postcode
- ME14
- Notes
We operate from Vinters Park Community Centre which has a large, free car park attached. We also have a secure, fully enclosed, large garden area which is used as often as possible.
When is it on?
- When is childcare available
- Term Time Only
- Carescheme Age Range:
- 2 year(s), 0 month(s) to 5 year(s), 0 month(s)
- Opening Times
-
Opening Times Day Opening Time Closing Time Monday 09:00 or 09:30 14:30 Tuesday 09:00 or 09:30 14:30 Wednesday 09:00 or 09:30 14:30 Thursday 09:00 or 09:30 14:30
Other Details
- Table of costs
-
Table of costs Amount Cost Type £8.00 Per hour - ECD Type
- Preschool
- Offers pickups
- No
- Cost(s)
- Cost details
- Contact provider for details
- 3-4 Year Old Funding?
- Yes
- 2 Year Old Funding?
- Yes
- Vacancies Details
- Contact provider for vacancy details
- Facilities
- Car Parking, Visits and Outings, Kitchen, Garden
- Wheelchair Access
- Yes
- Wheelchair access details
- Wide doors, no stairs, disabled toilets.
Ofsted Information
- Ofsted URN
- 127783
- Link to latest ofsted inspection report
30 Hours Extended Entitlement
- Registered to provide up to 30 hours entitlement
- Yes
Service status
- Status
- Open
Local Offer
- Description
At Woodlands Under 5’s Pre-School we believe that all children have a right to a broad and balanced Early Years curriculum. We welcome all children whatever their individual needs, and believe in being an inclusive setting. Our aim is to ensure that all children’s needs are met by working in partnership with parents/carers, and their consent is always sought before any contact is made with outside agencies.
We expect our parents to notify us of any concerns in their child’s development and provide relevant documentation from outside agencies involved prior to the child starting. This will ensure that we can provide the best possible start for your child and that we are able to meet their needs.
Admission
We offer admission to all children aged 2 to school age. We acknowledge that some children may require additional care and/or resources and we would seek guidance, support and information to help us support them. For all children there is consultation between parents, Manager who is also our Lead Senco and your child's keyperson - and other involved professionals if necessary.
Special Needs Support
How does the setting identify children with additional needs or SEND?
Information from parents and admissions questionnaire, other settings if attended and outside agencies and professionals help to provide information in identifying a child's needs. All this information and Key person observations at the child's taster sessions enables the key person to make an initial assessment of a childs stage of development, which is used as a starting point when they first attend the setting. Children are continuously monitored by their Key person in the first six weeks and a parental consultation, alongside a written summative assessment will take place to discuss identified needs. Their progress is continuously assessed every 12 weeks. Our experienced staff have trained in a number of different SEND areas are able to identify signs that a child may need support with their development. We have a range of outside professionals available to us and offer support for children, staff, parents and carers.
How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported?
The lead Senco and Key person will consult with you regularly to explain how your child will be supported, they will be responsible for liaising with you regularly and involving you in your child's educational plans.
You will receive a consultation and written summative assessment at regular intervals throughout the year to review and plan your child's next steps.
You will have involvement in planning targeted and personalised plans for your child.
How will the setting adapt the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for my child's needs?
We provide adapted activities and routines that are fully inclusive and enable all children to take part. We provide focus group times for personalised and targeted learning.
The setting will adapt the environment to meet your childs needs as long as they are within our capabilities.
What teaching strategies does the setting use for children with additional needs or learning difficulties?
We plan around the child's interests and their characteristics of learning.
We use visual aids.
Small group/individual focus time
Key signs
Cosy/quiet spaces
Regular routine
What additional support does the setting provide for children with additional needs or SEND?
Strong communication between parents, key person and lead senco.
Continuity between key person and child in providing personal care, medical needs and supporting behaviour.
Our setting will always endeavour to meet a childs needs and if a situation arises where the setting will need training for a medical condition, then this would need to be in place before the child starts at the setting, to ensure their safety is in no way compromised.
How will the setting monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this?
Their progress is continuously assessed every 12 weeks through observations.
A learning journey is used to record progress and designed for parents and keyperson to document your child's progress.
Regular written assessments and consultations with the key person take place every second term, after the first initial six week consultation. Our experienced staff have trained in a number of different SEND areas are able to identify signs that a child may need support with their development. We have a range of outside professionals available to us and offer support for children, staff, parents and carers.
Lead senco and key person will liaise at every opportunity available, when needed and welcome strong communication and shared information from parents at any time.
How do you ensure children with additional needs or SEND can be included in the same activities as other children, including trips?
All our children are inclusive, and activities and trips are planned with SEND in mind. Parents are involved and their input valued when planning outings or social activities outside of our normal routine.
Risk assessments and reviews are used for planning trips and changes to the environment.
How accessible is the building for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users?
We have access and toilet facilities for mobility difficulties. Our environment is located in a large hall, on one level and can be adapted to accommodate mobility difficulties, dependant on the childs needs.
How will you support my child's transition to a new setting or school?
We provide a transition report for the new setting or school.
Arrange a transition meeting for parents and lead senco to meet with the senco at the new environment.
All relevent paperwork is passed on with parental consent.
How does the setting assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers take part in this evaluation?
Lead senco attends forum meetings which support the setting in continuously providing good practise and the right support for parents and children.
Training is evaluated and regular staff meetings to discuss the setting's practice take place.
A notice board wth services is available.
An annual questionnaire for parents to voice their opinions is evaluated.
Who should I contact if I am considering registering for a place at the setting?
Contact the setting manager - Anne Taylor or our administration officer - Angela Harvey.
What arrangements does the setting have for feedback from parents / carers, including compliments and complaints?
We have an open door policy which enables you to speak directly with our setting manager or you can email us.
A suggestion box in our entrance hall.
Information is available in our prospectus relating to good practice.
Annual questionnaire.
Suggestion slip attached to our termly nesletter.
Complaints procedures displayed on a notice board.
Opportunities to join our committee