Welcome to Westgate Preschool Ltd

“Staff provide a delightful learning
experience for all children, who make good progress in the pre-school” Ofsted

Westgate
Pre-school is situated in the heart of the ancient town of Warwick.  Located in a secure area of the Westgate
Primary School site, adjacent to Westgate Children’s Centre, it offers high
quality day care for 24 children from 2 years to school age.  A friendly atmosphere abounds and there is a
strong sense of community.

How it all began…

The
Pre-school was born out of the initiative of Pre-school supervisor, Ruth Ive,
who has over 20 years’ experience in all aspects of early years
development.  Ruth was very aware of the
need for high quality pre-schooling in Warwick and her vision was realized in the
form of Westgate Pre-school, where she and her exceptional team of
well-trained, experienced staff provide the very best early years provision in
bright and airy characteristic surroundings.
There is a lovely outdoor area with a climbing frame, playhouse, sand
pit and water area.  The children also
use Westgate School’s playground when they take out cars, bicycles and other
large outdoor play equipment.

Westgate Pre-school Ltd

Westgate Primary School,

Bowling Green Street, Warwick,

CV34 4DD

Tel 01926 494351

Email:
westgatepreschool@welearn365.com

The Aims and Objectives of the Pre-School

“Good quality of teaching and
effective use of resources”

“Children get tailored support to
meet their individual needs on a daily basis” “Committed staff work well and
have high expectations of all the children” Ofsted

•      To
encourage a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, where children can feel part of a
‘family’

•      To
work in partnership with the whole family, keeping parents involved and
informed at all times

•      To
provide a stimulating, quality learning environment, using play as a medium for
children to have fun whilst learning and exploring the world around them

•      To
treat children as individuals, encouraging them to value themselves and others,
and to behave towards each other with courtesy, respect and consideration

•      To
support children’s social, emotional, physical, intellectual and cultural
development, ensuring they feel that what they think and do are valued.

•      To
observe the progress of each child regularly and ensure each child’s learning
needs are supported through activity planning

•      To
cover the seven areas of learning laid down in the Early Years Foundation Stage
of the national curriculum, establishing a sound foundation for future learning
and ensuring a smooth transition to Reception class at school.

The first 3 prime areas are
normally developed first.  These are:

Communication and language

Physical Development

Personal, social and emotional development

As children grow, the prime areas
will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas.  These are:

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the world

Expressive arts and design

A Typical day

“Children are very well behaved”
Ofsted

9.00am
Welcome  The children say
hello, find their names and put them by their photos, put away  their lunchboxes and  coats and then choose from a variety of table
top activities.

9.15am
Register  This is a chance to
practice counting and number recognition. It is followed by a story or phonics
activity recognising sounds and letters.

9.25am
Activities Children choose or are called by their key person for
small group activities. There are always activities available that cover maths
(sorting, counting, matching, sequencing, recognising numbers, comparing)
writing and drawing (colouring, letter formation, news books, patterns), craft
and imaginative play. There are also construction toys, a well-stocked book
corner, a graphics table, computer with age-appropriate games, dressing up,
sand, painting and the home corner, which changes to fit in with the
topic.

We also have dancing and sport
with specialist teachers, and once a week we use the hall for PE. We may also have
visitors connected with our current topic.

10.45am
Tidy up and snack time All the children help to tidy up and then
gather                                          on the carpet. This time is used to recall
numbers and letters in songs, rhymes or games. Children wash their hands, find
their name label and sit with their key worker who encourages them to share in
a healthy snack and milk or water.

11.15am Activities Children choose
activities. In fine weather children have free                 access to the outdoor area. We
also take balls and hoops and cars/bikes                   into the school
playground.

Throughout the day children are
encouraged to develop confidence and self respect. They are encouraged and
shown how to work independently, look after themselves, and also to take part
in the life of the group, sharing and co-operating with others. They learn
acceptable ways to express their feelings and to have respect for the feelings
of others.

11.45am Tidy up time and recall The children are encouraged to talk
about what                  has happened
during the morning, and join in action rhymes and songs.

12.00pm Lunch (or Home time for children not staying for lunch.)

Children sit together with staff
at tables to eat their lunch, and then play inside, or outside in good weather.

1.00pm
Home time

The Learning Environment

“Children learn to treat others with
respect and they play well together” Ofsted

Environment

At Westgate we aim to provide a
happy, stimulating and caring environment, in which children can explore, enjoy
and achieve through a wide range of child and adult initiated play
activities.

There is a spacious main room
with tables for group activities, a kitchen, large carpet area and off it, the
cloakroom and recently refurbished children’s toilets, and an adult toilet with
nappy changing facilities.

Our recent outdoor area is
situated in a sunny, secure corner of the school playground. It has artificial
grass so the children will have access for more of the year, sand and water
equipment, a playhouse with tables and chairs, cars and fire engines, mirrors
and climbing frame with slide and fireman’s pole. We have a range of plants,
which the children help to look after, with child sized equipment.

We are also able to use the
school facilities.  The children
sometimes take cars, trikes and other mobile toys onto the school playground,
where there is lots of room for them to run around.  We also use the school hall for dance style
fitness and gym lessons.

Staff

We are proud of our well
qualified, experienced staff and our high staff to children ratio, which
ensures individual attention to needs and development of each child. Planning
is based on the Early Years Foundation programme, and the team plan and review
weekly to cater for every child’s needs.

The permanent staff are:

Mrs Vanessa Bernardo         Pre-school Co-Manager / SENDCO

          Miss Amy Dunne                  Pre-school Co-Manager  / Designated Safeguarding Lead

          Miss Karla Clarke                  Early Years Educator / EAL Coordinator

          Miss Leah Cooknell              Early Years Educator / EAL Coordinator

          Mrs Sara Deck                      Early Years Assistant / School Readiness Coordinator/ French Teacher

          Mrs Debbie Thacker             KS1 Teacher / School Readiness

          Mrs Anne Jones                        Admin

      Our membership of the Early years Alliance
ensures we are constantly in touch with new thinking in the field of early
year’s education and care. Training is regularly arranged through the Early
years  Alliance, LA and local colleges.

Partnership with Parents

‘Strong partnerships with parents’’   Ofsted

Keeping in touch

Every child has a key person who
keeps a record of his or her progress and who will be able to answer any questions
you may have. Staff are always available in the mornings or at the end of
sessions to talk to parents. Should you wish to speak to Ruth she is always
happy to arrange a convenient time.

Observations of the children, together with their progress
summaries are recorded online.  Parents
therefore have the opportunity to add their own comments and post observations
of their child’s achievements at home.

Key workers hold parents’
evenings each term to discuss progress, any concerns, and to set targets for
the following term. In addition, parents of children who are about to move up
to Reception will have a final meeting to discuss the information being
transferred to school.

Limited

The Pre-school is now run as Limited non-profit making company.

         The Company Directors are:

         Lynne Daniels: Chair of Directors

         Ruth Ive

         Anne Jones

         Vanessa Bernardo

         Amy Dunne

Safeguarding Children

“all staff have a good understanding
of their responsibilities to protect children and to keep them safe within
preschool” Ofsted

Westgate Preschool Ltd is
committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our
care.

Our named designated person is:
Amy Dunne

Vanessa Bernardo has also had in depth
designated training and Early Help.

All other staff have received Child protection training by Warwickshire Early Years Training Hub,

We
take necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. We
promote the good health of children, take necessary steps to prevent the spread
of infection and take appropriate action if they are ill.

We manage children’s behaviour
effectively and in a manner appropriately for their stage of development and
particular individual needs.

We ensure that all adults
looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do
so and hold a CRB or DBS certificate.

Conditions of placement and other information

Place Availability

Children can be accepted at the pre-school
from 2 years old and may attend until
they are required to attend primary school.

Please note that places for
children under 3 years of age are only available if the ratio of staff to
children is possible and therefore they cannot be guaranteed.

When a place becomes available,
the form should be completed. Your place will be confirmed by preschool.

                Session times

Monday to Friday 9:00 – 12.00  (8.30 Earlybirds start)

                                                            Lunch 12.00 –
1pm

Monday to Thursday – 1.00 – 2.45pm

We close at 1pm on Friday

Parents/ carers have the option
of school hot dinner at the current price of £2.66, or to provide a healthy
balanced packed lunch, please include an ice-pack in the packed lunch.

Children
are required to attend a minimum of 2 sessions a week to ensure the
establishment of relationships and continuity of care.

Payment of fees

Pre-school will send out
invoices half termly. These can be paid termly, half termly, monthly or weekly,
but all fees are payable in advance
and may be subject to change. They continue to be payable if the child is
absent.  (In cases of prolonged absence
parents should consult the Pre-school manager about fee payment.)   A minimum of one month’s notice is required
for the withdrawal of a child from preschool; fees are still payable for the
notice period unless otherwise agreed.

Complaints

If parents have any complaints
about the allocation of places or any other issues they should be made to the
Pre-school manager as soon as possible. Alternatively, complaints can be made
in writing to the Company chairperson.

What to do now

 If you are interested
in place at Westgate Pre-School Ltd, please contact Ruth Ive to discuss
available sessions.

Complete and return the Application
form.

A welcome pack with a parent’s
handbook containing information on policies, settling your child into
preschool, etc, and permission forms will be sent to you before your child
starts at the pre-school.

Fees from April 2024

Current fees are £7.85 per hour.
Children in receipt of government funding for ages 3 or 4 years are entitled to
15 hours free per week Monday to Friday.

2 year old fees are £7.85 per the
hour until their third birthday.

First 15 hours free then pay £7.85 for
any additional hours for 3 and 4 year olds and £7.85 for 2 year olds.

Session times    9:00 – 12:00

                          9:00 – 1:00

                             9:00 – 2.45

                             12:00 – 2:45

The Government
grant funds 15 hours per week which can be taken over several days.  This grant is awarded the term after the child’s 2^nd or 3^rd
birthday. We do ask that children stay still at least 12pm each day they attend
as we still have to pay staff for the session.

Children on 3/4
year old funding (15 hours) will receive it automatically after parents fill in
a declaration form in Pre-school.

For 2 year old funding, parents need to apply to : www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childcarecosts
or call 01926 742218 for more information.

As we are open
more than 15 hours per week, 3 and 4 year olds, whose parents are both working
more than 16 hours a week are entitled to free funding for extended entitlement
(30 hours).  To apply for this, parents
MUST go through the HMRC website:  www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
.  Claims must be made in the term before
you wish to access this funding.

Fees are reviewed annually in
March.

Home Visits  If you would like a member of staff to visit
you and your child at home before they start to get to know you and tell you
more about preschool, this can be arranged. Please speak to Vanessa Bernardo.

Westgate Pre-School Privacy notice

Westgate Pre-School’s Privacy Notice

Westgate
Pre-School

Bowling
Green Street

Warwick

CV34
4DD

Phone:
01926 494351

Email:
westgatepreschool@welearn365.com

Introduction

We are committed to
ensuring that any personal data we hold about you and your child is protected
in accordance with data protection laws and is used in line with your
expectations.

This privacy notice
explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how we use it and
how we protect it.

What personal data do we collect?

We collect personal
data about you and your child to provide care and learning that is tailored to
meet your child’s individual needs. We also collect information in order to
verify your eligibility for free childcare as applicable.

Personal details
that we collect about your child include:

§  your child’s name, date of birth, address, health and medical
needs, development needs, and any special educational needs

Where applicable we
will obtain child protection plans from social care and health care plans from
health professionals.

We will also ask
for information about who has parental responsibility for your child and any
court orders pertaining to your child.

Personal details
that we collect about you include:

§  your name, home and work address, phone numbers, emergency
contact details, family details and date of birth

This information
will be collected from you directly in the registration form.

If you apply for up
to 30 hours free childcare, we will also collect:

§  your national insurance number or unique taxpayer reference
(UTR), if you’re self-employed. We may also collect information regarding
benefits and family credits that you are in receipt of.

Why we collect this information and the legal basis for
handling your data

We use personal
data about you and your child in order to provide childcare services and fulfil
the contractual arrangement you have entered into. This includes using your
data to:

§  contact you in case of an emergency

§  to support your child’s wellbeing and development

§  to manage any special educational, health or medical needs of
your child whilst at [my/our] setting

§  to carry out regular assessment of your child’s progress and
to identify any areas of concern

§  to maintain contact with you about your child’s progress and
respond to any questions you may have

§  to process your claim for up to 30 hours free childcare (only
where applicable)

§  to keep you updated with information about our service

With your consent,
we will also record your child’s activities for their individual learning
record. This may include photographs and videos. You will have the opportunity
to withdraw your consent at any time, for images taken by confirming so in
writing.  We use ‘Tapestry’ to record
your child’s learning activities.  Their
data protection policies are available online.

We have a legal obligation
to process safeguarding related data about your child should we have concerns
about their welfare. We also have a legal obligation to transfer records and
certain information about your child to the school that your child will be
attending (see Transfer of Records
policy).

Who we share your data with

In order for us to
deliver childcare services we will also share your data as required with the
following categories of recipients:

§  Ofsted – during an inspection or following a complaint about
our service

§  banking services to process chip and pin and/or direct debit
payments (as applicable)

§  the Local Authority (where you claim up to 30 hours free
childcare as applicable)

§  the government’s eligibility checker (as above)

§  our insurance underwriter (if applicable)

§  our learning journal record system provider (Tapestry)

§  the school that your child will be attending

§  Outside agencies supporting your child

We will also share
your data if:

§  We are legally required to do so, for example, by law, by a
court or the Charity Commission;

§  to enforce or apply the terms and conditions of your contract
with us;

§  to protect your child and other children; for example by
sharing information with social care or the police;

§  it is necessary to protect our or others rights, property or
safety

§  We transfer the management of the setting, in which case we
may disclose your personal data to the prospective buyer so they may continue
the service in the same way.

We will never share
your data with any other organisation to use for their own purposes

How do we protect your data?

We protect
unauthorised access to your personal data and prevent it from being lost,
accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed by:

• Using a password protected
  computer which is locked away after use.
• Paper data is stored in a
  locked cabinet.
• Photographs are deleted from
  setting cameras/iPods after use.

How long do we retain your data?

We retain your
child’s personal data for up to 3 years after your child no longer uses our
setting, or until our next Ofsted inspection after your child leaves our
setting. Medication records and accident records are kept for longer according
to legal requirements. Your child’s learning and development records are
maintained by us and handed to you when your child leaves.

In some instances
(child protection, or other support service referrals) we are obliged to keep
your data for longer if it is necessary to comply with legal requirements (see
our Children’s and Provider Records policies).

Your rights with respect to your data

You have the right
to:

§  request access, amend or correct your/your child’s personal
data

§  request that we delete or stop processing your/your child’s
personal data, for example where the data is no longer necessary for the
purposes of processing; and

§  request that we transfer your, and your child’s personal data
to another person

If you wish to
exercise any of these rights at any time or if you have any questions, comments
or concerns about this privacy notice, or how we handle your data please
contact us. If you continue to have concerns about the way your data is handled
and remain dissatisfied after raising your concern with [me/us], you have the
right to complain to the Information Commissioner Office (ICO). The ICO can be
contacted at Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane,
Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF or ico.org.uk/

Changes to this notice

We keep this notice
under regular review. You will be notified of any changes where appropriate.