The Nursery School aims for a relaxed and happy atmosphere which is helped by having a number of common sense rules for the benefit of children, parents and the staff. 

Admissions

On receipt of your enrolment form and registration fee we can confirm your child’s start date.  Prior to your child’s start date you and your child will be invited to an introductory afternoon so that you can both meet staff and other new children, and ask any questions you may have.

Absences

If your child will not be coming to the nursery school for any reason, please let the staff know as soon as possible on 01 476 879 320.

Sickness

A full 48 hours free of sickness or temperature is required before re-attendance at school.

There are certain illnesses which mean that your child has to stay away from the nursery school until better, for example chicken pox, conjunctivitis, etc.

It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the school immediately if a child has been in contact with any infectious diseases.  Please see The Health and Safety Policy for further details.

Parents are asked to exercise discretion as to whether a child is well enough to attend.

Medication

If a child requires medication at school, the parent must request this in writing, giving full instructions which must include:

1.         Under what circumstances medicine is to be given.
2.         Dosage/how much to give.
3.         What time medication is to be given.
4.         How often dose is to be given or can be repeated.

Details of medication administered will be recorded and must be read and signed when the child is collected.

Progress

As children develop, their progress will be recorded and parents are encouraged to take part in this at regular meetings.  Your child’s record is always available for you to look at.

In order that your child reaches his/her full potential it is essential that we work closely together.  It is our philosophy to establish a close liaison between home and the school, and participation in all aspects of your child’s education is encouraged and welcomed.

Please feel free to share information about your child, however trivial you may feel this is.  We would expect you to keep in close contact with the school during the early weeks to ensure that your child has settled in and is happy.  Each term you will receive a newsletter informing you of what topics, letters and colours we will be covering in the nursery.  This will enable you to support your child in his/her learning.  There will also be opportunities for you to attend parents evening, open days, plays, sports and picnics.  Parents are always welcome to make an appointment to discuss their child’s progress with Diana Thompson on any morning at 8.45 am.  Progress reports are held each term and written reports are given when the child leaves for Primary School.

Clothing and Personal Property

Some of the art activities will be messy and while aprons are available it is best if your child wears a school sweat-shirt.  Please remember the nursery school is located in a rural area and we go outside when possible so wellingtons and coats are essential in the winter.  All children should be provided with a labelled tie bag, containing a complete change of clothes as well as a brush or comb.  Articles are left at the owner’s risk.  Children’s clothes, especially outdoor clothes should be labelled with the child’s name.

Shoes must be named and it is much easier for the children to become independent if they have Velcro or buckle fasteners only.

Please do not send your child with sweets, drinks, money or valuables. 

There is space for car seats, if necessary.  We cannot be responsible for loss or damage.

Please ensure that all your child’s belongings are named

Meals

A snack is provided so children should not bring in food or drinks unless they have any special dietary requirements.  The snack will usually consist of milk or water, biscuits and fresh fruit/vegetables.

Lunch boxes

Lunch boxes must contain an ice pack. Lunch boxes should be named on the outside, and we would be grateful if drink bottles and Tupperware were also named.

Behaviour

The school reserves the right to ask the Parent to remove a child/children without notice whether in writing or otherwise should the behaviour of such child/children be deemed by the Nursery School to be unacceptable.  We believe that behaviour management should be firm and with clear boundaries, whilst maintaining the child’s dignity at all times.

In line with Montessori principles, children should be given the opportunity where possible to resolve minor conflicts and misdemeanors themselves.

Collection

If parents are unable to pick up their child from school, they must ensure that proper arrangements are made and that we are provided with a name or names of persons authorised to collect the child/children.  Ideally, this person should be introduced to the principal, or deputy, of the school.  We cannot release a child to someone we do not know to be authorised.

Fees

All fees are invoiced termly and are payable termly in advance.  Fees for a child starting the school are invoiced the previous term and are payable on invoice.

Any fees not paid by the first day of term will attract interest at Judgment Act rate.  If fees have not been paid in full by the third week of term we reserve the right to take legal action for recovery of the fees and in any event to exclude the child from school until all outstanding fees have been paid in full.

Fees are normally reviewed annually and a full term’s notice will be given of any increase.

One clear and full term’s notice, in writing, must be given to the school if a parent intends to withdraw a child for any reason, otherwise a full term’s fees are payable.  Notice to expire at the end of a term must be given before that term starts.  Fees once paid will not be refunded.