Question 1

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Our opening hours are 8 am. until 4 pm, Monday to Friday and are only open during school term times. We offer both sessional and full day care.

For more information on our session times, check out our Prices & Sessions page.

Question 2

How can I find out about getting a place for my child in the pre-school?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking to get a place for your child at St Barnabas Pre-School then please either call us on 01202 253471 or email us at stbarnabaspreschool@hotmail.com. You can also visit our Contact Us page and complete our form so that we can get back to you.

Question 3

What is the process of my child settling in to your pre-school?

Accepted Answer

We feel it is so important to make sure the settling in process is correctly done. We work closely with you and your child to make sure the ease of transition is as comfortable as it can possibly be. We will ensure a plan is in place that suits your needs as a parent and your child’s individual needs. Each child is different and every settling in process is different so it’s very important to us to make sure it’s done right. We would discuss this with you before your child comes in for their first settling in session.

Question 4

How many staff members are there per child?

Accepted Answer

Our staff-to-child ratio varies by age. For children aged two, we have one practitioner for every four children. For those aged three and above, it's one practitioner for every eight children. This ensures each child receives the attention and care they need.

Question 5

How do we group children at the pre-school?

Accepted Answer

We group children into two groups: Cubs (ages 2-3) and Bears (preparing for school). This helps us meet their developmental needs. We also bring all the children together regularly, allowing younger ones to learn by observing the older children. This approach fosters a sense of community and collaboration among the children.

Question 6

How will I be involved in my child’s time at pre-school?

Accepted Answer

We offer an open door policy and you are more than welcome to book an appointment with the manager or your child’s key person at anytime. We hold parents evenings where we invite you in to go through all of your child’s development discussing their successes and where we would like to take them next in their learning. You will also be given access to your child’s online portal which allows you to view observations on what your child has been doing week to week whilst with us.

While your child is at our pre-school, you will also be invited to follow our Instagram page which will give you an insight into some of the lovely activities your child has the chance to join in with.

Once a term you will receive a newsletter which will inform you of any upcoming events we have or any general information you need to know to keep you informed. Partnership with parents is very important to us and we would want you to feel as involved as possible.

Question 7

Does my child need to be toilet trained before joining the pre-school?

Accepted Answer

No they don't. We are fully prepared at St Barnabas Pre-School to support your little ones in toilet training. We can also provide you with tips to help with training at home.

Question 8

What if my child has special educational needs?

Accepted Answer

Our team are highly qualified with working with children that need additional support. We work very closely with families to ensure that all needs are met for the child and parents or carer, and that we have everything in place to provide the best care possible to allow your child to flourish in our setting.

Question 9

What if I need somebody else to collect my child from pre-school?

Accepted Answer

If you are planning on getting someone other than one of the child's parents or carer to pick your child up then you will need to inform us. You should aim to do this when your drop your child off at the start of their session or as soon as you possibly can. You will also need to inform the person collecting your child that they will need to know the password you have set on your child’s induction pack. They will also need to bring ID as proof of who they are.

Question 10

Do we take children on local outings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we occasionally take the children on local outings to explore the environment around us. These experiences are important for their cultural development. Rest assured, every child wears a high-visibility jacket, and our staff are always present. You'll be asked to sign a consent form when enrolling your child to allow for these excursions.

Question 11

How can you address any concerns?

Accepted Answer

If you have any concerns, please speak to our friendly management team. We are here to help and will do our best to address any issues. We also distribute feedback questionnaires to parents each term to continually improve our practice. Your feedback is important to us.

Question 12

Does my child need to bring anything with them to pre-school?

Accepted Answer

Before your child starts St Barnabas Pre-School you will be given information and advice on what your child may need before their first settling in session.

Question 13

Can your child bring a comfort toy to pre-school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage your child to bring a comforter while they settle with us. This helps them feel secure and comfortable in the setting.

Question 14

Who are Ofsted and what do they do?

Accepted Answer

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) is the governing body who set the standards for care and education for all children’s care settings including schools, nurseries and pre-schools.

For information about Ofsted please visit their website at www.ofsted.gov.uk

Question 15

How does pre-school differ to nursery?

Accepted Answer

Pre-school and nursery differ in a number of ways however it may just come down to your personal preference. Things like your child's age and how your child is developmentally will be a couple of factors. Some differences include:
Nurseries will take children from ages one  where as pre-schools generally take children from three. At St Barnabas Pre-School, we'll take children from two years old.
Nurseries usually cost more than pre-schools do but this might not always be the case so it's best to compare a few.
Pre-schools aim to prepare your child for going to school, while nurseries focus less on the learning experience, and instead act more like a childcare provider.

Question 16

How can I choose the best pre-school for my child?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right pre-school involves considering the curriculum, approach to early childhood education, location, hours, and philosophy. At St Barnabas Pre-School, we offer a child-centered curriculum that supports social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through play and exploration. Conveniently located near JP Morgan and Queen's Park, we provide flexible hours for working families. We encourage you to visit, meet our staff, and see our program in action to determine if it's the right fit for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions at
St Barnabas Pre-School