wellington public preschool - wellington · pdf fileour preschool children will exit with...

A handbook for new families.

Dear Parents,

You are contemplating the possible enrolment of your child in a preschool setting. This is your baby and you need to be reassured that you have found the right place to begin preparations for their formal education.

You have worked so hard to bring your child to his/her current level of development and you need to be assured that the preschool setting you choose will continue to foster that love of learning so that the ongo-ing learning grows to become a lifetime commitment.

Young children learn so much and so quickly. Like a sponge, they absorb all the knowledge they can in their quest to piece together the complex codes and experiences that allow them to make sense of their world. Our preschool provides the challenging experiences that will adequately equip them in their early years of development prior to entry into Kindergarten.

The way our preschool is structured under the rigid guidelines of the National Accreditation process you can be reassured that we have passed the intense scrutiny needed to be able to deliver exciting learning opportunities in a safe and stimulating learning environment.

We have a team of experienced people to look after the needs of your child and their commitment and care will assure you that your decision will be the right one.

Our preschool children will exit with learned outcomes that will enable our young students to transition seamlessly into Kindergarten at Wellington Public School.

Denis N Anderson

Principal

Wellington Public School.

National Quality Standards

Our Preschool is accredited under the

National Quality Standards.

It adheres to the required

standards under the

National Quality Framework.

Wellington Public Preschool Safe, respectful learners

Contents

Enrolment of Students

Philosophy

The Preschool Program

Voluntary Contributions

Preparing for Preschool

The First day

What to bring

Leaving and collecting your child

Attendance and Procedures for declaring a place

vacant

Illness/Accidents

Administration of Medication

Allergies/Asthma

Additional Support for students

Excursions and Preschool events

Clothing

Food

Preschool Transition to Kindergarten

www.wellington-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Wellington Public Preschool — handbook for new parents

1. Enrolment of Students in Government Schools

Government Preschool Classes

The Department of Education and Community’s

key focus is delivering educational services for

school-aged children attending K – 12. In addition

to this key focus, the Department recognises the

importance of Preschool education.

General Principles Governing Enrolment

Children generally attend Departmental Preschool

classes for one year only.

In exceptional circumstances an additional year of

attendance may be approved by the principal.

Eligibility Criteria

Children are eligible for enrolment in Preschool

classes from the beginning of the school year if

they turn four years of age on or before 31 July in

that year.

Priority of enrolment will be given in the following

order:

1. Children living within the local school zone.

2. Children living outside the local school zone who

have siblings enrolled in the school.

3. Children living outside the local school zone.

Specific Enrolment Criteria

Enrolment in Preschool gives priority to:

1. Families of Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait

Islander origin.

2. Families experiencing financial hardship.

3. Families of children with a disability.

Waiting Lists

Where the number of applicants for enrolment in

the Preschool class exceeds the number of places

available, a prioritised waiting list will be

established based on the eligibility criteria and the

school’s specific priority enrolment criteria.

The waiting list application is valid for the year

prior to enrolment in the Preschool class and for

the Preschool year.

If a vacancy occurs during the year, the position

will be filled by the child with the highest priority

on the waiting list.

A waiting list form can be completed at any time

throughout the year prior to the starting year.

Preschool Class Enrolment Procedure

Application for Preschool enrolment is made by

the parent/carer by completing the Department’s

Student Enrolment Form. Applications for the

following year will be taken from Term 2 of the

current school year.

Documentation providing proof of age, such as a

birth certificate, passport, or personal health

record (blue health book), immunisation details

and proof of residence will be required to

complete the enrolment. In special circumstances,

alternative authoritative documentation may be

accepted with the approval of the principal.


Preschool Hours

Preschool operates the following attendance

sessions:

Monday to Thursday 8.55am – 2.30pm

2. Philosophy

The Preschool caters for the needs of children and

families within the community of Wellington Public

School, endeavouring to make Preschool a

rewarding experience in preparation for later

learning.

Meeting Children’s Needs

At Preschool, children are encouraged to use a

’hands on’ approach to learning, exploring and

playing, using all five senses. The environment is

set up to challenge children to reason and solve

problems.

Staff use a positive approach to encourage children

to recognise boundaries. Children become familiar

with tasks by doing, and making choices so they

can:

Become independent.

Have confidence and self-discipline.

Prepare for kindergarten.

Children learn to respect and appreciate their own

work and the work of others. Preschool is free of

culture, gender or other biases.

Children’s home language and culture are valued

and recognised.

All children including children with special needs

will have opportunities and resources to help them

develop to their full potential.

Meeting Parental Needs

Parents are encouraged to be involved in their

child’s Preschool education by:

Asking their child about the day.

Valuing, praising and encouraging their work.

Sharing a story, song, craft.

Suggesting ideas for the program.

Attending Preschool events.

Reading newsletters and notes to keep up with

happenings at Preschool.

Meeting regularly with the Preschool teacher.

Helping on excursions.

Any views or concerns expressed by parents are

handled professionally and confidentially by

Preschool staff.

3. The Preschool Program

The Preschool provides an education plan for

children in their year before school. By attending

Preschool, children can gain skills and confidence

in language, cognitive, social, emotional, creative

and physical development.

The daily program includes:

Indoor and outdoor activities.

Music and Movement.

Language and stories.

Sensory Play.

Craft.


Group Games.

Routines to help children gain independence.

Scheduled activities and themes for the week are

outlined in the Monday newsletter the “Whisp”.

The weekly indoor/outdoor program is modelled

on ‘The Early Years’ Learning Framework’;

“Being, Becoming, and Belonging”.

4. Preschool fees

From the beginning of 2012, the NSW government

imposed compulsory fees on DEC Preschool

placements.

Daily Fee Structure for 2014

Standard daily fee: $10

Aboriginal Students: $5

Health Care Card holders: $1

Fees can be paid through the school office or at the

Preschool.

5. Preparing for Preschool

In the days leading up to Preschool:

Talk about Preschool in a positive way – things

your child may be doing.

Practise opening and closing own bag,

lunchbox and drink container.

Practise nose blowing.

Practise taking off and putting on jumpers.

Learn to flush the toilet.

Read books with your child or tell stories.

Let your child know that you are happy that

they are going to Preschool.

6. The First Day

Preschool should be an enjoyable time. Treat

Preschool as a normal and happy experience. On

arrival, sign your child in. The sign-in book will be

on the foyer table. Help your child unpack their

bag and find a locker.

Take time to look around – meet the teachers.

Children love to see positive interaction between

their parents and teachers. It adds to their

security.

Write down messages for staff as well as telling

them. The first days are a busy time for everyone.

Engage your child in an activity, and when settled,

tell them that you’re going and will see them soon.

7. What to Bring

Each day your child should bring a bag

containing:

Lunch – a sandwich, a roll with filling, pasta,

salad, cold meats or other suitable fillings.

Morning tea - a piece of fruit, muesli bar,

yoghurt, dried fruits or an extra sandwich.

Drink – juice, water or milk.

Hat- for outside play. Sunscreen will be

provided.

Spare clothes and underwear – ‘accidents’ do

happen at Preschool. Perhaps two sets of

clothes if you are unsure.

Please label all your child’s belongings.


8. Leaving and Collecting your Child

Preschool hours are strictly 8.55am to 2.30pm

Monday to Thursday.

It is the Department of Education and

Community’s Policy that children need to be

signed in and out as they enter and leave

Preschool.

Please collect your child on time. Children can lose

trust and feel anxious if they are the last one left.

Teachers will not be able to mind your child

outside Preschool hours.

If you are unable to collect your child on time:

Arrange for another reliable adult who is

known to the Preschool staff to come and

collect them.

Inform Preschool staff by written note of who

will collect your child. Parents informing of a

change in collection arrangements by phone

will be required to confirm their identity via

question; ie child’s birthdate etc.

Children will not be allowed to go with

strangers, unapproved persons or underage

siblings.

9. Preschool Attendance Policy for Declaring a

Place Vacant

While attendance at Preschool is voluntary, it is

expected that all children attend on a regular basis.

This is to ensure that:

Each child will be given planned activities which

are appropriate to their level of achievement.

Each child begins a successful transition to

Kindergarten.

Parents/Caregivers understand the importance of

establishing regular routines and the place it plays

in their child’s education.

If you know beforehand that your child is going to

be absent the next day or session, please let the

Preschool staff know. On return to Preschool,

please let the staff know the reason for the

absence.

Non Attendance

Consistent non – attendance affects your child’s

progress. Preschool numbers are limited and

places at Preschool are highly valued.

If there are periods of consistent non attendance

the following process will occur.

1) After two weeks of non attendance with no

satisfactory explanation parents or carers will be

contacted by telephone, letter, or the Aboriginal

Education Officer will do a home visit.

2) If the child still does not attend and there has

been no satisfactory explanation, an interview with

the Principal will be arranged, by telephone, letter

or AEO home visit.

3) Failure to attend this meeting will result in the

child’s placement in the Preschool to be DECLARED

VACANT.

4) If the meeting resolves the issue, the child will

be eligible to continue to attend

OR

The family may choose to forfeit their child’s

Preschool position. Upon forfeit of the position,


the vacant place will be immediately offered to the

next child on the waiting list. Confirmation of the

decision will be sent in writing.

5) If the position is forfeited and the family wishes

the child to return to preschool, the child’s name

would be placed on the waiting list. The child

would be re considered for Preschool placement

when a vacancy arises.

Change of address / contact details

It is vital that you update any changes to your

address and telephone numbers, as well as those

of your emergency contact people.

All information provided to the School is kept

confidential.

10. Illness/Accident at Preschool

Children who are ill or have an infection should be

kept at home.

A list of childhood diseases and their exclusion

periods are listed below.

Chicken Pox—Until fully recovered – at least 7 days

after spots appear.

Measles—For 5 days after the rash appears.

German Measles—Until fully recovered or at least

5 days. (minimum)

Head Lice—Check regularly for head lice and nits.

Don’t be surprised or upset if your child is infected.

Head lice occur in all Schools. Keep your child’s

hair well groomed (girls need to have their hair

tied back.) See your chemist for suitable

treatment if nits appear. Children should be

excluded until all lice nits have been removed.

Scabies—Depends on severity and location.

Impetigo—Depends on severity and location.

Conjunctivitis—Until treatment has been affective.

Mumps—Until fully recovered –at least 10 day

after swelling occurs.

The Preschool has a number of health information

sheets available.

Children who are not immunised may be excluded

from school if an outbreak of a disease occurs for

which immunisation is available.

If a child becomes ill or has a minor accident at

Preschool:

Parents/ carers would be contacted to collect

them.

Meanwhile, all measures would be taken to keep

the child comfortable.

There are no facilities for sick children at the

Preschool.

Children with an infection need to be kept home to

prevent further spread of the infection and hasten

recovery.

If a serious accident occurred:

The Preschool would contact parents/ carers or

emergency contacts.

An ambulance would be called and medical

assistance sought.

The Principal will be notified.


It is important that the Preschool is kept informed

of any new contact details

11. Administration of Medications

Preschool staff may administer medication only if:

An indemnity form has been completed and signed

by the parent.

It has been prescribed by a doctor.

The original doctor’s label with the child’s name

and dosage details are on it.

The Principal has given approval.

No medication or asthma puffers should be left in a

child’s bag. Medications are stored securely at

Preschool.

12. Health Care/Allergies/Asthma

Parents/ carers need to inform the Preschool staff

of any allergies their child has. (Food, medication

and insect bites are all examples.)

Children with identified conditions will need to

have a health care plan developed by the

preschool teacher, staff and parents of the child.

If a child has anaphylaxis or an identified food

allergy in the Preschool there will be a complete

ban on those foods.

A list of children’s allergies will be kept at

Preschool, for staff awareness.

13. Additional Support for Students

Learning Support Team:- The school has a Learning

Support Team that facilitates and coordinates a

whole school approach to meeting the needs of

students with difficulties in learning or behaviour.

Referral to the Learning Support Team may be

made by the Preschool teacher after consultation

with parents or carers so that students

experiencing difficulties receive ‘early’ and

appropriate intervention and support.

Aboriginal Education Officer:- (AEO) The AEO

works within the school and community forging

effective partnerships to support Aboriginal

students and families in achieving educational

goals.

School Counsellor:- The School Counsellor is

available on site 2 days per week and works with

the Learning Support Team to support identified

students by counselling or assessing students for

support programs.

Speech Therapy Program:- Wellington Public

School currently engages a speech pathologist 2

days per week to assess and develop speech and

language programs addressing identified student

needs. Programs are implemented by trained

tutors.

Occupational Therapy:- Wellington Public School

engages an OT to assess and provide weekly

programs to remediate difficulties with student self

regulation, readiness to learn and socialisation

issues for identified students.


14. Excursions

At times children will be involved in excursions

outside of the Preschool. Parents/ carers will

receive information in advance and a permission

note will need to be returned before the day of the

excursion.

Parents/ carers will also receive notice of any

events to be held at the Preschool or School, and

will be invited to attend.

15. Clothing

There is no uniform requirement for Preschool.

Children should be dressed appropriately for:

The weather/season.

Ease of dressing/undressing – sometimes press

studs and overalls can be tricky for children to un-

do for toileting.

Clean, comfortable clothes are best.

A Sun hat and sturdy shoes are necessary for

Occupational Health & Safety reasons – Thongs are

definitely not allowed.

16. Food

A healthy lunch, morning tea and drink will give

your child energy and help him/her have a great

day.

Due to this consideration these items are banned:

roll-ups; lollies; chips ; red cordial; chocolate; soft

drink; ANY food containing nuts or nut traces

17. Weekly Newsletter

Each week on Monday you will receive a copy of

the daily newsletter ‘The Whisp’ All weekly

activities are highlighted in the Whisp, along with

other important messages and photos of your child

engaging in a variety of experiences at Preschool.

18. Preschool to Kindergarten Transition

Throughout the year, a program of activities is

undertaken to provide a smooth transition to

Kindergarten.

Initially, Preschool children are introduced to

school staff and teachers who visit the Preschool,

such as our Principal and Deputy Principal.

Important faces at school become familiar as the

year progresses.

Children attend school activities such as

Assemblies, Easter Hat Parades, the K-2 Athletics

Carnival and NAIDOC Week.

They may join in with Kindergarten for excursions,

in-school shows or fitness time.

Informal walks around the school also occur.

In Terms 2 and 3, Preschool children visit

Kindergarten classes and join in activities.

In Term 4, parents/carers accompany their child to

Preschool- School transition. This will occur each

Friday morning for two hours. Your child will

attend the same classroom every week. The

teachers carrying out transition will rotate through

each group as the program progresses.

If you have any questions, please contact

Preschool Staff who are always happy to help.

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