New Pre School for North Molton
Primary School Welcomes Children from their 3rd Birthday
Monday 7 September was an important day for the village of North Molton, as the new Pre School opened its doors for the first time at the local primary school.
Following the closure of the previous nursery in January 2008, which had been situated in a portacabin in the old school playground, the village had had no provision for 19 months. But in an innovative move North Molton Primary School stepped into the breach.
By reorganising the classes, the school has been able to create a double sized area, which provides spacious accommodation for the Robins (Reception Class) and Penguins (the Pre School children).
Teacher Mrs Toon is helped by Early Years Assistant Mrs Kennett. Mrs Toon says:
"We are delighted that on our first day we are already have 11 children and some sessions are fully booked with 13. With two sets of identical twins here on day one, we are just about managing to remember who’s who!
It’s fantastic having the Pre School integrated with us and it means that when it comes to ‘starting school’, children will already be happily settled in.
The Pre School will be initially offering 4 half day sessions a week, Monday – Thursday, 9.00 – 12.45 but if all goes well and demand is there, we have ambitions to provide full days at a later date."
At present the Pre School children can either leave at 12.00, or bring a packed lunch and stay on until 12.45. The school is also investigating the possibility of providing a cooked school lunch.
Julie Belcher Truss is one of the mum’s who has a child, Charlotte, in the new Pre School on day one. Julie said:
"It’s so good to be able to bring Charlie here as she already knows a lot of children from the village and surrounding areas and is familiar with the school as until last term, my son George attended North Molton.
I therefore already know what a great school it is and in the future our youngest child will also come to the Pre School and then the Primary School."
For further information about the Pre School or to book a place, parents can contact Jo Hutter on (01598) 740343.
For further information regarding this press release, please ring Susi Atkinson, Atkinson PR on 01598 740628.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a place for my child?
Just telephone the school office (01598) 740343 and speak to Jo Hutter.
How can I use the free 12.5 hr entitlement across your sessions?
We are happy to offer flexibility. You may want to use your free entitlement across all 4 mornings, so 9am – 12 noon which will be 12 hours for 4 mornings and use the half hour on one of the days, picking your child up at 12.30pm.
If I am using my entitlement at another pre-school can my child still attend?
Yes, they can still attend on a payment basis.
If I need more than 12.5 hrs, how much will extra hours cost me?
We are charging extra hours at £3.70 per hour.
Will you be offering any afternoon sessions?
We certainly hope so, but at the moment there are not enough children wanting afternoon sessions to make this viable.
What age can my child start?
We will take children from their 3rd birthday. You will need to pay for your child until your free entitlement begins.
I have heard that the pre-school children will be in with reception age children, how will that work?
All our classes in school are mixed year groups. Reception children at the moment are with year 1 children, so teachers are used to dealing with different age groups in the same class. When the pre-school opens we will be running as a Foundation Stage Unit, with children aged 3, 4 and 5 years in the same class. Our Early Years teacher Mrs Toon will group children where necessary to meet the curriculum requirements. If you want more information about this, Mrs Toon will be happy to discuss the arrangements with you.
Will children need to buy school uniform?
No, pre-school children will not need to wear uniform, but reception aged children will still wear our school uniform.
|
