The Coppice Pre-School and Out of School Club

We are rural, friendly 24 place Pre-School and Out of School Club for 2-11 year olds. We are situated in a classroom within Smallwood Academy which allows for a seamless transition to school and Out of School care in a familiar environment for the school’s pupils. We have access to the school’s large outdoor area and encourage outdoor play in all weathers.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards for the learning, development and care for children aged 0-5 years. The EYFS sets out seven areas of development which guide our engagement with your child’s play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge.

Opening times: 7:30am – 6:00pm, 51 weeks of the year

Pre-School: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Out of School: 7.30am – 9:00am & 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Pre-School

The Pre-School room provides care for up to 24 children aged approximately 2-5 years. The 2 year old children are cared for on a 1:4 ratio and 3-5 year olds are cared for on a 1:8 ratio.

Children of this age are beginning their journey towards formal learning and we aim to help children prepare for school to enable a smooth transition whilst still providing a fun environment for children to enjoy.

Activities in the Pre-School room are planned to encourage development across the seven areas of learning and promote school readiness.

We have excellent links with Smallwood Academy and our location within the school allows for a seamless transition to the Reception class.

The Key Worker System

We allocate every child a key worker, who is a named practitioner whose role it is to help your child settle into nursery, make them feel safe and secure, monitor their development and be the main point of contact for the parents.

Your child’s key worker will plan activities that follow your child’s unique needs and interests, but also follow the seven areas of development. Your child will learn by playing and exploring, being active and creative and critical thinking which takes place both inside and outside. They will share with you their observations on your child’s development and will work with you if your child needs any extra support.

ParentZone

We use an app called ParentZone to keep parents informed and encourage two-way communication between parents and the setting. Through ParentZone you are able to:

• View a timeline of your child’s day including what they have eaten, when they have slept and their nappy changes

• View our observations and assessments relating to your child’s development

• Add photos or observations from home

• Send comments to your child’s key worker

• Request extra sessions

• View details about your account

Meals and Snacks

At The Coppice we offer children a well-balanced, nutritious snack menu. We follow Government nutritional guidelines including the ‘Eat Better, Start Better’ guidelines. All snacks are prepared fresh daily and we have experience of catering to specific dietary requirements including allergies, intolerances and religious requirements. Children attending the Pre-School sessions have the option to either bring a healthy packed lunch or purchase a hot dinner from the school.

Meal times are a happy occasion at The Coppice; members of staff actively encourage children in conversation and tasting of new food. Children sit at tables with their friends and social skills and table manners are promoted.

The Coppice Out of School Club

Before School: 7:30am – 9:00am

After School: 3:00pm – 6:00pm

The meals provided are:

• Breakfast included with Out of School Club breakfast sessions

• A light tea included with the Late After School Club session

The Coppice Holiday Club

7:30am to 6:00pm during school holidays

We provide a Holiday Club for up to 24 children aged 2-11 that are attending Smallwood Academy. Children have access to a variety of resources and activities whilst at the Club, such as outdoor play, group games such as ball games and hide and seek, role play, acting and singing, arts and crafts and construction. We aim to make children feel at home and provide a calm and caring environment for them to relax after school. The majority of our activities are child-led and based on the children’s interest and age.

In Addition to pre booked sessions (which guarantees a place) we also offer last minute bookings which can be for as little as 1 hour, provided we have a spare place and staff available.