Why
Pre-school needs you!
Taking part on the parent-help rota not only benefits the group by having an additional adult present, it gives you the opportunity to:
Please help
Please take a turn on the parent-help rota if you possible can. Fathers, mothers and other carers are all welcome. Younger siblings are welcome with you, but please be aware that they remain your responsibility throughout the session. The rota list is displayed on the front door for you to complete.
Don't worry......
....if you feel unsure about what to do. Everybody feels that way at first. Don't be afraid to ask.
....if your child reacts oddly at first to your being there and to having to share you with other children. Some children are shy with a parent present; some show off; others become clingy. Its normal.
....about doing the "wrong thing" with the children. Take your cue from the children's own activities and conversation, or a member of staff.
....that you won't know everybody. All the adults in the group are parents like you, so that gives you something in common. Just be willing to help, ask what you don't know, and you'll soon feel part of the group.
The following tips will help you to make the most of your time in pre-school:
If you have any special interests or skills you would like to share with the children - art, music, dance, sewing, cooking, computers etc. - talk to a member of staff.
Regulations state that only adults who have undergone vetting by the Criminal Records Bureau may escort children to the toilet. You may, however, take your own child to the toilet.
Taking part on the parent-help rota not only benefits the group by having an additional adult present, it gives you the opportunity to:
- See what happens at pre-school. This means you will be in the best position to pick up on pre-school learning at home.
- Gives you a new insight into your child's needs and abilities, from watching him/her busy among the pre-school activities and getting on with other children.
- See who your child's friends are.
- Get to know the staff. Helping on the parent rota you an ideal opportunity to discuss your child's progress with your key worker.
- Seeing their own parents involved in the pre-school shows children that their parents think education is important - and that they have a part to play in it.
- But most of all, your child will enjoy having you there.
Please help
Please take a turn on the parent-help rota if you possible can. Fathers, mothers and other carers are all welcome. Younger siblings are welcome with you, but please be aware that they remain your responsibility throughout the session. The rota list is displayed on the front door for you to complete.
Don't worry......
....if you feel unsure about what to do. Everybody feels that way at first. Don't be afraid to ask.
....if your child reacts oddly at first to your being there and to having to share you with other children. Some children are shy with a parent present; some show off; others become clingy. Its normal.
....about doing the "wrong thing" with the children. Take your cue from the children's own activities and conversation, or a member of staff.
....that you won't know everybody. All the adults in the group are parents like you, so that gives you something in common. Just be willing to help, ask what you don't know, and you'll soon feel part of the group.
The following tips will help you to make the most of your time in pre-school:
- If possible arrive early to help set out activities.
- During the session, play with your child and his/her friends as you wish. Join in with any of the activities on offer - watch what the children are doing and be prepared to talk to them about it. Read a book in the book corner. If you would like to help with the craft activity, a member of staff will guide you.
- In the painting corner, you can help children on/off with aprons; help write their names on paintings; replace paper as needed. Keep an eye on the hand wash water and change if needed.
- Help to pack away at the end of the session - empty water tray; wash paintbrushes; pack up puzzles, role play, etc; sweep up sand.
- Enjoy spending time with your child, getting to know his/her friends, discovering what happens during a session.
- Take the opportunity to talk with your child's key worker, and get to know staff members.
- If unsure about what to do, please ask. We are here to help.
If you have any special interests or skills you would like to share with the children - art, music, dance, sewing, cooking, computers etc. - talk to a member of staff.
Regulations state that only adults who have undergone vetting by the Criminal Records Bureau may escort children to the toilet. You may, however, take your own child to the toilet.
