About us

Our Staff

• Our pre-school sessions are organised by two joint pre-school leaders who are both PLA Diploma trained.
• The majority of our staff are qualified, having also completed their PLA Diploma or equivalent. In addition, on-going training is available to all our members of staff through Surrey Early Years and pre-school network courses.
• Most of our staff hold first aid certificates and attend refresher courses regularly.
• Criminal Record Bureau checks are carried out on all new members of staff. In addition, references are always obtained.

Staff/Child Ratios

• We work with a high ratio of adults to children. We have at least one member of staff to every six children in our morning sessions, which are for children aged 3- 4 years (aged 3 by the 31st August preceding the start of the academic year).
• In the afternoon sessions, we ensure there is a minimum of one member of staff to every four children. A maximum of 16 two year olds attend our afternoon sessions, rising to 24 at age 3 onwards.
• With such a high staff/ child ratio, each child can be individually supported and receives a high level of care and attention, helping them settle into pre-school.

Ofsted Registration

Our pre-school is registered with Ofsted, who inspect us regularly. Our most recent inspection took place in December 2006. We were awarded "outstanding" for our nursery education and "good" for our care - these are the top two marks available! The full report can be viewed on the Ofsted website www.ofsted.gov.uk

The Parents' Committee

The general administration of the pre-school is carried out by an elected Management Committee of parents/carers, the pre-school joint leaders (and deputy) and a representative from the church. The Committee is responsible for reviewing policies and procedures, the employment and appraisal of staff, finance, fundraising, etc. and gives support and help to the pre-school leaders and to our administrator.

Policies

Our policies are always available for parents to read and comment upon. Policies are reviewed regularly by the Management Committee in consultation with staff.

Schools

We have a good relationship with the local schools and liaison visits between staff and children are arranged during the year. There is, however, no automatic transfer to St Martins or any other infant school. Parents should obtain the Surrey Admissions Handbook from a local school and brochures from any schools in which they are interested. These will explain the relevant admissions procedure.

The Key Worker Scheme

The pre-school operates a keyworker (appointed helper) system. A keyworker has special responsibilities for a small group of children. Each child has one or two keyworkers who will, with the child's welfare in mind, help the child settle into pre-school and take a special interest in their progress. The key worker will introduce themselves to the child's parents/carers and keep them informed of the child's welfare and development.

In addition, the pre-school leaders are always available to discuss your child's progress or any concerns that you may have.