PRE-SCHOOL LEARNING ALLIANCE FELLOWHIP HOUSE ST BARTHOLOMEW'S ROAD EAST HAM LONDON E6
The information provided by the Newham Children's Information Service is solely to assist you in choosing a suitable provider, it does not recommend or endorse any of the providers listed. The London Borough of Newham makes every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date but cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies and omissions. You must always check details with providers directly in order to ensure that their service meets your requirements.
NEWHAM CHILDREN’S INFORMATION SERVICE Telephone: 0800 074 1017 or Email: mailto:CIS@newham.gov.uk
CHOOSING A PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
Choosing a Pre-School (Playgroup)
Pre-schools, also known as playgroups or play-schools, are for young children to learn and play in small groups. They are registered by OFSTED and inspected annually. Most pre-schools offer sessional education for children aged 3-5 years for up to two to three hours.
Pre-schools provide a well balanced curriculum in a safe and stimulating environment, allowing children the opportunity to explore and experience, and enjoy activities such as messy and creative play.
How do I find a pre-school
CIS can provide you with a list of playgroups in your area, with details of opening times and prices.
When choosing a pre-school playgroup, it is advisable that you visit several playgroups in order to find the one which would suit you and your child best. Therefore you might like to consider some of the following points when you do visit the groups:
• The way staff care for children
• The toys and equipment provided and how children are occupied
• Whether you feel your child will be happy there. Talk to staff about any problems, habits, likes and dislikes your child might have. Once you have found a pre-school playgroup Once you have found a pre-school playgroup, we suggest that you:
• Settle your child in slowly
• Find out about the method for paying fees, e.g. daily or weekly, and whether/how much you will be expected to pay if your child is absent for any reason
• Talk to the playgroup supervisor about any problems, or questions you have concerning/affecting your child
• Tell the playgroup of your home and work address and telephone number, along with your local GP’s address and telephone number
• If you are worried or dissatisfied with the playgroup, talk this over with the supervisor, a Pre-school Learning Alliance fieldworker, the Early Years and Childcare Service or OFSTD. Starting a Pre-school Playgroup Pre-schools rely heavily on the involvement of parents and carers, so if you are interested in starting a pre-school yourself, you should first contact the Early Years and Childcare Service, who will give you the advice and information you need. The Newham Preschool Learning Alliance will also provide you with information.
The information provided by the Newham Children's Information Service is solely to assist you in choosing a suitable provider, it does not recommend or endorse any of the providers listed. The London Borough of Newham makes every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date but cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies and omissions. You must always check details with providers directly in order to ensure that their service meets your requirements. Help with Childcare Costs
Childcare Tax Credit: The childcare tax credit is a new form of financial assistance from the government, which aims at helping families with up to 70% of their childcare costs. For more information, detailed advice and a claim pack call the Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900.
Nursery Education Grant: The nursery education grant is available for most three and four year old children under the Newham Early Years and Childcare Plan.
For information and a list on those providers who are registered for Nursery Education Grant, call the Early Years and Childcare Service (Education Department) on 0208 430 5029 or 0208 430 5031.
Useful Contacts:
• Early Years and Childcare Service, Unit 4, Stratford Office Village, 4 Romford Road, E15 4EA. Tel: 0800 074 1017.
• Pre-school Learning Alliance fieldworkers are based at: Fellowship House, St. Bartholomew’s Road, East Ham, E6 3AG. Tel: 0208 552 4000
It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that all forms of childcare offer a safe and nurturing environment for children. If you have worries or concerns about a provider you can contact OFSTED’s Complaints and Investigation Team on 0207 560 7107.
Alternatively, you can contact CIS who can pass on your complaint to OFSTED.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
CALL NEWHAM CIS ON 0800 074 1017 OR VISIT
Pre-School Learning Alliance:
Although care has been taken in preparing the information contained in this document, St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre – [PEH] does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy thereof. Anyone using the information does so at their own risk and shall be deemed to indemnify St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre – [PEH] from any and all injury or damage arising from such use.
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference to any products, services, hypertext link to the third parties or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply any endorsement or non-endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by the St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre – [PEH]. nor is an endorsement of us implied by such links. They are for convenience only, as an index of Service Users at St Bartholomew’s Church & Centre.
