METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST

Quiet Room

The children spend half an hour after lunch each day in the quiet room carpet. The activities include:

• Stories and singing

• Topic discussion

• Circle time (discuss thoughts, feelings, behaviour and the impact that has on others)

• TV (Friday treat)

Quiet room activities are in keeping with the themes. Children also learn skills such as sitting appropriately, waiting patiently, listening and many of the activities are confidence building as well as promoting language development.

Specialist Classes

Children attend classes with our specialist performing arts teacher (music, dance and drama). The classes are lots of fun, have therapeutic value as well as developing confidence and many other transferrable skills. The children also have P.E. where they learn physical skills as well as how to follow the rules of game.

Outdoor Play

We recognise the importance of outdoor play. It has benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. We have access to two outdoor play areas where there are a range of play resources for climbing, gardening, sports, movement and a wide range of bicycles and scooters. We also have a range of materials to inspire imaginative play such as a mud kitchen, sandpit and water play. Under close supervision, the children are encouraged to manage risk, problem solve and work together. Children also have daily access to the Downey House Forest School area where they can explore the natural environment and observe the seasonal changes as well as observing wildlife

Behaviour Management

Downey House Pre-Prep takes a positive approach to behaviour management and aims to provide a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere where the children are happy and kept safe.

Praise

Staff praise desirable behaviour to reinforce it and promote the children’s self-esteem This also encourages others to behave in a similar way.

Clear instructions

Staff try, where possible, to tell the children clearly what they want them to do instead of what they do not want them to do. The classroom rules are:

• Be gentle

• Be nice

• Be helpful

• Be honest

• Use an indoor voice

• Walk indoors

• If you do not know, ask a grownup.

Rewards

The focus is on the positive behaviour of the children. Rewards are given at carpet time for good examples of following the classroom rules. This promotes the development of self-esteem of the child and positive behaviour is modelled for the other children

Circle time

Circle time is used to discuss feelings and behaviour. The rules are explained to the children to develop an understanding of the reasoning as well as the potential consequences and impact on others if the rules are not followed.

Role modelling

Staff set a good example of positive behaviour and demonstrate the Pre-Prep rules. One of the children is appointed the leader daily on a rota basis and their responsibility is to show the other children how to behave. Children who demonstrate good behaviour are rewarded at carpet time to set a good example.

Removal from an activity

If a child is displaying inappropriate behaviour they will be given a verbal warning. If they continue that behaviour they may be removed from the particular play area. The reason is explained with the focus is on how to behave in a more positive way.

Parental partnership

Parents will be informed if any behaviour management strategies have been used with their child.

Individual strategies

At times individual behaviour management strategies may need to be implemented that are relevant to the child and the particular behaviour. This will be discussed in advance with parents.

Every day is a fresh start

Observations and Assessments

The children are observed during their play to identify strengths in their development and areas that require support. These observations and assessments are recorded and are kept in secure files.

Children learn naturally through play but with the sensitive interaction of adults their learning and development is promoted.

Planning takes place to ensure that every child progresses in each area of the Pre-School curriculum.

Sharing Information

Sharing information about your child and their Pre-Prep experiences is crucial to ensure continuity of care. We make every effort to ensure parents are well informed.

Parents are asked to download the Schoolcomms App allowing the school to contact you via text or email. Consent and payments are also made via the app as well as bookings for after school clubs.

A monthly newsletter is sent out detailing the themes, trips, any upcoming events and any other relevant information.

Photographs will be sent out regularly via email. The photographs will show parents what we have been doing in Pre-Prep.

We have an open door policy. All children will be met at the door by a member of staff. This allows time for the exchange of any relevant information. Meetings can be arranged as required. All parents will be invited to discuss how their child has settled into Pre-Prep in October, progress meetings in February and their transition reports in June.

Parents have an opportunity to express their views in our questionnaire at the end of the year.

As part of the annual inspection process, parental views and the views of the children will be sought by the Health and Social Care Trust.

Meals and Snacks

It is important for children to eat regular, healthy snacks for their development. A morning snack is provided. The snack routine is an important learning experience, particularly for personal, social and emotional development. Children must wait for a space at the snack table, wash their hands, sit properly and eat their snack and then put their cup and plate in the sink when they have finished. Children are given toast, cheese and crackers, cereal, pancakes, or a biscuit and fruit is available daily. Children can bring their own pack lunch which they all eat together at 12noon.

Pre-Prep staff have Level 2 Food Hygiene certificates.

Downey House has a healthy eating policy. Parents are encouraged to send healthy pack lunches. A treat can be included on a Friday, “treat day”. Water and milk are provided at snack time.

All allergies and dietary requirements should be reported to the school via the registration forms before your child begins school to ensure adequate provisions are made.

Downey House Is A Nut And Seseme Free School

(A full copy of our food and drinks policy is available on request)

After School

Pre-Prep after school runs from 1pm – 3pm and costs £10 and will commence on Monday 18th September from 1pm-3pm

Children can stay from 3pm-5:30pm in our After School service which involves relaxation time, outdoor and indoor playtime with a range of free choice play resources. (£10 per day)

Afternoon snacks are provided.

Transition to P1

In term three, after the Easter break, the focus turns to a smooth transition into P1.

The Pre-Prep children will have opportunities to meet their P1 teacher and visit their P1 classroom. The children will also know the specialist teachers from their pre-school year. The Pre-Prep children know their way around the school and grounds before starting P1.

Children are encouraged to behave responsibly to show they are ready for P1. They must be able to follow the Pre-Prep rules and independence is promoted. They are encouraged to sit like P1 children at carpet time, raise their hand to speak and wait patiently for their turn.

A transition report is completed and shared with the parents. With consent, it is then sent to the P1 teacher. The P1 teacher and Pre-Prep staff liaise to discuss each individual child to provide continuity of care.

General Information

Insurance In accordance with the Employer’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 Downey House Pre-Prep is insured with Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc

Staffing ratio: 16 children (maximum) with 2 staff (minimum)

Opening hours: 8:30am-1pm Parking is available in the Downey House car park.

Pre-Prep After School: 1pm-3pm (optional)

After School Service: 3pm-5:30pm (optional)

Fees

The 2023/24 prices are as follows

Pre-Prep Session (per day) £21

Pre-Prep After School Club 1-3pm £10 per day

After School Service 3-5:30pm (free play) £10 per day

School uniform

All children should wear:

• A royal blue sweatshirt with the Downey House Pre-Prep logo.

• Yellow polo shirt with the Downey House Pre-Prep logo

• Navy tracksuit bottom with Downey House Pre-Prep logo

• Shoes without laces please.

• MCB overcoat (optional)

Please also send your child to school with:

• Bicycle helmet

• Full change of clothes to be kept in a bag on your child’s peg

• Wellington Boots

Pricelist

Sweatshirts - £15

Polo Shirt - £12

Tracksuit bottoms- £14

Shorts - £12

MCB Winter Overcoat- £40

Orders should be made directly to Donna Armstrong 07974977854

Payment by bank transfer Donna Armstrong sort code 950149 account number 92797933

Schoolcomms APP

Schoolcomms is a parent engagement app that will be used for communication and as the method for giving consent and for paying for activities including trips, after school and canteen etc.

To prepare for this, and to stay up to date you will need to download the app, which is free.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOWNLOAD UNTIL YOUR CHILD STARTS SCHOOL AS YOU WILL NOT BE ON THE SYSTEM AND THERFORE CANNOT GAIN ACCESS

Apple iPhone users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/iosdownload Android users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/androiddownload or alternatively please search for School Gateway in your App Store. For identification purposes, the logo for the App is reproduced.

To activate your account please register as a NEW USER and enter the email address and mobile number which the College already holds for you. Please note that as the database used by Schoolcomms is a single Prep database, that there may be some confusion regarding the appearance of logos and banners. Please do not worry about that. Information targeted to you will be sent to include the class (or classes) to which your child / children belongs.

For assistance:

If you have any questions or would like more information, please see the School Gateway site here: https://schoolgateway.co.uk

If you have difficultly logging on and need to check the log on information we hold for you, please email shampton876@c2kni.net (Downey House).

You can also login to the online version of School Gateway via https://schoolgateway.co.uk if you do not have a smart phone, although we do recommend using the app if possible as it makes it far easier for us to contact parents when we need to.