Pre-Prep Statement of Purpose

Page 1


STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

METHODIST COLLEGE

PRE - PREP DEPARTMENT

2025/2026

Pre-Prep Supervisor

Pre-Prep Assistant

At Methody Pre-Prep we aim to provide high quality Pre-Prep care and education in a safe and stimulating learning environment.

The Pre-Prep is situated within Methody which is a non-denominational and co-educational Preparatory Department on the Methodist College Belfast campus, providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

In our Pre-Prep, the children learn through play and, alongside sensitive interactions with experienced staff, the holistic development of the child is supported and promoted across the six areas of the Pre-Prep curriculum.

The small class size means that each child receives quality time with experienced staff who have a good understanding of each individual child’s needs which helps ensure that every child reaches their full potential.

By the end of the Pre-Prep year the aim is to have all the children ready for a smooth transition into P1 with a great head start and positive attitude towards their future education.

MISS
MRS

CHILD LED LEARNING

“Tell

me and I will forget, Teach me and I may remember, Involve me and I will learn.”

Children learn through experiences, experimenting, trial and error. Making mistakes is an opportunity to learn, develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Success promotes confidence and develops understanding. The Pre-Prep is a carefully planned learning environment where the children are encouraged to explore and discover. We offer a lot of autonomy and opportunities to extend or adapt the play activities to keep the children interested and engaged. Social skills such as cooperation and negotiation are encouraged. The children’s interests are valued and incorporated into planning the activities.

Areas of Learning

THEMES

During the year we do a variety of themes, this is an example of ones that have done in the past:

September: All About Me February: People Who Help Us

October: Fairytales March: Farm/ Easter

November: Autumn April: Transport

December: Christmas May: Minibeasts

January: Space June: Seaside

We dedicate a day each month to a certain colour and base our activities, clothes and food around that colour. It makes for an immersive and exciting way to learn colours.

We learn about the changing seasons throughout the year through a wide range of activities. We will go on a seasonal walk and the children are encouraged to observe signs of the changing seasons in nature.

SPEAKER’S CHAIR

The children are requested to send in photographs or objects linked to the topic, the colour or the season and they will have an opportunity to show and tell on “speaker’s chair”. The photographs will be displayed on the interactive whiteboard and the children sit on the teacher’s chair in front of their friends to talk about it. This is a great confidence building exercise as well as a home/school link. Focusing the children’s attention on a particular topic, colour or season encourages their observation skills and promotes their understanding of the world around them.

A TYPICAL PRE-PREP DAY

Children feel more secure and relaxed if they know what to expect. We stick to the daily routine as much as possible and prepare the children in advance for any changes.

DAILY ROUTINE

8.30 AM - 9 AM

Welcome Time. Parents can drop off at the main entrance at reception anytime during welcome time. Parents should ring the bell on arrival.

9 AM -9.45 AM Play Time.

Children are invited individually or in small groups to take part in an adult led activity such as art or a game.

9.45 AM - 10.15 AM Snack Time

10.15 AM - 11 AM Play / Learning 11 AM - 11.30 AM Outdoor Play

11.30 AM - 12 PM Carpet Time 12 PM - 12.30 PM Lunch Time

12.30 PM - 1 PM Outdoor Play

12.45 PM - 1 PM Home time. Parents collect from the main entrance at reception, parents should ring the bell on arrival, unless attending afterschool.

ACTIVITIES

ON A DAILY BASIS THE CHILDREN HAVE FREE ACCESS TO:

CARPET TIME

THE CHILDREN SPEND HALF AN HOUR BEFORE LUNCH EACH DAY ON THE CARPET. THE ACITIVITIES INCLUDE:

• Art Resources (adult led and free choice art activities)

• Writing Materials (selection of pens, crayons, pencils, chalks, whiteboard markers etc with mixed ability worksheets)

• Sand Tray (sand, lentils, leaves, soil etc with a selection of sensory resources)

• Story Corner (soft seating with a selection of books)

• Painting Easel (selection of paints and paper)

• Playdough (with a selection of tools)

• Small World (dolls house, farm, dinosaurs, jungle animals etc for imaginative play)

• Games and Jigsaw Puzzles

• Construction (duplo, building blocks, train set etc.)

• Role Play Area (Home Corner, Shop, Hospital etc. with a selection of dressing up)

• Outdoor play (large and small playground with selection of equipment and resources such as bikes, scooters, space hoppers, creative movement equipment, spades and wheelbarrows)

• Stories and Singing

• Interactive Whiteboard

• Show and Tell (‘Speaker’s Chair’, favourite book Friday)

• Topic Discussion

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

Carpet time activities are in keeping with the monthly theme. 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 therapeautic value as well as developing confidence and many other transferable skills. The children also have P.E where they learn physical skills as well as how to follow the rules of games. They have opportunities to compete individually as well as in a team.

The Pre-Prep children take part in the Christmas Nativity in the Chapel of Unity. They have their own end of year show where they perform songs they have learnt throughout the year. They also do Sports Day in the summer term with the Prep 1 - Prep 3 children to showcase the skills they have been learning in their specialist classes. Parents can observe the progression throughout the year.

OUTDOOR PLAY

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

PRAISE

CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS

REWARDS

CIRCLE TIME

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 crates, planks and tyres as well 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 playground where they can explore the natural environment and observe the seasonal changes as well as observing wildlife. If it is raining outside, we have access to the school gym.

“What you think I am, I think I am. What I think I am I will be.”

Methody 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.

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

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 grown up.

The focus is on the positive behaviour of the children. Rewards are given at any time for good examples of following the classroom rules. This promotes the development of self-esteem and positive behaviour is modelled for the other children. We use star jars in which children can earn stars to fill up their jars, receiving a certificate when their jar is full.

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 rules are not followed.

ROLE MODELLING

REMOVAL FROM AN ACTIVITY

PARENTAL PARTNERSHIPS

INDIVIDUAL STRATEGIES

OBSERVATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS

SHARING INFORMATION

Staff set a good example of positive behaviour and demonstrate the Pre-Prep rules. One of the children is appointed the daily line leader 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.

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

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

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

(A full copy of our behaviour management policy is available upon request)

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 Preschool curriculum.

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 School Gateway 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.

MEALS AND SNACKS

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

Photographs will be sent out regularly to those who consent via Google Classroom. An invitation code will be sent out at the beginning of the year to access this via email. The photographs will show parents what we have been doing in Pre-Prep.

We have a welcome half hour from 8:30am to 9am so that everyone does not arrive at once. 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 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.

It is important for children to eat regular, healthy snacks for their development. A morning snack is provided. The snack routine, where the children all eat together, is an important learning experience, particularly for personal, social and emotional development. Children 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.

Children also have the option of having a hot meal delivered to the Pre-Prep from the canteen. This must be booked and paid for via the School Gateway App.

All Pre-Prep staff have Level 2 Food Hygiene certificates.

Methody Prep has a healthy eating policy. Parents are encouraged to send healthy pack lunches. A treat can be included on a Friday, “treat day”.

STARTING INFORMATION

PRE-PREP

Water and milk are provided at snack time and there is a child height drinking fountain available to the children.

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

METHODY PREP IS A NUT AND SESAME FREE SCHOOL

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

Children will be divided into two groups (half in each group) with those who have older siblings already in the Prep, in the first group.

Group 1 will have a playdate on Wednesday 20 August from 10am to 10.45am.

They will then start Pre-Prep on Wednesday 27 August from 8.30am to 10.30am (not in on 28 August)

Group 2 will have their first playdate on Wednesday 20 August from 11am to 11.45am.

They will then start Pre-Prep on Thursday 28 August from 8.30am to 10.30am.

Every child will be in Friday 29 August from 8.30am to 12noon.

Week beginning 1 September all children in from 8.30am to 1pm, with full wrap around care available.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

Pre-Prep afterschool clubs commence on Monday 1st September from 1pm to 3pm . We have outside agencies who come in to take classes with the children such as dance, drama, outdoor play and sport (£15 per day including the activity).

From Monday 1st September children can stay from 3pm to 5.30pm in our afterschool service which involves relaxation time, outdoor and indoor playtime with a range of free choice play resources (£15 per day).

The total payment from 1pm to 5.30pm is £30 per day. Afternoon snacks are provided.

TRANSITION TO PREP 1

The Pre-Prep children will have opportunities to meet their Prep 1 teacher and visit their Prep 1 classroom in the summer term. The children will also know the specialist teachers from their Pre-Prep year. The Pre-Prep children know their way around the school and grounds before starting Prep 1. The Prep 1 classroom is next door to the Pre-Prep room and the excitement to move into Prep 1 builds in the final term.

Children are encouraged to behave responsibly to show they are ready for Prep 1. They must be able to follow the Pre-Prep rules and independence is promoted. They are encouraged to sit like Prep 1 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 Prep 1 teacher. The Prep 1 teacher and Pre-Prep staff liaise to discuss each individual child to provide continuity of care.

GENERAL INFORMATION

INSURANCE

STAFFING RATIO

OPENING HOURS

FEES

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

16 children (maximum) with 2 staff (minimum)

8.30am to 1pm (Welcome time 8.30am to 9am, home time 12.45pm to 1pm at the main reception). Parking available at the front of McArthur Hall on the main school campus.

Pre-Prep After-School Activities: 1pm to 3pm (Optional)

After-School: 3pm to 5.30pm (Optional)

The 2025/26 prices are as follows:

Annual Fee: £5,041.67 per annum. (If payment for fees is not received in full, or being paid by direct debit by 31 October 2025, the tutition fee will be £5,441.67

Pre-Prep After-School Activities: 1pm to 3pm (including activity) £15 per day.

Afterschool: 3pm to 5.30pm (free play) £15 per day

The total payment from 1pm to 5.30pm is £30 per day.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

All children should wear:

• A navy sweatshirt with the Methodist College logo.

• White polo shirt with the Methodist College logo

• Navy tracksuit bottom with Maltese Cross logo .

• Navy Methodist College overcoat (optional)

• Navy shorts with Maltese Cross or blue and white check summer dress (summer term).

These are all available to purchase at Warnocks, Lisburn Road.

Please also send your child to school with:

• Shoes without laces please

• Bicycle helmet

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

• Black plimsolls

• Wellington Boots

SCHOOL GATEWAY APP

The School Gateway App 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 THEREFORE CANNOT GAIN ACCESS

• Apple iPhone users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/ iosdownload

• Android users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/ androiddownload

• Alternatively please search for School Gateway App in your App Store.

For identification purposes, the logo for the School Gateway 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.

Information targeted to you will be sent to include the class 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 difficulty logging on and need to check the log on information we hold for you, please email prep@methody.org

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.

RECORD KEEPING

We are required, as detailed in the Minimum Standards for Childcare, to keep certain information regarding the children on record.

Parents will receive a link to our online forms:

• Information is treated as confidential and only shared on a need-to- know basis.

• Information shared with the Early Years Team during the annual inspection.

• Prep 1 Transition report will be viewed and signed by parents prior to sending.

• Referrals made to the relevant support services if necessary.

• Parental permission required before sharing information (except in the event of a child protection issue).

INTIMATE CARE POLICY

Intimate care in the Pre-Prep will address one of the following areas:

• Supporting a child with dressing/undressing. If a child needs changed assistance will be given, independence will be encouraged.

• Supporting a child with toileting. Children must be toilet trained before starting Pre-Prep unless there is a medical reason in which case individual arrangements will be made.

• Providing comfort or support for a distressed pupil. If a child is upset staff will give them a comfort through physical contact if initiated by the child.

• Assisting a child requiring medical care, who is not able to carry this out unaided. Physical contact may be required if a child needs medical assistance but they will be encouraged to help themselves where possible.

• Cleaning a child who has soiled themselves or who has vomited. Signed permission required on enrolment forms independence will be encouraged.

(A full copy of our Intimate Care Policy is available on request)

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Methody Pre-Prep values and welcomes the opinions of our parents.

If anyone wishes to make a complaint:

• First contact Pre-Prep Supervisor - Miss H Currie

• If dissatisfied contact Mr C Allen (Registered Person)

• 28 days to respond

• If still dissatisfied contact Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

• All complaints logged, detailing action taken

• Complainant must sign to say if they are satisfied with the response

(See contact list for contact details. A full copy of our Complaints Policy is available on request)

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION

In Methody Pre-Prep we seek to create a safe, caring, positive and supportive environment in which children have the right to be heard and see staff and volunteers as approachable people who will listen to their concerns about issues both inside and outside school and take them seriously.

It is an unfortunate reality in the world today that some children suffer some form of abuse. The Governors and staff of Methodist College Preparatory Deptartment/Pre-Prep recognise the contribution they can make to safeguarding children. They recognise that all staff, including volunteers, have a full and active part to play in protecting pupils from harm.

Child abuse is completely unacceptable and may also be a criminal offence. Everyone in Methodist College has a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils.

SAFEGUARDING TEAM

However, within the school there are key personnel who are delegated with specific responsibility for child protection.

Head of Deptartment

Mr C Allen

Designated Teacher for Child Protection

Mr C Allen

Pastoral Care

Mrs A Shanks

Designated Officer for Child Protection Pre-Prep

Miss H Currie

All staff in the Pre-Prep have up to date training in Safeguarding and Child Protection and are equipped in detecting and dealing with related issues.

HOW A PARENT/GUARDIAN CAN RAISE A CONCERN

If a parent/ guardian has a child protection concern they can follow the guide below:

I have a concern about my/a child’s safety

I can contact the Designated Officer for Child Protection, Pre-Prep Supervisor

Tel: 028 9020 5217 At anytime, I can talk to Social Services Gateway

028 9050 7000 Out of Hours

028 9504 9999 or the PSNI Central Referral Unit 028 9025 9299

Early Tears Team 028 9504 2811

Link Social Worker Kevina McDonald

To be informed of any concerns reported to Gateway and//or the police.

SICK CHILD POLICY

If your child is unwell they should stay at home to enable them to recover and to prevent the spread of infection.

If a child vomits or has diarrhoea they must stay at home for 48 hours after the last episode

For the recommended period of time to be kept away for other illnesses please visit www.publichealth.hscni.net . This information is also displayed on the wall outside the Pre-Prep room. If your child needs medication adminstered during their time in Pre-Prep a medicine form must be filled to give consent and instruction. All pre-existing medical conditions must be detailed in the medical form upon registration.

PRE-PREP EXCLUSION POLICY

It is the general policy of the Pre-Prep to consider exclusion of a child only as a last resort and one that should be avoided by all practical means. However, under certain circumstances, the exclusion of a child may be the only option open to the Pre-Prep.

Reasons for Exclusion

Notwithstanding the Pre-Prep general policy, exclusion may be considered in one or more of the following circumstances:

• A child exhibits repeated violent and/or uncontrollable behaviour.

• A child persistently directs abusive or threatening language towards either a member of staff or another child.

• Persistent asocial behaviour or problems of an indefinable nature.

• The child through his/her behaviour is perceived to represent a physical risk to him/herself, to other children to members of the Pre-Prep staff.

Pre-Prep Exclusion Procedure

Should a child begin to exhibit extreme antisocial behaviour or is disruptive or violent nursery staff will initiate the following actions:

ADMISSION POLICY

Pre-Prep staff execute the Pre-Prep Behaviour Management Policy and Procedures. If the behaviour problem persist;

• The parents of the child will be consulted so that an action plan can be formulated.

• Specialist advice from Learning Support Co-ordinator (LSC), assistance and help will be sought from outside agencies.

• A Personal Learning Plan will be formulated along with the school’s LSC.

• Pre-Prep staff will report progress to the child’s parents daily.

• If there is no improvement in the child’s behaviour or the behaviour constitutes an immediate threat to another child or member of staff, the child will be excluded.

• A letter to the parents/ guardians will be sent informing them of the Pre-Prep decision to exclude the child.

• All applications will be dated when received, ackowledged by email and kept on file.

• Applications will close on Friday 12 December 2025.

• Offers for places will be made by 19 December 2025.

• Parents will be notified when a place for their child becomes available.

• Confirmation of acceptance will be accompanied by a deposit of £500 payable to Methodist College Belfast. This is redeemable against the first month’s fees.

• Application for a place does not automatically guarantee the offer of a place.`

• Offer of a place will only be given to a child who has attained the necessary age as stipulated by Social Services. (Minimum age is currently 2 years and 10 months at the time of the enrolment).

• In the event of over subscription the Pre-Prep Admissions Criteria will be applied. A copy of the criteria is on our website please use the following link:

https://www.methody.org/prep/useful-information

Methodist College Preparatory Department is committed to providing equal access for all our pupils to the curriculum. We recognise that some pupils during their school career may have special educational needs and/or a disability. In the interests of these children we will endeavour to make every reasonable adjustment to provide for their individual needs.

(A full copy of our Special Educational Needs Policy is available upon request)

LIST OF POLICIES

• Absence of the Manager

• Accidents – prevention, reporting, recording and notification

• Additional Needs

• Allegations against staff

• CCTV

• Child Protection

• Complaints

• Confidentiality

• Consent

• Complaints

• Data Protection

• Equality

• First Aid

• ICT

• Infection Prevention and Control –including the exclusion of children who are infectious or ill

• Intimate/Personal Care

• Maintenance and Replacement of Play Equipment

• Managing Aggression and Challenging Behaviour including Bullying

• Management of Emergencies

• Management of Medicines

• Management of Records

• Management of Risks Associated with the Care of Individual Service Users

• Menu Planning

• Mobile Phones

• Parents’ Access to Records

• Participation

• Photography and Videography

• Play

• Provision of Food and Drink

• Reporting Adverse and Untoward Incidents

• Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Security of the Setting

• Smoking

• Social Networking

STAFFING POLICIES

• Behaviour & Conduct

• Clothing/ Uniform

• Discipline

• Grievance

• Induction

• Meetings

• Records

• Recruitment

• Rotas

• Supervision and appraisal

• Training and Development

• Transport for Service Users - provision and use

• Whistle blowing.

ALL OF OUR POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST AT ANYTIME

Registering Body

The Minimum Standards for Child Minding and Day Care for Children Under 12 are set by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSSPS) and Methody Pre-Prep is registered with the Belfast Trust and we are inspected annually to ensure the Minimum Standards are being upheld.

Information regarding your child will be shared with the Early Years Team as part of the inspection. Some parents may receive a questionnaire regarding the Pre-Prep and your opinions about the service provided.

To read the Minimum Standards visit: www. nicma.org/cms/publications/Childminding Standards

Copies of our inspection reports are available on request.

USEFUL CONTACTS

METHODIST COLLEGE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT

Methodist College Belfast 1 Malone Road, Belfast

BT9 6BY

TEL: (028) 9020 5217

REGISTERING BODY: EARLY YEARS TEAM

REGISTERED PERSON/ HEAD OF PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT

SUPERVISOR IN CHARGE/ DESIGNATED PERSON FOR CHILD PROTECTION

Everton Complex

585 - 587 Crumlin Road, Belfast BT14 7GB

Tel: (028) 9504 2811 earlyyears@belfastrust.hscni.net

Mr C Allen

callen620@mcbprep.belfast.ni.sch.uk

Miss H Currie

hcurrie253@mcbprep.belfast.ni.sch.uk

SCHOOL SECRETARY: Mrs R Forsythe

rforsythe863@mcbprep.belfast.ni.sch.uk

METHODIST COLLEGE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

www.methody.org/prep

https://www.facebook.com/methodyprep

INSTAGRAM @methodyprep

X @methodyprep

VIRTUAL TOUR

MINIMUM STANDARDS

PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=8uR7oXSkk2q

http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/download/PUBLICATIONS/CHILDCARE/Childminding_Standards_Implementation_Guidance.pdf

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/curricular-guidance

http://www.employersforchildcare.org/

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