Committee

• St Mary’s is a thriving group that caters for young children in Princes Risborough and its surrounding villages.
• St Mary’s Pre-School has been operating since 1956 and is run by a Voluntary Management Committee.
• St Mary’s Pre-School is a member of the Pre-School Alliance and the Early Years and Childcare Partnership.

St Mary’s Pre-School has three aims:

1. To provide a safe, inclusive and caring environment, which meets the needs of all children.
2. To provide educational, stimulating and fun pre-school sessions enabling all children to develop to their full potential.
3. To ensure our staff are well trained, well supported and given opportunities to develop.

We are very fortunate to have three separate rooms and an enclosed, secure outdoor courtyard area – partial covering by awning. Our higher than average staff-child ratio allows us to cater for the needs of each child. In accordance with the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DFE), our activities and curriculum follow the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage in preparation for full-time schooling. We also have a ‘key person’ system, which enables us to monitor each child’s progress.

St Mary’s is registered to take up to 30 children per session. It is open five days per week from
9.15 - 12.15/13.15/14.15.

A complete range of policies as specified by Government Directives are held and displayed on our Website for your perusal.

Morning Sessions

The morning session includes free play and more structured adult-led activities. The equipment and activities chosen throughout the whole session are organised to enhance each child’s learning in

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Daily Routine

1. Registration - on arrival children are welcomed and encouraged to share their news. The register is taken and the activities for the morning are explained.
2. Free Play - the free play section enables the children to make choices between the various pieces of equipment and activities available to them. As this is a child led section of the morning we are able to respond to the children, allowing them the freedom and opportunity to explore their ideas more fully.
3. Adult Directed Activities - the more structured and adult directed activities enhance listening skills, concentration, cooperation and social skills. They help children to be part of and function in both small and large groups.

Staff

We currently employ 6 staff: 1 Manager, 1 Deputy Supervisor, 3 Pre-School Assistants, and 1 Administrator/Pre-School cover. The staff are highly qualified and experienced; the manager holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years and 4 staff are qualified to NVQ3.

They all hold up to date First-Aid, Safeguarding, and Food Hygiene Certificates and all staff attend additional training courses to further develop their knowledge.

Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Download our SEND policy

Fees And Admissions

Children may start at St Mary's from the age of two and a half, subject to the availability of spaces.

There is Government funding for three and four year old children, starting from the term after their third birthday. We also welcome two year old funded children where places allow. For children too young to be Government funded, we charge £6.50 per hour.

Where children attend for more than fifteen hours in a week we currently charge a fee of £6.50 per additional hour. Parents can use their 30 hours funding with us, and we are also registered to accept Childcare Vouchers.

Fees are payable at the start of each half-term. Other arrangements can be made where required. Fees are reviewed each year.

At St Mary's we provide a curriculum that exceeds the Government's requirement in the breadth of activities and equipment offered and work to offer a higher staff to child ratio.