Ladybirds is a single use setting so is set up to be safe for young children at all times. We have strict health and safety procedures and make ongoing checks of the environment to minimise hazards.

We have double gate access at both entrances. The school is also fitted with CCTV and a video intercom doorbell. We have a password system in place to ensure only adults authorised by parents are able to pick up children. Pick up and drop off is well controlled and supervised with children being greeted and released by a member of staff, one at a time.

All our staff are fully trained in safeguarding young people and we have a low staff:child ratio so that children are well supervised throughout the day.

Our full health and safety policy can be read here.

We can adapt our provision to deal with many allergies and medical conditions. We are a nut safe setting and ensure children with any food allergies or intolerances are catered for at snack times, with all staff fully informed and clear reminders displayed. All our staff are fully trained in paediatric first aid, including the use of epipens. Before your child joins we make sure we fully understand their allergies and we create an action plan together with you to ensure their safety.

Yes, you can authorise other adults to collect your child from pre-school, you can set this up as part of your induction process. We would also ask that you let us know if anyone not known to the preschool who does not usually collect your child is coming to collect them – they will also need the password that you set up during the enrolment process.

We are very used to supporting children and families through this important transition. All children are different and families often choose different strategies to help their child move from nappies to the toilet. We have potties and child sized toilets at Ladybirds and there is always a member of staff responsible for assisting children using the bathroom. The best thing to do is to talk to your key person when you are ready to start potty training so that we can use the same strategies at pre-school that you feel will work best at home.

The ongoing and changing situation with the coronavirus pandemic means we are constantly reviewing our policies and procedures. By working together as a community we use a combination of regular testing, increased hand hygiene, minimising germ transmission and enhanced cleaning routines to keep everyone as safe as possible. Our most recent policy update can be found here.

We have a positive behaviour policy at Ladybirds and believe that children flourish best when their personal, social and emotional needs are understood, supported and met and where there are clear, fair and developmentally appropriate expectations for their behaviour. Our clever critters help introduce the Ladybirds ‘rules’ and our staff encourage and model appropriate behaviours and offer support to children when they struggle with conflict and emotional situations. More information can be found in our positive behaviour policy here.

Ladybirds is tucked away at the end of Roebuts Close, a small cul-de-sac in South Newbury, just off Three Acre/Wendan Road. See our location here.

There is easy pedestrian access from the Andover Road via the alley near the speed camera opposite Bartlemy Road. We encourage families to walk to school if they can, but if you do need to drive there is parking on the residential roads close by. Please always park with consideration to our local residents, and do not drive your car right down to the pre-school as this would cause a hazard for our little ones arriving and leaving.

We follow the Early Years foundation Stage Curriculum which includes introduction to phonics, early maths and mark making development. Reading development is supported by guided group times building skills in listening and attention, rhythm and rhyme, alliteration, voice sounds and starting to link letters and sounds. This all runs alongside plenty of opportunity during the school day to engage in story telling and sharing and lots of freely accessible texts, resources and games. The physical skill of writing is supported through our mark making activities.

You will receive an invoice at the start of each term and we accept payment by either bank transfer (preferred) or cash which must be in a sealed envelope handed to staff. You can also pay through your tax free child care account. Fees can be paid either on a termly or monthly basis, or speak to the office if you would like to organise an alternative payment schedule.

We encourage an open and honest dialogue with parents and believe all families have a right to a courteous and prompt response to any concerns or complaints. You should initially approach the manager to discuss your concerns – if the complaint does not get resolved at this stage you can raise the issue with our trustees - to contact them click here

You can also raise any concerns or complaints with OFSTED at any stage by contacting them on 0300 123 1231

If you have concerns regarding the safeguarding of any child you can also contact the West Berkshire Advice Assessment Service (CAAS) at child@westberks.gov.uk. This is a confidential service.

Our full complaints policy can be read on the link below. Our full safeguarding policy can be read here.

Please let us know of any absences by either emailing the office ladybirds.registrar@gmail.com or leaving a message on 01635 40481.

Some childhood illnesses, such as vomiting and diahorrea, and contagious diseases, such as chicken pox, do have exclusion periods from school – please see the full list here. Unfortunately we cannot refund or reschedule any missed sessions, although if a child is absent for a prolonged period of illness then do speak to us.

Attendance at pre-school is not mandatory so you are free to take your child our for any reason, but yes do kindly let us know if your child will miss any of their sessions with us. Unfortunately we are not able to refund or re-schedule any missed sessions.