Due to Covid19 Holly Tree is and has been operating from one site, St. James Pre-school and Trackers since 23rd March. As of 1st June we will open our doors to all of our children again and will update this site as to when home site will re-open. We have measures in place following the guidance from DFE.
Designed for children aged between 3 and 5 years of age with a ratio of 1 adult to 8 children.
Our fantastic new preschool facility is situated within the old school house of St James Catholic Primary School, St James’ Rd, Orrell, Wigan WN5 7AA
The new pre-school is set up to cater for all seven areas of learning and development outlines in the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS)
3 Prime Areas:
• Communication and language.
• Physical development
• Personal, Social & Emotional.
4 Specific Areas:
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding of the World
• Expressive art and design
Holly Tree St James Pre-School, within our pre-school we follow the EYFS Framework and have started to build links with the local schools. Regular observations are done on each child to monitor their growing development, each child is treated as an equal meeting their individual needs, promoting independence and self-esteem.
To promote independence in this room the children are able to access all areas of learning as they wish. With regards to the focused activity offered daily, children have the free choice whether to access this or not. The focused activity will coincide with the topic area that is covered over a six week period.
Sand and water are available throughout the day. On occasions alternatives are used such as, shredded paper, soil and pasta. The paint on the painting easel is changed daily with the four primary colours. Staff members promote independence in your child, and with your help and support, we will enable your child to reach school readiness.
Early Years Foundation Stage 2014 (EYFS)
The EYFS is how the government and early year’s professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and age 5. This is a very important stage as it helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their learning and successes. From when our child is born up until the age of 5, their early years’ experience should be happy, active, fun and secure; and support their development, care and learning needs.
The EYFS Framework explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy development.
Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development.
Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first. These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning.
The prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas.
Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.
It is important that you and the professionals caring for your child work together. You need to feel comfortable about exchanging information and discussing things that will benefit your child. A key person will be allocated to support your child.
The key person is the person, who,
- Is your main point of contact within the setting.
- Helps your child to become settled, happy and safe
- Is responsible for your child’s care, development and learning
- Takes a careful note of your child’s progress, sharing this with you and sharing ideas on how you can help your child’s learning and development at home
Our staff will provide information on your child’s development at your convenience, and request.
When your child is 2
At some point after your child turns 2, the professionals working with your child must give you a written summary of how your child is progressing against the 3 prime areas of learning;
- Communication and language
- Physical development: and
- Personal, Social and Emotional development
This is called the progress check at age 2. This check will highlight areas where your child is progressing well and anywhere they might need some extra help or support.
When your child is 5
When your child turns 5 and is ready to move to school, at the end of the EYFS in the summer term. Your child’s key person will complete a transition document on all 7 areas of learning, which will provide your child reception teacher with valuable information about your child.
We also hold 2 parents evening to share information.
