Olney Pre-School is proud of the high ratio of trained staff to children in each session. We operate a ratio of at least 1 staff member to each 6 children. This ensures that each child gets the individual attention he or she needs. A complete list of all the staff and their qualifications is on display at Pre-School. A copy is available on request.
Olney Pre-School is committed to the ongoing development of staff skills through seminars, courses and nationally recognised vocational training. The following posts are also covered by our staff: Child Protection Co-ordinator, Equal Opportunities Co-ordinator and a Health & Safety Co-ordinator.
Our key worker system gives each member of staff a particular responsibility for just a few children. Each child in the group has one special adult to relate to, which can make settling into the group much easier. The keyworker will make observations on the children in their group and tailor the curriculum to individual needs. Parents are able to meet with key workers and discuss the progress of their own child(ren) whenever they visit Pre-School. Formal meetings are held once a year. Because so many adults help in the group, we are able to implement an excellent record-keeping system in which observations of the children in the group are used as a basis for planning a curriculum for each child. The observation sheets are confidential to the keyworker and the parent, and parents are welcome to see the sheet and discuss it with the key worker before and after Pre-School sessions. We also implement 'I Can Do' books to evidence children's development & progress.
All children are special. Some have greater needs of support than others do. Hearing, speech, late development and emotional difficulties are not always obvious and we are constantly aware of these needs. An additional staff member may be employed solely for the purpose of supporting a child with a special need. As part of their role they have close liaison with the parents and any other organisation necessary to aid the development of their child. We also have our own S.E.N (Special Educational Needs) Co-ordinator.