Shipdham Pre-School
We’re proud to have a caring, qualified, and experienced team who put children’s wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. There are always first aid trained staff on duty, and every team member holds a current DBS check as well as Child Protection training. We also have specialists in special educational needs, sign language, and behaviour management, ensuring we can support every child as an individual.
Daily Routine
Our Daily Routine
Children thrive on routine, and our daily timetable provides structure while allowing plenty of flexibility for fun and learning. While mornings and afternoons follow a similar pattern, we adapt the day for spontaneous learning opportunities, special activities, or trips.
7.00 am - 9:00am – Arrival
Children are welcomed at the gate, though new parents and carers are very welcome to come inside to help their child settle. Children are encouraged to put away their coats, bags, and lunchboxes independently.
9:15 – 9:30 – Circle Time or free play
We come together as a group to share the day’s planned activities and introduce any visitors. Children are also invited to share items or news from home.
9:30 – 11:30 – Learning Through Play & Focus Activities
Children choose from a wide range of activities and materials, supported by our trained staff. We build on each child’s experiences and provide planned activities to extend learning. Outdoor play is always available, with waterproof clothing encouraged on wet days.
10.00 – 10:30 – Snack Time
Snack runs alongside play to allow children to finish their activities first. A variety of healthy options such as fruit, vegetables, breadsticks, and toast or cracker are offered, with occasional special treats for events. Children are encouraged to make their own choices.
11:30 – 11:45 – Tidy Up Time
Children work together to tidy activities and resources both indoors and outside. If outdoors, children are brought back inside safely and a headcount is taken.
11:45 – 11:55 – Group Time
We gather again for stories, singing, dancing, games, or small key group activities to finish the session on a positive note.
11:55 – 12:00 – Home Time
Children collect their belongings and line up for collection. Staff hand over each child individually and provide a quick update on their day, giving parents and carers the chance to ask any questions.
12.00 - 12.30 - Lunchtime for children that stay all day or attend in the afternoon session.
staff sit with children to enjoy lunch together and encourage social interactions.
Afternoons follow a similar pattern to the morning session.
Day Trips and Outings
We love an opportunity to take the children out of the setting for a fun day out or just a walk around the village to see something of interest or even to post handmade cards from the children to their families.
Day trips are always risk assessed beforehand
