DEAUX CHATS PRE-SCHOOL

Our aim of the Pre-School, is to provide a warm and friendly environment, where children can experience and achieve in as much as their potential ability will allow in the six areas of learning: 1). Personal, social and emotional. 2). Language and literacy. 3). Mathematics. 4). Knowledge & understanding of the world. 5). Creative. 6). Physical. Every child is treated as an individual and the skills and qualifications of staff are utilised to achieve this. Children will make relationships with adults and children, and will learn and develop through well structured play activities These activities will include: Craft work, books in the quiet corner, drawing and painting, playdough, sand and water play, puzzles and games, play in the role play area (home corner, shop, hospital), singing and drama, computer activities, imaginative play, construction activities, nature walks in the garden. We work on a theme each week. Information on this is displayed on boards outside the Pre-School room. To establish links with home, we ask the children to bring in objects from home related to the weekly theme to show and talk about to the rest of the group. A rota for this is on the white board. Sessions. We are open 5 mornings a week and four afternoon sessions. We can take up to 36 children in a session and for this have five staff and one parent helper present each session. When numbers are over 24, we divide the group and have one group of 4 year olds to carry out extension activities in preparation for school. The times of sessions are: 9. 15 a.m. to 11. 45 a.m. Midday to 2. 30 p.m. We have been Ofsted Inspected since 1999 and so can offer free sessions for 11 weeks of the term for 3 and 4 year old children, (3 year old children are entitled to 5 free sessions a week from the term after their 3rd birthday). We have achieved a high level of Pre-School provision as detailed in the Ofsted report. We were last inspected in January 2001 and the report was excellent. In February 2003, we received the Pre-School Alliance Accreditation Award. This is an award given in recognition of the provision of a high standard of pre-school education. Deux Chats Pre-School. Both Sue and Gina are Co-Leaders of the Pre-School, which was set up in February 1998. The name is a ‘play’ on our surnames and is French for ‘two cats’! Neither Gina nor Sue, have any French connections. In September 2003, we opened a second Deux Chats Pre-School at the Holy Trinity Church, Windsor Way, Aldershot. Gina has moved there to run the Pre-School. Staff Sue Skerratt. (Co-Leader) I am married with two daughters, who are both at school now. I have lived in Aldershot since December 1995. Before I had my children and after I left school, I trained as an Infant School teacher. I then trained as a Registered Nurse, caring for children and adults having learning disabilities. This was my career, for over ten years, working as a Community Nurse. For the next eight years I stayed at home to look after my girls. I took them to various playgroups and always enjoyed helping out. When my youngest daughter started school, it seemed natural for me to stay and work in a Pre-School setting and this is what I have been doing ever since. Gina Dauscha. (Co-Leader) I have lived in Aldershot since October 1996 and have three daughters. I have worked in Pre-School settings since 1993, where I started out as a Pre-School Assistant and gradually worked my way up to Supervisor. I have the Diploma in Pre-School Practise and have passed the N.V.Q. level 3 in Child Care & Development in 1999 & Assessor for N.V.Q.3 level. At present I am working to achieve a Higher National Diploma in Education & Childcare. I have always wanted to run my own Pre-School and it gives me great job satisfaction. At the moment I run the Deux Chats Pre-School at Holy Trinity Church, Aldershot and return to work at St Augustine’s Deux Chats just once a week. Sheridan Hirons. (Acting Deputy) I started helping out at Deux Chats, when my son attended there and really enjoyed it. I have also two older daughters. Since my son my son started school, I have become one of the staff and have worked at Deux Chats since September 1998. I have lived in and around Aldershot for most of my life. Sheridan is currently working towards achieving a Diploma in Pre-School Practise and is Acting Deputy of the Pre-School. Part Time Staff. Karen Ayrton. Deputy Supervisor. I have three children and live in Aldershot. I have an NNEB qualification in childcare and education and am currently working towards a Higher National Diploma in Childcare and Education. I am also an Assessor for the NVQ in Childcare and Education. I have worked in various settings in Pre-School education and joined the Deux Chats, St Augustine’s team in September 2004. Jackie Tortolano. Pre-School Assistant. I have lived in Aldershot all my life and I am married and have three children. All my children have attended Deux Chats Pre-School and I have helped out during this time. I have enjoyed this so much, that I took the post of Pre-School Assistant in October 2003. I now aim to work towards a qualification in childcare and education in September 2004, when I study for an NVQ2. Jane Bolger. (Pre-School Assistant) I am married and have two daughters of school age. My youngest daughter attended Deux Chats Pre-School at the St Augustine’s site and I used to help out there and really enjoyed it. At this time I was a registered childminder. In September 2003, I decided to stop childminding and join the Deux Chats Pre-School team. I am working towards a Diploma in Pre-School Practise and I thoroughly enjoy working in a Pre-School setting. In the mornings I work at Deux Chats, Holy Trinity, but come to St Augustine’s Deux Chats once a week in an afternoon. Janice Hinder. (Pre-School Assistant) I have a daughter and son of school age and have lived in Aldershot since 1991. I have worked for Deux Chats Pre-School since September 1998, when my son attended here and I really enjoy the work. I work once a week at Deux Chats and work with the children on the computer. I also work as a Dinner Lady at Belle Vue Infant School.