Operational Plan
Jelly Beans Pre-School
“Nurturing potential to achieve fulfilment in life”
Jelly Beans is part of Kirkland and Catterall St Helen’s Church of England Primary School. We welcome children aged three and four. As we phase out places for two-year-olds, we only consider new starters under three who are approaching their third birthday. Please contact us to discuss when your child can start.
We help every child feel safe, happy and ready to learn. We work with families to get to know each child and adapt our activities, resources and routines so that every child can take part, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Learning through play
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for group and school-based providers.
Children choose from a range of resources indoors and outdoors. Staff join in to talk with children, show them how to do new things and help them build on their play. They also plan activities based on what they notice about each child’s interests, development and next steps.
Outdoor learning
Our outdoor classroom is part of everyday learning. Children can explore sand and water, build, make music and try physical challenges suited to their stage of development. A canopy provides shelter and shade so we can use the space throughout the year. We also share the school’s sports field and eco-garden.
Settling in and working with families
Each child has a key person who helps them settle in, gets to know their interests and needs, and keeps in touch with their family. Parents and carers can talk to their child’s key person about how they are getting on and what they are learning next. We share these next steps through each child’s learning journey and offer a catch-up with every family each half term.
We handle personal information with care and share relevant information when needed to safeguard a child. Further details are available in the school’s privacy notice.
A typical session
- Parents and carers sign their child in on arrival and out at collection.
- Children take part in familiar routines such as a welcome song, picture registration and group time.
- Children choose what to explore indoors and outdoors and take part in activities led by adults.
- We provide a healthy snack and a drink of milk or water.
- Children enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and movement. They help put resources away and finish with a familiar going-home song.
For session times, see Our Daily Routine.
Safeguarding
If you are worried about a child’s safety or welfare, you can speak to Rachael Atkinson, a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL) based at Jelly Beans. You can also speak to Jon Stark, Headteacher and the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Jon leads safeguarding across the school, including Jelly Beans.
You can contact either person through the school office on 01995 603050. All staff receive safeguarding training and follow the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, available on our Safeguarding page.
Health and safety
Staff carry out daily safety checks indoors and outdoors and use risk assessments to manage risks. We hold and record fire drills each term. A member of staff with a current paediatric first aid certificate is on site and available whenever children are present. A qualified paediatric first aider also accompanies children on outings.
Our team
- Tori Jones – Pre-School Manager and Lead Practitioner
- Zoe Bretherton – Deputy Manager and Practitioner
- Rachael Atkinson – Pre-School Practitioner and Deputy DSL
Tori manages the day-to-day running of Jelly Beans, with oversight from the headteacher and governing body.