The Pre-School Rota

Our rota system gives all parents the opportunity to be involved in helping in the group on a regular basis. It is especially important at our pre-school to have at least two parent/carer helpers at each session as we have activities in three separate rooms which need to be supervised at all times. It also gives parents the chance to be actively involved, to see what happens at the group, and to talk about it afterwards with their child. You are welcome to bring along any younger children you may have while you are on duty, however they are solely your responsibility and we must ask that you  respect our Behaviour Management Policy which states that no physical punishment is allowed at the pre-school.

The committee are responsible for compiling the duty rota at the beginning of each half term and will inform you of how many rota duties they would like you to undertake if you are able. There will be a copy of the rota on the notice board in the cloak room, and you will be able to fill in the days that suit you best. If for any reason you are unable to undertake your duty as arranged, please try to find your own replacement. If you speak to other parents they may be willing to swap with you. If you do not know you are unable to undertake your duty until the day, please telephone pre-school before 9.00 am so that we may try to find a replacement. You will then be allocated another duty.

We very much appreciate that you give up your time to help us and hope that you will enjoy your rota duties.  Please do not be afraid to ask if you are unsure what to do. We also have leaflets available explaining rota duties. If you have not received a copy please ask a member of staff or committee. Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the session is due to start in  order to help the staff  set out the activities or make teas and coffees etc. When the children come in to the session you will be asked to help out around the rooms, wherever needed. This may involve putting on aprons, putting paper on the easels, washing hands, helping with the busy table activity, the computer,  the writing table, book corner, peas, sand, playdough and  floor and table activities. The children always like having someone to just sit with them, play, talk and listen.

You will find information around the walls and in  our books and leaflets telling you about all the different activities we have at pre-school. They explain that as  well as being fun all the activities will contribute in some way to the children’s learning. Please feel free to read these while you are on duty if there is an opportunity, or please ask if you would like to borrow them to read at home.

Other things that need doing during the session are:-

• Tidy the busy room and wash up any paintbrushes, glue pots etc.

• Help to clear the main room after the first half of the session and set out the required equipment for the second half.

• Wash and dry up, and put away.

• Make drinks for staff, yourself and other helpers. There is a list on the kitchen cupboard with details of the staff drinks and when to make them.

• Help to supervise the physical play session, then again tidy away and prepare the room for the next day.

• Take towels, tea towels etc. home to be washed.

Please note that we cannot allow you to take any child other than your own to the toilet. If a child asks for help please speak to a member of staff.

Also, during tidy-up times we ask that you do not move any heavy items while there are children in the room. This includes tables, home corner furniture and boxes of toys or books.

We also ask that you do not bring cleaning products into the room while children are there. If you need to clean anything while children are present please spray antibacterial spray onto some blue paper towel in the kitchen and bring just the paper towel into the room.