Mrs Avril Hanna
Pre-Prep Supervisor
Mission Statement
Mrs Elaine McCulla
Pre-Prep Assistant
At Fullerton House Pre-Prep we aim to provide high quality Pre-Prep care and education in a safe and stimulating learning environment.
The Pre-Prep is situated within Fullerton House which is a non-denominational and co-educational Preparatory Department on the Methodist College Belfast campus, providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
In our Pre-Prep the children learn through play and alongside sensitive interactions with experienced staff the holistic development of the child is supported and promoted across the six areas of the PrePrep curriculum.
The small class size means that each child receives quality time with experienced staff who have a good understanding of each individual child’s needs which helps ensure that every child reaches their full potential.
By the end of the Pre-Prep year the aim is to have all the children ready for a smooth transition into P1 with a great head start and positive attitude towards their future education.
2 METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
Child Led Learning
“Tell me and I will forget, Teach me and I may remember, Involve me and I will learn.”
Benjamin Franklin
Children learn through experiences, experimenting, trial and error. Making mistakes is an opportunity to learn, develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Successes promote confidence and develop understanding. The PrePrep is a carefully planned learning environment where the children are encouraged to explore and discover. We offer a lot of autonomy and opportunities to extend or adapt the play activities to keep the children interested and engaged. Social skills such as cooperation and negotiation are encouraged. The children’s interests are valued and incorporated into planning the activities.
Themes. During the year we do a variety of themes -this is an example of ones that have done in the past
September: All About Me October: Halloween
November: Day and Night December: Christmas January: Polar animals
February: People Who Help Us March: Farm/Easter April: Easter/Farm May: Minibeasts June: Seaside
Each month we focus on a colour. The play activities involve many uses of that colour for the month, for example in art, water play and playdough.
We learn about the changing seasons throughout the year through a wide range of activities. We will go on a seasonal walk and the children are encouraged to observe signs of the changing seasons in nature.
Speaker’s Chair
The children are requested to send in photographs or objects linked to the topic, the colour or the season and they will have an opportunity to show and tell on “speaker’s chair”. The photographs will be displayed on the interactive whiteboard and the children sit on the teacher’s chair in front of their friends to talk about it. This is a great confidence building exercise as well as a home/school link. Focusing the children’s attention on a particular topic, colour or season encourages their observation skills and promotes their understanding of the world around them.
A Typical Pre-Prep Day
Children feel more secure and relaxed if they know what to expect. We stick to the daily routine as much as possible and prepare the children in advance for any changes. The daily routine is as follows:
8:30am-9am Welcome time. Parents can drop off at the main entrance at reception anytime during welcome time. Parents should ring the bell on arrival.
9am-11am Play time (see aforementioned play activities)
9:30am-11am children invited individually or in small groups to take part in an adult led activity such as art or a game
10am-11am snack available
11am-11:30am Outdoor play/physical play in the gym
11:30am-12noon Carpet time
12noon-12:30pm Lunch time
12:30pm-12:45pm Play time
12:45pm-1pm Home time. Parents to collect from main entrance at reception, parents should ring the bell on arrival.
Activities
On a daily basis the children the children have free access to:
• Art resources (Adult led and free choice art activities)
• Writing materials (selection of pens, crayons, pencils, chalks, whiteboard markers etc.) with mixed ability worksheets
• Sand tray (sand, lentils, leaves, soil etc. with a selection of resources)
• Story corner (soft seating with a selection of books)
• Painting easel (selection of paints and paper)
• Playdough (with a selection of tools)
• Small world (dolls house, farm, dinosaurs, jungle animals etc. for imaginative play)
• Selection of games and jigsaw puzzles
• Construction (Duplo, building blocks, train set etc.)
• Role play area (home corner, shop, hospital etc. with a selection of dressing up)
• Outdoor play (large and small playground with selection of equipment and resources such as bikes, scooters, space hoppers, climbing frames, creative movement equipment, spades and wheelbarrows)
Carpet time
The children spend half an hour before lunch each day on the carpet. The activities include:
• Stories and singing
• Interactive whiteboard
• Show and tell (“speaker’s chair”)
• Topic discussion
• Circle time (discuss thoughts, feelings, behaviour and the impact that has on others)
• TV (Friday treat)
Carpet time activities are in keeping with the themes. Children also learn skills such as sitting appropriately, waiting patiently, listening and many of the activities are confidence building as well as promoting language development.
Specialist Classes
Children attend classes with our specialist performing arts teacher (music, dance and drama). The classes are lots of fun, have therapeutic value as well as developing confidence and many other transferrable skills. The children also have P.E. where they learn physical skills as well as how to follow the rules of game. They have opportunities to compete individually as well as in a team.
The Pre-Prep children take part in the Christmas show in the Chapel of Unity. They have their own end of year show where they perform songs they have learnt throughout the year. They also do sports day in the summer term with the P1-P3 children to showcase the skills the have been learning in their specialist classes. Parents can observe the progression throughout the years.
Outdoor Play
We recognise the importance of outdoor play. It has benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. We have access to two outdoor play areas where there are a range of play resources for climbing, gardening, sports, movement and a wide range of bicycles and scooters. We also have a range of materials to inspire imaginative play such as crates, planks and tyres as well as a mud kitchen, sandpit and water play. Under close supervision, the children are encouraged to manage risk, problem solve and work together. Children also have daily access to the Fullerton House Eco Garden
where they can explore the natural environment and observe the seasonal changes as well as observing wildlife. If it is raining outside, we have access to the school gym.
Behaviour Management
“What you think I am I think I am. What I think I am I will be”
Fullerton House Pre-Prep takes a positive approach to behaviour management and aims to provide a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere where the children are happy and kept safe.
Praise
Staff praise desirable behaviour to reinforce it and promote the children’s self-esteem This also encourages others to behave in a similar way.
Clear instructions
Staff try, where possible, to tell the children clearly what they want them to do instead of what they do not want them to do.
The classroom rules are:
Be gentle
Be nice
Be helpful
Be honest
Use an indoor voice
Walk indoors
If you do not know, ask a grownup.
Rewards
The focus is on the positive behaviour of the children. Rewards are given at carpet time for good examples of following the classroom rules. This promotes the development of self-esteem of the child and positive behaviour is modelled for the other children.
Circle time
Circle time is used to discuss feelings and behaviour. The rules are explained to the children to develop an understanding of the reasoning as well as the potential consequences and impact on others if the rules are not followed.
Role modelling
Staff set a good example of positive behaviour and demonstrate the Pre-Prep rules. One of the children is appointed the leader daily on a rota basis and their responsibility is to show the other children how to behave. Children who demonstrate good behaviour are rewarded at carpet time to set a good example.
Removal from an activity
If a child is displaying inappropriate behaviour they will be given a verbal warning. If they continue that behaviour they may be removed from the particular play area. The reason is explained with the focus is on how to behave in a more positive way.
Parental partnership
Parents will be informed if any behaviour management strategies have been used with their child.
Individual strategies
At times individual behaviour management strategies may need to be implemented that are relevant to the child and the particular behaviour. This will be discussed in advance with parents.
Every day is a fresh start.
(A full copy of our behaviour management policy is available on request)
Observations and Assessments
The children are observed during their play to identify strengths in their development and areas that require support. These observations and assessments are recorded and are kept in secure files.
Children learn naturally through play but with the sensitive interaction of adults their learning and development is promoted.
Planning takes place to ensure that every child progresses in each area of the Pre-School curriculum.
Sharing Information
Sharing information about your child and their Pre-Prep experiences is crucial to ensure continuity of care. We make every effort to ensure parents are well informed.
Parents are asked to download the Schoolcomms App allowing the school to contact you via text or email. Consent and payments are also made via the app as well as bookings for after school clubs.
A monthly newsletter is sent out detailing the themes, trips, any upcoming events and any other relevant information.
Photographs will be sent out regularly to those who consent via We Transfer. The photographs will show parents what we have been doing in Pre-Prep.
We have a welcome half hour from 8:30am-9am so that everyone does not arrive at once. This allows time for the exchange of any relevant information. Meetings can be arranged as required. All parents will be invited to discuss how their child has settled into Pre-Prep in October and their transition reports in June.
Parents have an opportunity to express their views in our questionnaire at the end of the year.
As part of the annual inspection process, parental views and the views of the children will be sought by the Health and Social Care Trust.
Meals and Snacks
It is important for children to eat regular, healthy snacks for their development. A morning snack is provided. The snack routine, where the children all eat together, is an important learning experience, particularly for personal, social and emotional development. Children wash their hands, sit properly and eat their snack and then put their cup and plate in the sink when they have finished. Children are given toast, cheese and crackers, cereal, pancakes, or a biscuit and fruit is available daily.
Children can bring their own pack lunch which they all eat together at 12noon.
Children also have the option of having a hot meal delivered to the Pre-Prep from the canteen. This must be booked and paid for on the schoolcomms app.
Pre-Prep staff have Level 2 Food Hygiene certificates.
Fullerton House has a healthy eating policy. Parents are encouraged to send healthy pack lunches. A treat can be included on a Friday, “treat day”.
Water and milk are provided at snack time and there is a child height drinking fountain available to the children.
All allergies and dietary requirements should be reported to the school via the online registration forms before your child begins school to ensure adequate provisions are made.
FULLERTON HOUSE IS A NUT AND SESAME FREE SCHOOL
(A full copy of our food and drinks policy is available on request)
Starting information Pre-Prep
Children will be divided into two groups (half in each group) with those who have older siblings already in the prep, in the first group.
Group 1 will have a playdate on 20th August from 10.00am to 11.00am.
They will then start Pre-Prep on Tuesday 27th August 8.30am - 10.30am (not in on 28th August)
Group 2 will have their playdate on 20th August from 11.15am to 12.15am.
They will then start Pre-Prep on Wednesday 28th August 8.30am -10.30am.
Every child will be in on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th August 8.30am - 12 noon.
Week beginning 2nd September all children in 8.30am -1.00pm, with full wrap around care available.
After School Clubs
Pre-Prep after-school clubs commence on Monday 2nd September from 1pm-3pm. We have outside agencies who come in to take classes with the children such as dance, drama, outdoor play and sport (£10 per day including the activity)
From Monday 2nd September children can stay from 3pm-5:30pm in our after-school service which involves relaxation time, outdoor and indoor playtime with a range of free choice play resources. (£10 per day)
Afternoon snacks are provided.
Transition to P1
The Pre-Prep children will have opportunities to meet their P1 teacher and visit their P1 classroom. The children will also know the specialist teachers from their pre-school year. The Pre-Prep children know their way around the school and grounds before starting P1. The P1 classroom is next door to the Pre-Prep room and the excitement to move into P1 builds in the final term.
Children are encouraged to behave responsibly to show they are ready for P1. They must be able to follow the Pre-Prep rules and independence is promoted. They are encouraged to sit like P1 children at carpet time, raise their hand to speak and wait patiently for their turn.
A transition report is completed and shared with the parents. With consent, it is then sent to the P1 teacher. The P1 teacher and Pre-Prep staff liaise to discuss each individual child to provide continuity of care.
General Information
Insurance In accordance with the Employer’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 Fullerton House Pre-Prep is insured with Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc.
Staffing ratio: 16 children (maximum) with 2 staff (minimum)
Opening hours: 8:30am-1pm (welcome time 8:30am-9am, home time 12:45pm-1pm at the main reception). Parking available at the front of McArthur Hall on the main school campus.
Pre-Prep After-School Activities: 1pm-3pm (optional)
After school: 3pm-5:30pm (optional)
Fees
The 2024/25 prices are as follows
Pre-Prep Session (per day) £21
Pre-Prep After-School Club 1-3pm (including activity) £10 per day
After-school 3-5:30pm (free play) £10 per day
(fees are determined in a Board of Governors meeting in June for 2024/25)
School uniform
All children should wear:
A navy sweatshirt with the Fullerton Pre-Prep logo.
White polo shirt with the Fullerton Pre-Prep logo
Navy tracksuit bottom with Fullerton House Pre-Prep logo or navy skirt/pinafore.
Shoes without laces please.
MCB overcoat (optional)
Navy shorts or blue and white check summer dress (summer term)
These are all available at methodyshop.org
An email will be sent when these can be ordered.
Please also send your child to school with:
Bicycle helmet
Full change of clothes to be kept in a bag on your child’s peg
Black plimsoles
Schoolcomms APP
Schoolcomms is a parent engagement app that will be used for communication and as the method for giving consent and for paying for activities including trips, after school and canteen etc.
To prepare for this, and to stay up to date you will need to download the app, which is free.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOWNLOAD UNTIL YOUR CHILD STARTS SCHOOL AS YOU WILL NOT BE ON THE SYSTEM AND THERFORE CANNOT GAIN ACCESS
Apple iPhone users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/iosdownload
Android users: https://schoolgateway.co.uk/androiddownload or alternatively please search for School Gateway in your App Store. For identification purposes, the logo for the App is reproduced.
To activate your account please register as a NEW USER and enter the email address and mobile number which the College already holds for you. Please note that as the database used by Schoolcomms is a single Prep database, that there may be some confusion regarding the appearance of logos and banners. Please do not worry about that. Information targeted to you will be sent to include the class (or classes) to which your child / children belongs.
For assistance:
If you have any questions or would like more information, please see the School Gateway site here: https://schoolgateway.co.uk
If you have difficultly logging on and need to check the log on information we hold for you, please email rforsythe863@c2kni.net (Fullerton)
You can also login to the online version of School Gateway via https://schoolgateway.co.uk if you do not have a smart phone, although we do recommend using the app if possible as it makes it far easier for us to contact parents when we need to.
METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
TERMS AND HOLIDAYS 2024 - 2025
AUTUMN TERM:
HALF-TERM HOLIDAY:
SPRING TERM:
27 AUGUST 202420 DECEMBER 2024
28 OCTOBER 20241 NOVEMBER 2024
6 JANUARY 202511 APRIL 2025
HALF-TERM HOLIDAY: 10- 14 FEBRUARY 2025
SUMMER TERM:
28 APRIL 202527 JUNE 2025
MAY DAY HOLIDAY: 5 MAY 2025
METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
Staff Development Days (pupils do not attend):
Friday 25th October 2024
Friday 7th February 2025
Thursday 27th March 2025
Monday 26th May 2025
Record Keeping
We are required, as detailed in the Minimum Standards for Childcare, to keep certain information regarding the children on record.
Parents will receive a link to our online forms
• Information is treated as confidential and only shared on a need-to- know basis.
• Information shared with the Early Years Team during the annual inspection.
• P1 Transition report will be viewed and signed by parents prior to sending.
• Referrals made to the relevant support services if necessary.
• Parental permission required before sharing information (except in the event of a child protection issue)
Intimate Care Policy
Intimate care in the Pre-Prep will address one of the following areas -
Supporting a child with dressing/undressing. If a child needs changed assistance will be given, independence will be encouraged.
Supporting a child with toileting. Children must be toilet trained before starting Pre-Prep unless there is a medical reason in which case individual arrangements will be made.
Providing comfort or support for a distressed pupil. If a child is upset staff will give them a comfort through physical contact if initiated by the child
Assisting a child requiring medical care, who is not able to carry this out unaided Physical contact may be required if a child needs medical assistance but they will be encouraged to help themselves where possible.
Cleaning a child who has soiled themselves or who has vomited. Signed permission required on enrolment forms independence will be encouraged.
The children will (A full copy of our intimate care policy is available on request)
Complaints Procedure
Fullerton House Pre-Prep values and welcomes the opinions of our parents. If anyone wishes to make a complaint:
• First contact Pre-Prep Supervisor
• If unsatisfied contact Mr. Colin Allen (Registered Person)
• 28 days to respond
• If still unsatisfied contact Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
• All complaints logged, detailing action taken
• Complainant must sign to say if they are satisfied with the response
(See contact list for contact details. A full copy of our complaints policy is available on request)
Safeguarding and Child Protection
In Fullerton House Pre-Prep we seek to create a safe, caring, positive and supportive environment in which children have the right to be heard and see staff and volunteers as approachable people who will listen to their concerns about issues inside and outside school
and take them seriously.
It is an unfortunate reality in the world today that some children suffer some form of abuse. The Governors and staff of Methodist College Prep Dept/Pre-Prep recognise the contribution they can make to safeguarding children. They recognise that all staff, including volunteers, have a full and active part to play in protecting pupils from harm.
Child abuse is completely unacceptable and may also be a criminal offence.
Safeguarding Team
Everyone in Fullerton House and Methodist College has a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils. However, within the school there are key personnel who are delegated with specific responsibility for child protection.
Acting Head of Dept.
Mr Colin Allen
Designated Teacher for Child Protection
Mr Colin Allen
Pastoral Care
Mrs Diane Allen
Designated Officer for Child Protection Pre-Prep Pre-Prep Supervisor
All staff in the Pre-Prep have up to date training in Safeguarding and Child Protection are equipped in detecting and dealing with related issues.
HOW A PARENT/GUARDIAN CAN RAISE A CONCERN
If a parent/guardian has a child protection concern they can follow the guide below:
I have a concern about my/a child’s safety
I can contact the Designated Officer for Child Protection, Pre-Prep Supervisor
Tel: 02890205217
At any time, I can talk to Social Services
Gateway 028 90507000/ Out of hours
028 9504 9999
or the PSNI Central Referral Unit 028 90259299
Early Years Team 028 95042811
Link Social Worker Kevina McDonald
To be informed of any concerns reported to Gateway and/or the police
Sick Child Policy
If your child is unwell they should stay at home to enable them to recover and to prevent the spread of infection.
If a child vomits or has diarrhoea they must stay at home for 48 hours after the last episode
For the recommended period of time to be kept away for other illnesses please visit www.publichealth.hscni.net. This information is also displayed on the wall outside the Pre-Prep room. If your child needs medication administered during their time in Pre-Prep a medicine form must be filled in to give consent and instructions. All pre-existing medical conditions must be detailed in the medical form upon registration.
Pre Prep Exclusion Policy
It is the general policy of the Pre Prep to consider exclusion of a child only as a last resort and one that should be avoided by all practical means. However, under certain circumstances, the exclusion of a child may be the only option open to the Pre Prep.
Reasons for Exclusion
Notwithstanding the Pre Prep general policy, exclusion may be considered in one or more of the following circumstances:
A child exhibits repeated violent and/or uncontrollable behaviour
A child persistently directs abusive or threatening language towards either a member of
staff or to another child
Persistent asocial behaviour or problems of an indefinable nature
The child through his/her behaviour is perceived to represent a physical risk to
him/herself, to other children or to members of the Pre Prep staff
Pre Prep Exclusion Procedure
Should a child begin to exhibit extreme antisocial behaviour or is disruptive or violent, nursery staff will initiate the following actions:
Pre Prep staff will execute the Pre Prep Behaviour Management Policy and Procedures
If the behavioural problems persist:
The parents of the child will be consulted so that an action plan can be formulated
Specialist advice (SENCO), assistance and help will be sought from outside agencies
A Personal Learning Plan will be formulated along with the school’s SENCO
Pre Prep staff will report progress to the child’s parents daily
If there is no improvement in the child’s behaviour or the behaviour constitutes an immediate threat to another child or member of staff, the child will be excluded
A letter to the parents/guardians will be sent informing them of the Pre Prep decision to exclude the child
Admission Policy
All applications will be dated when received, acknowledged by email and kept on file.
Applications will close on Friday 13th December, 2024.
Offers for places will be made by 20th December, 2024.
Parents will be notified when a place for their child becomes available.
Confirmation of acceptance will be accompanied by a deposit of £500 payable to Methodist College Belfast. This is redeemable against the first month’s fees.
Application for a place does not automatically guarantee the offer of a place.
Offer of a place will only be given to a child who has attained the necessary age as stipulated by Social Services. (Minimum age is currently 2 years and 10 months at the time of the enrolment)
In the event of over subscription the Pre-Prep entrance criteria will be applied. A copy of the criteria is on our website please use the following linkhttps://www.methody.org/prep/useful-information
Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Policy
Methodist College Preparatory Department is committed to providing equal access for all our pupils to the curriculum. We recognise that some pupils during their school career may have special educational needs and/or a disability. In the interests of these children we will endeavour to make every reasonable adjustment to provide for their individual needs.
(A full copy of our Special Needs Policy is available on request)
List of Policies
Absence of the Manager
Accidents – prevention, reporting, recording and notification
Additional Needs
Allegations against staff
CCTV
Child Protection
Complaints
Confidentiality
Consent
Complaints
Data Protection
Equality
First Aid
ICT
Infection Prevention and Control – including the exclusion of children who are infectious or ill
Intimate/Personal Care
Maintenance and Replacement of Play Equipment
Managing Aggression and Challenging Behaviour including Bullying
Management of Emergencies
Management of Medicines
Management of Records
Management of Risks Associated with the Care of Individual Service Users
Menu Planning
Mobile Phones
Parents’ Access to Records
Participation
Photography and Videography
Play
Provision of Food and Drink
Reporting Adverse and Untoward Incidents
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Security of the Setting
Smoking
Social Networking
Staffing:
Behaviour & Conduct
Clothing / Uniform
Discipline
Grievance
Induction
Meetings
Records
Recruitment
Rotas
Supervision and appraisal
Training and development
Transport for Service Users – provision and use
Whistle blowing
All of our policies are available on request at any time
Registering Body
The Minimum Standards for Child Minding and Day Care for Children Under 12 are set by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSSPS) and Fullerton House Pre-Prep is registered with the Belfast Trust and we are inspected annually to ensure that the Minimum Standards are being upheld.
Information regarding your child will be shared with the Early Years Team as part of the inspection process. Some parents may receive a questionnaire regarding the Pre-Prep and your opinions about the service provided.
To read the Minimum Standards visit www.nicma.org/cms/publications/Childminding Standards) Copies of our inspection reports are available on request.
Useful Contacts
FULLERTON HOUSE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
BT9 6BY
TEL: (028) 90205217
REGISTERING BODY:
EARLY YEARS TEAM
REGISTERED PERSON/HEAD OF PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT:
SUPERVISOR IN CHARGE/DESIGNATED PERSON FOR CHILD PROTECTION:
EVERTON COMPLEX
585-587 CRUMLIN ROAD
BELFAST
BT14 7GB
TEL: (028) 9542811
earlyyears@belfastrust.hscni.net
SCHOOL SECRETARY: MRS RUTH FORSYTHE
FULLERTON HOUSE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
FACEBOOK PAGE
VIRTUAL TOUR
MINIMUM STANDARDS
PRE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM
CHILDCARE VOUCHERS
rforsythe863@c2kni.net
https://www.methody.org/Pre-Prep-preparatory/Pre-Preppreparatory/fullerton-house
https://www.facebook.com/fullertonmcb/
Fullerton House School
http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/download/PUBLICATIONS/ CHILDCARE/Childminding_Standards_Implementation_Guidance.pdf
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/curricular-guidance
www.employersforchildcare.org
