For information on First Friends Pre-School, please refer to our Parents Handbook. A copy of the handbook can be downloaded by clicking on the image.
First Friends is now registered with Ofsted and supported by the Poole Family Information Service.
All policies will be available to parents and carers upon confirmation of a place at First Friends. They will be updated regularly in accordance with the guidelines set out by Ofsted.
First Friends is committed to providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for your child where safeguarding is paramount.
First Friends is open during term times only and closed at week-ends.
fees
We are in receipt of early years education funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. When funding is not received, fees apply. The current rate is £4.25 per hour for 3-4 year olds , and £4.50 per hour for 2 year olds.
The fees are payable monthly in advance. Fees must still be paid if children are absent without notice for a short period of time. If your child has to be absent over a long period of time, please talk to a manager. For your child to keep their place at the setting, you must pay the fees.
We will also accept childcare vouchers and tax free childcare payments.
staff
First Friends is managed by childcare professionals with over 20 years experience of working with young children.
All staff are DBS certified and undergo programmes of continued professional development. Managers are Paediatric First Aid Certified, and qualified as ENCO and SENCO.
Learning journeys
Every child attending First Friends will have a comprehensive Learning Journey which will detail all their experiences and learning opportunities in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
For further information regarding the EYFS and the areas of learning, please download a copy of our First Friends Parent Handbook.
In case you miss any information or just want to give us feedback, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my child need to bring?
Children attending First Friends need to bring a packed lunch, fruit snack and named water bottle each day. For guidelines on our Healthy Eating Policy and Practice please refer to our First Friends Parent Handbook (see link above) A change of clothes is also necessary as children may get messy from time to time (a clear sign that they have had fun!) Children that are toilet training will need a daily supply of nappies and wipes.
How do I prepare my child?
If this is the first time that your child has attended a childcare setting it can be a daunting time, so we will work closely with you to arrange a 'settling-in' plan to suit the needs of your child. At home, you can prepare your child by talking about what they will be doing at Pre-School (see our handbook for our daily routine) and re-assuring them that they will be having lots of fun!
What is the daily routine?
Our Parent handbook details our daily routine, so please refer to this document for a better idea of how we operate the setting. In short, we will play, learn, play, eat, play, make friends, sing, dance and have lots of fun in a safe, secure and stimulating environment!
What should I do when my child is sick?
You must always let us know if your child is unable to attend the setting due to illness. We have a comprehensive guide of how long your child should stay at home if their illness is contagious in our Parent Handbook. Fees are non-refundable for days off due to illness, however if we are able to offer alternative days when your child is well again we will do our best to help.
How do I pay my child's fees?
Invoices will be issued on a monthly basis and payment is required in advance. Any additional sessions booked after this payment will be added to the following invoice to be paid in arrears. If your child is eligible for Early Years Funding we will notify you when your invoice balance has been settled and allocate sessions accordingly.
Will my child have a key worker?
Yes, we will operate a Key Worker system whereby each member of staff will be responsible for compiling the Learning Journey for individual children. This is the person who will take care of the immediate needs of your child, however every member of staff will work closely with you and your child to offer the best level of care to meet the needs of your child.