Do you do settle in days?
If you would like your child to have some settling in days (shorter days) in September please contact us to arrange. We will work with parents who request settle in sessions if they feel their child requires them.
What time is Drop Off?
Preschool Children (3-4years) can be dropped off between 8.45am and 9am.
Playgroup Children (2-3years) can be dropped off at 9am.
Does my child need to be Potty Trained?
All children learn to use the toilet at different stages, staff will work with the family to ensure that routines match those at home, working together to encourage going to the toilet independently. If your child is still in nappies this is fine, please provide nappies/pull ups or spare underwear in your child’s back pack as well as wipes.
Do you provide lunch?
If your child is staying for lunch (12pm-1pm) they will be required to bring their own cold packed lunch. At Em's Stars we promote healthy eating and would request that lunch boxes reflect this.
Does my child need a water bottle?
Please provide a water bottle for your child for each session, they will be encouraged to use this throughout the day. Please ensure it is clearly labelled.
Do you provide snacks?
Fresh fruit/vegetables will be provided by the preschool to children in the morning and afternoon. Milk and water will also be offered to children.
Does my child have to wear a uniform?
Our uniform is a white polo shirt and red sweatshirt or cardigan. If you want to have the St Joseph's Primary logo embroidered, the Wirral Uniform Centre in Birkenhead have the file.
We recommend that children have Velcro closing shoes to encourage independence.
Please make sure your child’s name is on their school uniform.
These items are NOT compulsory.
Please be aware that mud, paint, glue, glitter, milk, water, and other potentially staining substances are around most of the time in our setting. We like to encourage creative play as much as possible.
Please ensure children are dressed appropriately for lots of outdoor play. A spare set of under and outer wear for your child is highly recommended.
Will my child have a key worker?
All children will have a key worker, they will meet their key worker during their first week of pre-school. We will inform you of your child’s key worker.
How will I be able to see what my child has been doing in pre-school
We use an app called Tapestry. All parents will have their own log in and can view observations uploaded by their child's key worker. All children will have one observation per week uploaded on to the app.
We post weekly updates on our Facebook/Instagram pages to show you the activities the children have been doing.
We send a weekly email (every Friday) to pass any messages to parents and to share our topic of the week, we attach our planning for parents to view as sometimes you may wish to use some of the activities at home.
We hold parent meetings twice a year to discuss your child's progress.
How do I get funding?
We offer places for 2-year funding, working parents funding and 3/4 year old funding.
You can find out more at: Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
How do I pay fees?
Invoices for non-funded hours will be sent out via Tapestry at the beginning of each half term. Invoices must be paid within three weeks of it being issued
Em's Stars accept BACS payments(details to be given on invoice), childcare vouchers, as well as Tax Free Childcare payments.