Prospectus

GENERAL INFORMATION

St Peter's Hall is located down a quiet backwater near Cranbourne Village. It stands on its own within a large forecourt, amongst fields and farms close to the picturesque church of St Peters. There is easy access from Windsor, Ascot, Bracknell and all surrounding areas.

SCHOOL SESSIONS

The year is divided into three terms. Each term has a half term holiday of one weeks duration.
Morning Sessions: 9.15 am - 12.15 pm
Afternoon Sessions: 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm (Mon, Tues, Wed)
All Day Sessions: 9.15 am - 3.00 pm (Mon, Tues, Wed)

SCHOOL FEES

All fees are payable in advance on or before the first day of each term.
N.B. These fees are valid until December 2001.

3 Mornings -- £ 515.00 per term
4 Mornings -- £ 555.00 per term
5 Mornings -- £ 575.00 per term
3 Afternoons -£ 390.00 per term

THE MONTESSORI CHILD

Maria Montessori believed that the first six years of a child's life are crucial to their future development.

We aim to provide quality care in a Montessori environment which will give your child the freedom to learn in controlled surroundings with materials which enable them to correct themselves. We are there to guide the child. The Directress presents materials and activities as models for imitation but then allows the child to make his/her own discoveries.

Our Practical Life activities will enable your child to gain control of his/her own world. From simple pouring exercises to more complicated tying and threading activities, your child will learn in an uncomplicated pressure free environment.

The Sensorial activities lay the foundations for maths, language and science. Maria Montessori advocated the phonic approach to reading and writing and most children seem able to master the written language by the age of four.

Not only are Montessori mathematics materials stimulating and original, they really do work. Sandpaper numerals enable the children to feel, see and hear what they are doing and from there they will progress easily on to more complicated and thought provoking exercises.

We hope to develop a moral awareness in our children, exercises in courtesy, tolerance, trust and respect are all important. Through our calm, firm but patient manner, we will help our children achieve self discipline and motivation.

The children will also benefit from lessons in Music & Movement, singing, cookery and art and will be encouraged to participate in our gardening activities.

We aim to provide quality care in a Montessori environment offering a broad balanced curriculum maintaining the Montessori Method which will encourage the children to become independent and able to make decisions at their own pace.

Little Acorns pursues a policy of equal opportunities and encourages all children between the ages of two and a half and five years regardless of sex, ethnic origin and disability. Special needs of children arising from the ethnic origin or religious beliefs is recognised and respected.

Our rules aim to help children develop self discipline and respect for the needs of others. Children will be encouraged and praised in recognition of good behaviour, i.e. sharing, helping others.

No humiliating, aggressive or frightening methods will be used, a non authoritarian approach will be used at all times.

If any other than the main carer is collecting your child at the end of a session, we must be informed in advance.

Each child must bring a pair of pumps, these are necessary for music & movement and should be kept in a shoe bag. We do not encourage the children to wear outdoor shoes whilst in the classroom as much of our morning can be spent doing floor activities. Parents are requested to assist their child in changing upon arrival and we will help them change before home time.

Little Acorns will provide towels for each child to dry their hands.
Parents are asked to provide an apron for cookery classes. Please bring a change of underwear for your child. Accidents occasionally do happen and in our experience, children prefer their own clothes.

Fees are payable on the first day of each term. No refund can be made for absence due to holiday or sickness. One terms notice is required if you are planning to remove your child from the school.

Written records will be kept on each child. These records help staff develop the various skills in the appropriate way. In addition, these records will enable a full report on each child to be sent to the child's next school. All records will be kept confidential and are available for any parent to see on request. A register has to be kept of the children's attendance, please inform the school if your child is unable to attend.

Little Acorns will provide a varied and nutritious snack at breaktime. This will consist of maybe fruit, cheese, sandwiches or biscuits together with a drink of milk, water or squash.

Any child suffering from a sore throat, eye discharge, vomiting or diarrhoea, or a doubtful rash should be kept at home until a Doctor has certified otherwise. If a child becomes unwell whilst at school, every effort will be made to contact the Parents or the person listed as the emergency carer.

Permission is requested from parents that emergency first aid and/or hospital treatment will be administered if necessary. Permission is also requested to change children's clothing should it become necessary.

Little Acorns follows the procedures laid down by the Berkshire County Council Child Protection Committee handbook, page 59
"Any Playgroup or Day Nursery staff who become suspicious that a child may be the subject of abuse must discuss with the supervisor or officer in charge who should in turn inform the duty officer of the Social Services Locality Office immediately."

Funding: Little Acorns is registered within the Early Years Partnership. A government grant is available to all children the term following their 4th birthday. This is paid directly to Little Acorns and allows for a reduction in fees. To qualify for this grant Bracknell Forest stipulate that one free space should be made available. This is at the discretion of Little Acorns.

REGISTRATION

Please complete and return the enclosed registration form if you require a place to be reserved for your child.

With the completed registration form, we will require a cheque for £75.00 made payable to Little Acorns Montessori. We will not cash this cheque until we can guarantee a place for your child. We regret that we are unable to take a child for one term only.

The £75.00 is compiled as follows:-

£25 Registration fee - Non refundable
£50 Deposit - This will be refunded when your child leaves.