Our Ethos
At West Kilbride Early Years Class we aim to provide an environment that supports children’s learning through investigation and creativity whilst being responsive to their interests. We know that a child-centred environment engages children’s learning at a deeper level.
Our children have free-flow access to the outdoor learning environment and our Practitioners support them whilst they engage in managing their risks, whether it is playing with sticks, climbing the tree, using Den building materials or balancing on a wobbly beam.
We also endeavour to instil a child’s love of the environment by caring for plants, litter picking, visiting the wider community areas and doing scavenger hunts for objects to add to our ‘Loose Part resources’ which promote open-ended play both indoors and out.
We hope our children develop their independence skills, become confident learners and responsible citizens. To promote ECO awareness we have a ‘Nessie’ recycling clothes bin which also helps towards fundraising.
Children’s Health and Wellbeing is our primary focus and through our use of PAThS strategies we support our children to develop their understanding of emotions, and to deal positively with conflict resolution by having a solution focussed approach.
Staffing
All our Early Years Staff are qualified and SSSC Registered Early Years Practitioners with Local Authority PVG Disclosure checks.
| Julie Barret | Senior Early Years Practitioner | Monday – Friday | BA Childcare Studies and Practice
NNEB |
| Barbara Steven | Early Years Practitioner | Monday – Friday | HNC – Childcare and Education |
| Karen Smith | Early Years Practitioner | Monday, Tuesday, alternate Wednesday | HNC – Childcare and Education |
| Barbara Rankin | Early Years Practitioner | Alternate Wednesday, Thursday, Friday | Diploma in Primary Education
HNC – Childcare and Education |
ADMISSIONS POLICY
All Early Years places are allocated in line with North Ayrshire Council’s Admissions policy. Information detailing this policy is currently available on-line from North Ayrshire Council. All children 3-5 years are eligible for a nursery place.
REGISTRATION AND ENROLMENT
Registration for the August intake of children aged 3-5 takes place in February each year. Places are allocated by April when you will receive a confirmation letter. Although every effort is made to accommodate your preferred sessions this is not always possible therefore a Ballot may need to take place.
When your child’s nursery place is confirmed, a number of pre-admission visits will be arranged, usually with your child’s keyworker. During these visits you will meet your child’s Keyworker, other staff and complete the relevant paperwork whilst your child gets to play within the Early Years setting. As each child may settle differently we ask you to follow the advice given by staff, shorter sessions are often the best solution for some children until they are confident at leaving you.
NON-DEMONINATIONAL
The Early Years Centre is non-denominational. We respect and welcome children, parents and carers of all religions, faiths and beliefs.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
At West Kilbride Early Years Class we aim to provide all children with an educational and social environment which will enable them to reach their full potential irrespective of race, creed, sex, gender or religion.
EMERGENCY CLOSURE
If we are required to close or close early, we will contact you by GroupCalltext/phone/Twitter.
For prolonged closures information will be announced locally via West Sound FM and updated on North Ayrshire Council’s website.
In the case of an immediate emergency closure the children will be taken to West Kilbride Primary School where we will contact parents or emergency contact.
Other Information
WKPS EYC 3yrs – 5yrs all about me
