Welcome to Puddleducks
About Us
Puddleducks is a warm and welcoming pre-school (term-time only) where children aged 3 and 4 can play and learn together. It is led by Mrs Jo Pideaux, our Pre-School Manager. Children thrive in our free-flow setting in our indoor and wonderful outdoor environment. Children follow their own interests and enquiries, learning with others and with experienced, qualified practitioners. Our curriculum offers the opportunity to engage with yoga, nurture groups, cooking, and regular visits to the main school for assemblies, music and movement and walks around the grounds. Children play both indoors and outdoors across the day, parents provide suitable outdoor clothing, allowing children's interests to be followed whatever the weather.
Induction
We offer a visit for you and your child to come and visit us and ask any questions you may have, as well as a home visit from one of our team, prior to your child starting Puddleducks so we can learn about your child. Next,. your child will also be invited to a stay and play session with other children who are starting at the same time. If your child is not ready to attend a full day when they start, then this can be discussed at the home visit. We ensure your child feels safe and secure through our key person system who is responsible for settling your child, observing their learning and development and discussing with you any support they may need.
Uniform
It is not mandatory to wear school uniform, however most children wear red sweatshirt/cardigan, white polo and black skirt/trousers/red summer dress. Velcro shoes are preferred for footwear. Harvem in the high Street (below Bonzo Lounge) stock sweatshirts, aged 3-4 and 5-6yrs with the Puddleducks Logo. https://www.harvemschoolwear.co.uk/Castle_Primary_School_Early_Start_RedSweatshirt_(Puddleducks)/p4883045_20996052.aspx They also have Castle book bags which are perfect for carrying book borrowed from our school library.
Parent Partnerships
We are proud of the relationships we form with parents and continually develop the partnership that we have. We share your child’s learning through Seesaw, an online learning platform and have three ‘Parent Meetings’ a year to share your child’s progress and discuss their next learning. We also have a weekly newsletter, emailed out, celebrating our learning and sharing information.
Additional Needs
Our pre-school SENCo is Mrs Lewis - who is also our Deputy Manager. Mrs Lewis can support you and your child during their time at pre-school. If required, Mrs Lewis will offers advice on with gaining extra funding for children with SEND, through referrals and professional support. Mrs Lewis holds regular meetings with families of children with SEND, and is supported by the school SENCO, Mrs Sarah Marriot.
Our Fees and Sessions
Children can start the term after their 3rd birthday (September, January or April). We accept many childcare vouchers, as well as the Early Years 15 hour, and 30 hour funding for families with an eligible code. Sessions above the 15hr entitlement cost £17.50 for 8.45-11.45, £36.50 for a full day and a full day has a charge of £1.50 for the lunch period.
Our double sessions are 8:45am - 3pm (full day) or 8:45am until 11.45am . Children can bring a lunch from home or can order a school meal online through Aspens. Snacks of fruit and crackers are provided, along with milk and water to drink.
We offer these session options:
A: 5 sessions which is 2.5 days (Mon, Tues & Wed (am) OR Wed (pm), Thurs & Fri.
B: 6 sessions which is 3 full days (Mon-Wed or Wed-Fri)
C. 10 sessions which is 5 full days (Mon-Fri)
We will be currently full until September 2025 and the application window for September 2025 will open in September 2024. If we are over-subscribed, we will prioritise children using our school admissions policy.
Policies
You can find our procedures and other information in the Policy section on the Web site, such as Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, Behaviour and Asthma policy. If you have further questions please speak with our Pre-School Manager or email puddleducks@castleprimary.uk.
Please contact the office (0117 986 4489 or puddleducks@castleprimary.uk) for more information. Thank you.
Jo Prideaux
Puddleducks Manager
