Information for Parents

What to Bring

Outlined below is a list of items your child will need to bring to Preschool each day. It makes it easier for your child to recognise their belongings, if their name is added to personal belongings. Sometimes, children can have the same lunch box or the same bag, so educators can help children identify their belongings if they are labelled. Meal time provides an ideal opportunity to talk about nutritious foods and staying healthy.

‘Sip and Crunch’ – children place their container of cut up fruit or vegetable and their drink bottle containing water on top of their personalised locker. ‘Sip and Crunch’ is held at 10.00 am each morning. Children can access their drink bottle throughout the day and at meal times. There is a water fountain in the playground for children to access while they are outdoors.

Lunch – children place their lunch box in the refrigerator in the locker room. Suggested items for lunch include a sandwich, salad, fruit, vegetables, cheese, yoghurt, dip and biscuits, healthy snacks etc. More information is provided in the preschool enrolment book.

Afternoon Tea – children place a piece of fruit or vegetable into the fruit and vegetable basket located on the kitchen bench. In the afternoon, educators sit with children, cut up the food and allocate children with their choice of fruit or vegetable on their individual plate.

Sun Hat – all children need a sun hat when playing outside. Please also apply sunscreen before coming to preschool or use the sunscreen available on the sign in table in each classroom.

Shoes – to allow your child to participate in the learning program, they need to wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for climbing on equipment outside. Thongs, heeled shoes, scuffs, open shoes, and shoes with flat slippery soles with no grip, will not support children to climb and safely participate in gross motor activities.

A Change of Clothes – children need a change of clothes in case of accidents, spills or weather changes.

Dress clothes – Educators suggest that children be dressed in clothes that allow them to participate in all areas of the educational program. It is best if children do not have to worry about getting dirty or wet, as this may inhabit their enjoyment of the activity. Children are encouraged to participate in messy activities which are an important part of their education and development. Elastic waisted shorts or pants allow each child to be independent at toilet times. Please label children’s items of clothing e.g. hats, shoes, as children sometimes wear the same clothing. Labelling allows educators to quickly return misplaced clothing to families.

Lost Property – there is a lost property box on the verandah. Please check it regularly to make sure that your child has not left anything behind. If your child’s clothes are labelled, then they are placed in the newsletter pockets in the entry of the preschool.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are you open?  We are open the same days and terms as public schools. We also operate on pupil free days. Children attend weekdays: 8.15 am to 3.45 pm.

Can I drop my child off early or pick them up late?  No. In special circumstances you may discuss this with the Director.

What if my child is upset?  Educators will comfort and calm your child and help them to become engaged in the programmed activities. Educators will work in partnership with families to identify ideas and supports which allow for a smooth transition between home and preschool.

What if my child has additional learning needs?  Educators will discuss your child’s needs and interests with you during orientation, so they can have the best Preschool experiences possible. Educators will liaise with you and other professionals when working with your child. Our professional educator team has experience in developing individual plans to support your child’s development, and have established relationships with local support services.

How Do I Enrol?  You are welcome to visit the preschool and educators will take you on a tour of our high quality learning environment. You can also contact the preschool by telephone 65534884 or by email at admin@winghampreschool.com.au and an educator can place your name on the waiting list, organise an orientation and allocate your preferred days of attendance.

My child has allergies, requires ongoing medication, has dietary restrictions?  During orientation, the director will discuss if your child has any additional diet, health or medical needs that need to be recognised and supported. The preschool has policies and procedures in place to ensure that your child’s health and safety is protected. In consultation with you, educators will put management plans in place to manage medical conditions and control risks. Wingham Preschool is a nut free Service.

How can I be involved at the Preschool?  We hold families and community in high regard, and support family and community involvement at Wingham Preschool. You are welcome to be a part of your child’s learning journey and be actively involved in many ways. Your involvement will help our community Preschool continue to thrive. Involvement can range from joining the Board of Directors (elected annually), supporting our fundraising ventures, assisting educators with community events e.g. ‘Bonnie Scottish Festival’, helping with working bees, sharing your expertise, culture or passion e.g. coming and playing a musical instrument, cooking food from your home culture, etc.

Do you have a sleep time throughout the day?  No, but we do provide the children with quiet activities on floor cushions and an opportunity to rest if they are tired.

How will Preschool help my child be ready for school?  Educators are proud of their unique and comprehensive ‘Transition to School’ programme. Included in the transition program, are visits to the local school during the year e.g. NAIDOC week activities and excursions to the local school, where children participate in school activities including recess, lunch and visiting the Kindergarten classroom. Over their entire preschool experience, your child will be supported as they develop positive dispositions and skills for learning which will be important for school and also life. In partnership with families, educators will build on your child’s prior knowledge and experiences to develop their confidence in the move to the school setting.

The Educators will support your child’s concept formation and learning aspects of numeracy and literary. Your child’s language and literacy development is stimulated through carefully planned everyday activities including sharing books, playing with rhymes and letter sounds, telling stories and news, drawing and mark-making that leads to writing.

How do I know what is going on?  You will find our Term calendar on this site and also our regular Newsletter. Copies of the newsletter and the term calendar are placed in your child’s pocket in the entry area and you can collect them when you are at preschool. A copy of the newsletter is also displayed on the noticeboard in the entrance area of the preschool.

Can my child travel to and from the preschool on the school bus?  You will need to contact the bus company to see if your child is able to travel on the school bus. If they can travel to and from preschool on the school bus, then please see educators at the preschool to obtain paperwork that will authorise the travel with the preschool.