Class Ratio
Service | Age | Child : Teacher Ratio |
Play-based Playschool | 2.6 – 3.5 years | 1 : 8 |
Montessori | 3.3 – 6 years | 1 : 10 |
Montessori – Irish | 3.3 – 6 years | 1 : 10 |
ECCE Classess are a ratio of 1:11 according to ECCE guidelines.
Admission
It is the policy of Tiddlywinks & Scallywags to offer equal access to children and their parents/guardians inclusive of special needs, cultural, financial status and religious orientation. We focus on ensuring that every child feels safe and welcome at all times, while providing the highest standard of care and commitment.
- Places are allocated on a first come first served basis;
- Enrollment Forms must be completed and returned to a staff member;
- Siblings will be given priority for available places and a 10% discount ( Fee Paying Only);
- €50 non refundable deposit is required for Play-based places or for children NOT eligible for the ECCE scheme.
Fees and ECCE Scheme
We are participating in the goverment funding for a free preschool year. The effect will be that eligible children will be able to enter the scheme and avail of one year of free pre-school education. The free place is open for 38 weeks per year and for 3 hours a day. See OMYCA guidelines for more info.
- Parents/Guardians are required to sign an agreement form in relation to monthly payment of fees when they register their child/children;
- Fees may be paid annually or monthly ;
- Fees are calculated for 38 weeks of the preschool year and divided by 10
- Fees are payable to Tiddlywinks & Scallywags by Cheque or Cash;
- If paying monthly, fees are due by the first of each month.
Late Fees
A fee is levied for the late collection of children. It is charged at the rate of €5 for every five minutes late.
Settling -In
Settling-in is an interim stage in the transition between home and the outside world. Due care and attention must be paid to a child’s need for time to settle-in to school. We aim to ensure that children feel safe and secure in the absence of their parents/carers. Individual arrangements will be made with parents about how best to help settle their child.
Collections
Tiddlwyinks & Scallywags is committed to ensuring the safety and care of all children on arrival and departure from the premises. To facilitate us, please ensure that:
- Your children are collected and dropped off on time;
- The names and telephone numbers of authorised collection persons are filled out on the Child Enrolment Form;
- All children are dropped off and collected from the teacher at the door of the premises.
PARENTS
Partnership with Parents
Tiddlywinks & Scallywags recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents/carers to promote the best interests of the children enrolled. Parents are encouraged to play a key role in the education of their child/children and Tiddlywinks & Scallywags will support them in this endeavour.
Complaints
Our children, staff and parents have the right to voice their opinions and concerns. It is our policy to welcome all suggestions and comments in relation to our school. Comments or suggestions can be made to any member of staff, or posted into our comments box.
Confidentiality
Tiddlywinks & Scallywags recognises that information, records and teacher observations pertaining to children enrolled are treated as confidential and private.
CHILD CARE GOOD PRACTICES
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity for children to learn is a fundamental aspect of the Tiddlywinks & Scallywags curriculum. Our aim is to provide open access for every child and family to participate in the service’s activities. We promote equal opportunities through a wide range of policies and procedures which are reflected in the practice of our early years setting.
Positive Behaviour Management
Tiddlywinks & Scallywags sets high expecations of behaviour through encouraging and praising good behavoir. We apply simple rules fairly and consistently. Under no circumstances do we use any form of punishment. We encourage children to respect themselves, each other and property. We aim to provide a happy and caring enviroment with challenging activities. In the case of a particular incident or persistent unacceptable behaviour we always discuss ways forward with parents/carers. Please ask to see a copy of our full policies and procedures for further information.
Conflict Resolution
Taken from Play-based
- Approach calmly (stop the hurting);
- Acknowledge children’s feelings (what emotions?);
- Gather information (find out what happed);
- Restate the problem (give the view from all sides);
- Ask for solutions (ask children for ideas);
- Follow up (give support to help solutions work).
Curriculum
Tiddlywinks & Scallywags offers a range of learning opportunities for children which are appropriate to each child’s stage of development. The service is fully committed to being guided by the principles of Siolta and the new curriculum framework Aistear.
Montessori
Children receive individual attention. The curriculum covers a broad range of activities that teach practical life skills, sensorial education, mathematics, language and literature. Also taught are cultural topics including biology, music, art, geography, science and history. Teachers are committed to the development of each child as an individual.
Play-based
Children construct their knowledge of the world as active learners. Learning is approached as a process of direct experience with people, objects, events and ideas. The role of teachers is to prepare the environment to encourage emerging interest.
Child Observations
By observing how children respond to taught activities, staff can evaluate whether the needs of all children are being met. This enables teachers to plan a broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum. Such observations also allow staff to challenge and extend the programmes so that each child is able to progress to their full abilities. All observations and records will be treated with confidentiality. It is our policy to share observations with parents/carers to strengthen the partnership between home and Tiddlywinks & Scallywags.
Child Protection
Tiddlywinks & Scallywags observes the policy and procedures set out in Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children. A copy of this document is available on the premises. Tiddlywinks & Scallywags may consult with a suitably qualified individual in the child protection and welfare field in order to assess whether or not a report is warranted. All allegations are taken seriously and standard procedures for reporting allegations to the HSE will be followed without delay. For information on our Designated Child Protection Person and Reporting Procedures, please ask to see the entire Policies and Procedures Document available on the premises.
Outings
Part of a child’s development is to experience fresh air and access to a variety of outdoor experiences. Please be advised that there a strict policies and procedure guidelines for outings. See the full list in the Policies and Procedures document at the school.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is an important part of our daily curriculum at Tiddlywinks & Scallywags. We aim to ensure that children play outdoors every day weather permitting. Our intention, through our outdoor programme, is to enhance gross motor skills, co-ordination, balance and body awareness. It also gives children opportunities to socialise freely and use their imagination and initiative.
Inclusion of children with Special Needs
Tiddlywinks & Scallywags works for the successful inclusion into the service of children with additional needs. We work in consultation with our staff, parents/guardians and other professionals and/or agencies working with the family to determine the additional resources required to meet the functional and development needs of the child, and to determine the suitability of Tiddlywinks & Scallywags in meeting these needs.
HEALTH AND SAFTEY
Illness
In the event of sudden illness we will contact parents immediately about our concerns regarding their child’s health and wellbeing. Parents may be asked to come and collect their child. Children with an infectious disease or headlice must remain out of school until the symptoms have passed. Please ask to see a full copy of the Policies and Procecures for further information.
Emergency Closures
School may close due to emergencies. Advanced notice will be given if appropriate. If the school is required to close when session has begun all parents will be contacted and arrangements will be made for the collection of children.
School Suppplies
Please send in the following supplies to school with your child:
- Coat labelled with name;
- Backpack labelled with name;
- Lunch in a zip lock bag labelled with name;
- 1 large box of ziplock bags;
- 1 large box of tissues;
- 1 large bottle of hand sanitiser.
Communication
Please feel free to call, write a note, or speak to a member of staff directly if you have concerns or questions about your child’s education. We are always available to schedule a meeting to discuss any issues or concerns you may have regarding your child.