Parental Involvement

Research shows that children learn better when their parents are involved. We are joint partners with parents in the education of children and, as such, we make every effort to provide opportunities for you to be involved in the activities of the group and your own child's progress. Parental involvement is sought in a number of ways:

The parents' rota
Parents are invited to help at the pre-school alongside staff. This gives parents the opportunity to take an active part in the group to see what happens there and to talk about it afterwards with their child. It also provides a valuable opportunity for all children to see their own parents/carers in a new role.

We understand that not all parents are able to take part in the rota system and it is in no way obligatory. However, if you do wish to take part, we suggest you attend around two sessions per half term.

Keyworkers
Through the keyworking record-keeping system, parents are formally kept up to date of their child's development and have an opportunity to add their own comments. More informally, your child's keyworker and other members of staff will be available to talk about your child's development with you and address any concerns you may have.

Work folders
Each child is issued with a work folder to take home with them when they join Rising Fives. This contains information about the curriculum for each half term, literacy information, fun worksheets and suggested activities. It is designed to keep you in touch with what your child is doing at pre-school. Children may also use it to take their work home after each session.

Contact Book
Each child is issued with a contact book as a two way exchange of information regarding your child's achievements and interests. Your child's keyworker will be adding comments on a weekly basis.

Whiteboard
Staff advise parents of activities undertaken by the children each day through a whiteboard on display in the reception room. This is updated each session.