Rockets is part of Rockwell Green Church of England Primary School. Our fully qualified and experienced staff provide high quality care for children aged 2 – 4 years, in a safe, fun and stimulating environment. We run from one large main room, with an open kitchen (divided with a breakfast bar and stair gate), with a smaller room for quiet and small group activities. We have a separate toilet room with child sized toilets and sinks,  and disabled toilet/staff toilet/nappy changing room. We are also lucky to have a very large outside area which is secure. Not only this, but we also have the benefit of being in the school where we have access to other rooms, such as the school hall and the library. In September 2013 Ofsted inspected us and we were thrilled to be awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding". In May 2017 we were inspected (now as part of the school) and were awarded "Good". 

Rockets Pre School aims to:

 •provide high quality care and education for children aged 2 - 4 years;

•work in partnership with parents to help children learn and develop;

•add to the life and the well-being of its local community; and

•offer children and their parents a service that promotes equality and values diversity.

We aim to ensure that each child:

 •is in a safe  fun and stimulating environment;

 •is given generous care and attention, because of our ratio of qualified staff to children;

 •has the chance to join other children and adults to live, work and learn together;

 •is helped to take forward his/her learning and development by being helped to build on what he/she already knows and can do;

 •has a personal key person who makes sure each child makes satisfying progress; and

 •is in a setting that sees parents as partners in helping each child to learn and develop.

Key Person System

Before your child starts at Rockets, they will be assigned a key person. We aim for the key person to see your child as much as possible, so this is taken into account when selecting a member of staff. Your child's key person is your first point of contact, and their role is to ensure your child is happy and settled, ensure smooth transition from home to pre-school, and keeep your child's pathway (Tapestry) up to date.

Soon after your child starts at Rockets, your child's keyperson will arrange an initial meeting with you, which will allow them to get to know a little bit more about your child, such as their likes, interests and how we can cheer them up if they're feeling sad. Your child's keyperson will then arrange a couple of meetings throughout the year to discuss with you how your child is progressing.

Lunchtime and Snack Time

The setting makes lunchtime and snack time a social time at which the children and adults eat together. We provide children with a small snack during the morning and afternoon session which is healthy and nutritious. We offer a choice of fruit such as apples, pears, bananas, oranges, cucumber, raisins, crackers, etc. Each child is entitled to one third of a pint of milk per day. Please do tell us about your child's dietary needs and we will make sure that these are met. 

If your child is staying for the lunchtime session, they can either bring a packed lunch of a hot school dinner. If having a packed lunch, please note we are a nut free setting. Please be aware that we are unable to refrigerate packed lunches so if you put in items that need to be kept cool please include an ice pack.  Hot lunches are available from the school kitchen at an extra cost, please ask us for details. Drinking water is always available for the children throughout the day.

 Starting at our Setting

We want your child to feel happy and safe with us.  To make sure that this is the case, the staffwill work with you to decide on how to help your child to settle into the setting.  You are very welcome to come with your child to stay and play before they are due to start.  A policy on helping children settle in is available on request.

Clothing

We provide protective clothing for the children when they play with messy activities, such as aprons for painting and waterproof trousers for going outside in all weather. We encourage the children to gain the skills that help them to be independent and look after themselves.  These include taking themselves to the toilet, and taking off/putting on outdoor clothes.  Clothing that is easy for them to manage will help them to do this.  We prefer children to wear easily washable clothes, which are not too new!  Please send your child in footwear that is suitable for indoor and outdoor play, although wellington boots are worn when wet and muddy outside.

Fees

The current fees are £4.50 per hour payable in full by the end of the second week of the half term or weekly.  Fees must still be paid if children are absent.  We are in receipt of nursery education funding for two, three and four year olds; where funding is not received, then fees apply.  Nursery education funding is available the term after a child reaches their third birthday, it is available for up to 15 hours per week (a maximum of 6.50 hours per day) across all settings. We also accept children in receipt of the 30 hours funding. 

If you require any further information or would like to visit Rockets please contact us on our direct telephone number:01823 661964