About Us

We have two settings within the grounds of Sidegate Primary School. Acorns is a purpose built building with a large outdoor area overlooking the school field. We take children from the age of two until the September after their third birthday, when they move to Oaks which is situated within the school, offering access to some school facilities and supporting transition into reception.

At Little Acorns children's development and learning is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (DfE, 2017). We reflect the four guiding themes and principles of the EYFS:  

• A Unique Child 
• Positive Relationships 
• Enabling Environments 
• Learning and Development 

We offer children interesting activities which support their learning. The EYFS Areas for Development and Learning are:
 

Prime Areas

• Personal, social and emotional development 
• Physical development 
• Communication and language 

Specific Areas

• Literacy 
• Mathematics 
• Understanding the world 
• Expressive art and design
   

We access the outside area daily, in all weathers unless we deem it unsafe. We have a sheltered area at both settings. Please make sure your child brings suitable clothing for the weather, warm coat, waterproofs and wellington boots. In hot weather please provide a sun hat and apply sun cream before coming in. If your child attends all day we will reapply their own sun cream at lunchtime. Please send in a named bottle. 

Please ensure that all clothes and shoes are clearly named and are appropriate for playing in.

Please see our outdoor policy.

Please ensure that you provide your child with a change of clothing in a named bag. Often clothes get wet or messy during play.

Please ensure your child is wearing clothes that enable them to see to their toileting needs independently. If your child is in nappies, please provide nappies and wipes in their bag.

All children who attend Little Acorns Preschool will have a personal online learning journey that records observations and photos of their time at preschool. The system is called Tapestry and is hosted in the UK on secure servers. This is in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage, to build up a record of the child’s learning.

Tapestry allows parents / carers to follow their child’s individual progress closely allowing them to reflect on their achievements. Parents are also able to add comments, photos and videos to their child's account so that their key person can work in partnership with them. Tapestry is instant and you will get an email alert when a new observation is ready to be seen.

If your child will be absent from pre-school for any reason please telephone to let us know. Please keep your child away from pre-school for 48 hrs if they have sickness or diarrhoea.

If your child is not feeling themselves or displaying signs of an illness please do not bring them in. As a general guide it is advisable to keep your child at home if you have administered Calpol or similar.

Little Acorns Pre-School, 140 Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, IP4 4JD

infolittleacorns@gmail.com

Registered Charity No. 1031114

Member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance