Bucklebury Pre-school is keen to involve parents. Research shows that children learn better when their parents are involved. As well as chatting with your child's keyworker or the Pre-school's supervisor, there are several ways in which parents and carers can be involved with the Pre-school: Parent Helper Rota, Bucklebury Pre-school Committee, Fundraising, and Sharing Interests. These are also good ways in which you can meet other staff and parents.

Our Parent Helper Rota system involves all parents in helping in the group on a regular basis. In addition to helping reduce costs, this allows us to maintain the high ratio of adults to children. This also gives you the opportunity to see your child interacting within the Pre-school setting and to talk to your child's keyworker in depth.

Parents are requested to do at least two rota duties per term, although there are some circumstances where exceptions may be made. A charge is made if parents are unable to do the required duty.

Bucklebury Pre-school is run by an elected committee, which ensures that decision-making is in the hands of the parents who form the group. The committee is responsible for reviewing both policy and practice, and for the employment and appraisal of members of staff. All parents are welcome to participate in the management of the school by attending meetings or joining the committee.

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM), at which the committee for the following year is selected, is held during the Summer term and parents will be informed in good time so they are able to attend. Please consider volunteering for a role on the committee during the time your child is at Pre-School. Not only is it essential for the running of the Pre-School but it is a great way for you to become directly involved in your child’s early education.

Bucklebury Pre-school is a charity, and as such would struggle without the support it receives from its supporters who enable it to provide high quality pre-school education. Fundraising by parents, friends, and committee all helps. There are a wide variety of fundraising schemes in place including, for example:

• School Link Book Club.
• Yellow Moon Stationary.
• Supermarket voucher schemes.
• Fundraising events.
• Printer cartridge and mobile phone recycling.

If you are at all able to help with anything, then please do. Details of forthcoming Pre-school fundraising events will be posted on notice boards and included in letters. Our staff are also keen fundraisers for other worthy causes.

Each half term the Pre-School uses theme. Within this theme, there are different topics each week. If you have, or know anyone who has, any special relevant interest, please don't hesitate to get in touch—you could be demonstrating your skills or talking to the children about your job! These topics are included each half term in a letter to you in your child's tray. The theme is also on this web site on our Notices and Letters page.