Thriving pre-school seeks volunteers to further enhance its service

A local pre-school has recently received a glowing report following an Ofsted inspection.  The positive feedback from inspectors included the fact that the ‘children feel safe and secure in a welcoming environment’ and that ‘staff have created a happy atmosphere which allows children to settle and gain the security and confidence to learn.’  The pre-school is now looking for volunteers from the local area to provide support to their staff and further enhance the overall experience of the children.

The organisation has been in existence in Totternhoe for 25 years, opening officially as a ‘pre-school’ in 2003.  Spaces are still available at the pre-school, which runs Monday to Thursday during term time, from 9.15-11.45am, attracting children from both local and wider catchment areas, including Dunstable, Kensworth, Eaton Bray and Leighton Buzzard.

The pre-school, a committee-run charity, employs 4 staff, who all hold an appropriate early years qualification. The report praised the staff, stating that ‘they (the children) benefit greatly from a very calm, caring and extremely motivated staff team.’ In addition to the committee and staff, the organisation also receives support from a qualified teacher and the local authority.

The personal, one-to-one attention of the staff towards the children was commented on, ‘…all children are highly valued as staff consider and act upon individual needs, family background and parental wishes.’  Ofsted Inspectors were particularly impressed with how the children are encouraged to eat a healthy diet, with ‘Crunchy Monday’, Crispy Tuesday and Fruity Thursday, encouraging parents to send their children in with crunchy raw vegetables, crispy crackers and crispbreads, and fresh fruit on different days of the week.

Regarding the activities that take place during the sessions, the report stated that the children ‘enjoy a broad variety of exciting play opportunities which helps them develop their knowledge and skills.’  It is with these play activities that the pre-school are looking to involve volunteers from the local area, to assist the staff and to facilitate the children’s involvement.  The role of an Assistant Play Worker would involve helping to set up the activities, interacting with the children, serving refreshments and helping the children to engage with the activities.  These include sand play, painting, construction, arts and crafts, and many more.  There is also the opportunity to read with the children and assist with play activities outside.

No previous experience is necessary, just a genuine interest in children and their development.  This role could also provide experience for those studying towards a related qualification, or thinking about pursuing a career in teaching/childcare.

For further information on volunteering for Totternhoe Pre-School please contact Georgina or Rebecca at the Volunteer Centre on 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk  If you would like to explore other volunteering opportunities that are available in South Bedfordshire please contact the Volunteer Centre to obtain information on current opportunities via post or to arrange an informal chat.

To enquire about the spaces that are available for children at the pre-school, please contact Kay Sweetman on 07803 925254.