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Bradshaw Preschool  

Adamson Avenue, Alice Springs. PH.(08) 89528206

bradshaw.preschool@ntschool.net

Background Information

Session Times

Preschool Routines

Preschool Program

Parent Participation

Fees and Fundraising
Playbased Learning

Background Information

Bradshaw Preschool is part of Bradshaw Primary School and is involved in the corporate life of the school.

The preschool is a double teaching unit with both morning and afternoon groups operating. The staff consist of two teachers and two school assistants.

 Session Times

Morning Session

8.20 am to 11.20am

Monday to Friday

Afternoon Session

12.30 pm to 2.50pm

Monday to Thursday

Children begin preschool in the Afternoon Group (PM) and after a time move into the Morning Group (AM).

Preschool Routines

The following routines are encouraged to help children develop the self discipline necessary for formal schooling.

 

 
  • On arrival the children are expected to...
    • put their fruit or snack in the bowl
    • put their library bag and book in the Library Box
    • put their case/bag in their locker
 

Children are asked to bring a small snack to preschool. The food is shared amongst the children as variety makes the choice more interesting. Part of the Health curriculum promotes healthy eating, so parents are asked to resist sending sweet biscuits, lollies or chips. Some suggestions are...

  • fresh fruit
  • dry biscuits
  • cheese
  • dried fruit
  • vegetables - carrots, celery etc
  • sandwiches
 Preschool Program

The program at the preschool is designed to develop the child's self awareness and appreciation of the social and physical world. As a child gains in maturity he/she will be ready for more formal learning.

One important resource for early childhood educators is "Foundation Areas of Learning". This document lists nine areas of development:

  • self concept
  • creativity
  • communication
  • health and physical development
  • social development
  • environmental awareness
  • technology
  • critical thinking
  • cultural understanding
  • develop fine and gross motor skills

These form the basis of the preschool program. Although literacy and numeracy are included and encouraged, preschool is not an academic year.

The preschool aims to assist children to develop personal, social, physical and intellectual skills to ensure a sound base for their future. This can be achieved through play. Play provides the opportunity for children to...

 

  • observe the environment first hand
  • extend language skills
  • interact with others
  • make decisions and solve problems
  • develop body awareness
  • express feelings in a socially acceptable manner
  • develop a positive self concept

The preschool aims to provide an environment in which the child can feel safe and secure.

 Parent Participation

Bradshaw Preschool encourages parent participation.

When parents chose to help in the classroom they are asked to encourage their child to work independently, explaining that they are there to help everyone. The first hour of the session is the busiest and parents will need to use their initiative to help children in all activities. This might include writing their names on work, building with blocks, reading stories to individuals, helping with the computer, encouraging children to complete puzzles etc.

Away from the classroom there are numerous ways parents can help...

  • fruit needs to be cut up approx. 1 hour into the session
  • library books need covering
  • library bags need to be made
  • storerooms need to be sorted
  • cleaning
  • gardens need weeding
  • activities need preparation eg cutting paper, mixing glue etc
  • washing up in the kitchen
  • etc

 

Parents can participate in outdoor activities...

  • ball games eg cricket
  • serve tea in the cubby house
  • contribute to sandcastles
  • etc

There are no formal rosters, just came along and join in whatever you can.

Parent Meetings are held monthly throughout the year. The main function of these meetings is to support fundraising activities. Preschool issues are discussed and information sessions are held. Meetings are informal. There are three office holders; Chairperson, Secretary and School Council Representative who reports to the Bradshaw School Council.

 Fees and Fundraising

Fees

Government funding is minimal so parents are asked to pay a small fee. Monies are used to supplement Education Department supplies of consumables and for the purchase of new equipment. The preschool could not function without the parent contribution.

Fees are due at the beginning of each term and are...

The preschool has its own library and children are encouraged to use it. On payment of a $10 deposit children may borrow from this library as often as desired. This deposit is refundable when the child leaves (should all books be returned).

Fundraising

The only way the preschool can maintain fees at the low rate of approx. 70cents per session is by asking parents to commit themselves to supporting fundraising activities held during the year. Present targets are to raise $1 000 per term