St. Anne’s Preschool for Travelling Children, Rathkeale
Mission Statement
St. Anne’s Preschool for travelling children is committed to preparing the travelling children, both transient and
settled, for entry into primary education, promoting and respecting their rights in all of our work, whilst
endeavouring to provide a range of enjoyable preschool activities and the Catholic ethos.
Administration
St. Anne’s Pre-school is opened for three hours per day : 9.10 a.m. -12.10 p.m. School calendar is the same as St.
Anne’s Primary School. Maximum number of children is nine. A childcare assistant is employed. If the assistant is
absent, then the maximum number of children who can be accommodated is reduced to eight.
Enrolment Policy
Pupils are enrolled following their third birthday. The pre-school gives priority to children who will enroll for
mainstream in the September following their time in pre-school.
Exception : A child who has been diagnosed by a speech and language therapist /child psychologist/social worker
may gain precedence of entry over an older child, if the professional deems it essential for language development or
social skills development.
Enrolment forms are available from the Preschool. A contact phone number of parents/guardians must be supplied
on registration form and any change of same to be notified. Birth certificate and record of immunizations are
necessary for enrolment.. Pupils must be toilet -trained, prior to enrolment.
Children must be collected promptly. Coats and childrens’ property should be labelled.
St. Anne’s pre-school operates on a first come, first served basis. When all available places are taken up, a waiting
list is established. The child at the top of the list is offered the first available place. Notice of departure should be
advised to free up places.
Pupils enrolling or re-enrolling after the 30th of September may commence school on the Monday or Thursday
following initial contact with the school and allowing for a minimum of one school day.
If a child has a doctor’s certificate indicating that the child could not attend school because of serious illness or
hospitalisation, then the child may enrol on any school day. This certificate must be brought to the school by the
child or his/her parents on the day of first re-attendance.
Positive Behaviour Management Policy
We believe in promoting positive behaviour. We aim to encourage self-discipline and consideration for each other,
our surroundings and property. Preschool rules are concerned with safety, and care and respect for each other. The
parents may be asked to meet with staff to discuss their child’s behaviour, so if there are any difficulties, we can
work together to ensure consistency between home and school. In some cases, in collobration with parents , we may
request additional advice and support from other professionals, such as a psychologist or speech therapist. By
positively promoting good behaviour, valuing co-operation and a caring attitude, we hope to ensure that children
will develop as responsible members of society.
Child Collection Policy
Children who attend this Preschool can only be collected by a parent/guardian or person named on the registration
form. The parent must notify staff if an unnamed person is to collect the child.
Food Policy
Children are expected to bring a well balanced, nutritious lunch. Sweets, biscuits, crisps, chewing gum and peanuts
are not allowed.
Exclusion Policy
A child will be excluded from the preschool if they have the following illnesses or symptoms : diarrhoea, vomiting,
a fever of 101F/38C, or above or the following communicable diseases : chickenpox, measles, mumps, meningitis
or hepatitis. A child, wearing plaster of paris, will need a letter from their local doctor, if they wish to attend the preschool, in the interests of the child’s safety.
Ratified by the Board Of Management on 20/3/02.