Welcome to our Parent's Corner!
In this section, you can find our FAQs to answer any burning questions you had about how our Pre-School runs, any queries you had about your child. If you had any other questions, feel free to ask us in person or through our 'Contact Us' page.
You can also discover what the parents and children say about us here!
Frequently asked questions
Building Bricks Swanland
Can I bring in my child if they're sick?
OFSTED regulations require that adequate precautions are taken against the exposure of children to infectious diseases.
Children cannot be admitted with an infection, high temperature, sore throat, conjunctivitis, head lice or sickness and diarrhoea.
Please allow 48 hours absence from last episode of sickness and diarrhoea and/or 24 hours fever free without fever medication.
Children on antibiotics will not be permitted to attend until 48 hours after their first dose. If a child becomes unwell whilst attending the provision, parents/carers will be contacted and asked to collect them as soon as possible.
How do you care for children with additional needs?
Our Pre-school provides an environment in which all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are supported to reach their full potential. If a child is known to have special needs before they start Pre-school, discussions will begin with parents/carers and any agencies involved ascertaining if the child requires the provision of extra resources or extra staff. This will ensure that the child has the best possible support from the Pre-school from the moment they start.
The settings Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Shelley Green is happy to speak to any parent who may be concerned regarding their child's development.
What's a typical day like?
Each day is organised around the same framework, so children quickly become familiar with Pre-school structures and routines. This aids settling in, confidence building and positive behaviour.
Entry time
Small group story or free flow play
Child initiated free play / Adult directed activities.
Tidy time
Snack and drinks time
Outdoor play
Activities: Story time/Friends Group Activity/Maths or Literacy Group Singing time/movement to music/acting/keep fit/musical instruments/educational programmes.
Lunch time for children staying all day followed by outdoor play.
Small group activity for morning only children, whilst all day children have lunch.
The ‘Good-bye’ song followed by home time.
What if my child is anxious about Pre-School?
Our settling in procedure aims to help parent/carers to help their child feel comfortable in our Pre-school, to benefit from what it has to offer and to be confident that their parent/carers will return at the end of the session.
Our aim is to encourage children to:
Feel safe and happy in our Pre-school in the absence of their parent/carers.
Help them recognise other adults as a source of friendship and support by allocated each child a Key Person.
Sharing with their parent/carers afterwards the learning experiences they have enjoyed in the Pre-school.
If you have any concerns about your child being anxious about any issue, we are willing to cover special topics with stories or with other resources. We also have a selection of parental information sheets on childhood related topics
What professional qualifications do the staff have?
All staff have suitable qualifications and safety checks to ensure your children receive the best care.
These include paediatric first aid and food safety training, courses which are regularly attended. All staff must also be trained in a variety of safeguarding procedures as child safety is paramount to our settings. Our staff participate in regular team meetings and daily ‘team talks’ so they are kept up-to-date with relevant information and child activities.
When can I register my child?
Parents can apply from when their child is 23 weeks old, but will only receive the 30 hours per week once their child reaches 9 months old and following the upcoming term start- either January, April or September.
BUILDING BRICKS ONLY ACCEPTS CHILDREN FROM THE AGE OF 2.
What about funding?
Parents and carers will need to apply for 30 hours of working parent funding through HMRC. Please have a look on the Best Start in Life website (www.beststartinlife.gov.uk) to see if you are eligible. If you are not eligible for working parent funding your child will be eligible for 15 hours of funding the term after their 3rd birthday.
If you would like more information, please also contact the Families Information Service Hub (FISH) by ringing (01482) 396469, emailing FISH@eastriding.gov.uk or the FISH website- www.eastriding.gov.uk/finding-childcare
What about fees?
Fees are payable monthly via our online FAMLY app. There are no refunds for absences. A registration fee of £25 is required for each child. You may pay your fees by a bank transfer, cash, Employer Childcare Vouchers or Working Families Tax Credit and it is always helpful to let us know in advance how you intend to pay. If we do not receive any payment by the due date each month, we will respectfully remind you about this. In the event of fees being unpaid your child’s place at Pre-school will be promptly suspended until full payment is received. For every week that outstanding payment is due a £25.00 per week late payment fee will be added and ultimately your child’s place may be terminated.
How do you prepare children for 'Big' school?
We actively liaise with schools, meeting with them the term before your child goes to school. The school will receive the same Transition Report that is given to parents. To prepare for the transition to school we plan many transition activities for your child to enjoy and share Transition Booklets for each school with the children.
What about holidays?
If you intend to take your child out of Pre-school during term time for a holiday, please add to FAMLY informing us of the dates your child will be absent. This will ensure our register is completed correctly.
What annual events are there?
Annual Events
Christmas: Children's party week, Christmas activities and sing along.
Easter: Easter Bonnets
Summer Term: Sports day and special events/Graduation for those going to school.
Parent/carers and relatives are sent videos of the sing along events via FAMLY and are invited to come and see the children during the sports day and special event at the end of the academic year.
Are there fun activities?
Music/Dance Sessions
The children enjoy additional music sessions several times per term on various days of each week. These are very enjoyable and involve singing, listening to different instruments, movement to music and interactive story telling.
As a well-established Pre-school we have a wealth of lovely resources for the children to enjoy both inside and outdoors. The children will be able to access mark making, play dough, sand and water play, craft activities and a sensory table in the craft room. In the main hall there are opportunities for imaginative role play, investigation, mark making, model making, construction, exploring numbers, phonics, shapes and colours or for having a quiet moment looking at a book in the book area. Children will also take part in adult directed activities either one to one or in small groups with their key person.
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What is a Key Person?
Each child is assigned a key person who gets to know them well and supports their learning, development, and wellbeing. Your key person will keep in close contact with you, ensuring your child’s care is tailored to their individual needs and interests.
You’ll be able to follow and contribute to your child’s learning journey through FAMLY, where we share updates on their development and achievements. We encourage you to log in regularly and share special moments from home so we can build on these at pre-school.
Children are also part of small key groups, giving them the chance to build strong relationships with both staff and their peers in a supportive, social environment.
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Can I keep updated with my child's progress?
Your child's Key Person keeps a record of each child’s achievements which can be viewed on FAMLY.
A brief summative overview will be completed for all children every term highlighting their recent achievements and their progress. All red group children will receive a detailed written transition report towards the end of the summer term, a copy of this report will be sent to their allocated primary school. Children with identified additional needs or requiring additional support due to developmental delays will receive a summative report every term to ensure they are making progress and the support put into place is sufficient for their individual needs.
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Building Bricks @ Hunsley Primary
Can I bring in my child if they're unwell?
OFSTED regulations require that adequate precautions are taken against the exposure of children to infectious diseases.
Children cannot be admitted with an infection, high temperature, sore throat, conjunctivitis, head lice or sickness and diarrhoea.
Please allow 48 hours absence from last episode of sickness and diarrhoea and/or 24 hours fever free without fever medication.
Children on antibiotics will not be permitted to attend until 48 hours after their first dose.
If a child becomes unwell whilst attending the provision, parents/carers will be contacted and asked to collect them as soon as possible.
What are the session times and prices?
What activities do the children take part in?
We provide a relaxed, play based environment where children can unwind and enjoy a variety of activities before and after the school day.
Activities may include:
Arts and Crafts
Construction and small world play
Outdoor play
Boardgames and puzzles
Reading and quiet areas
Music and movement
Imaginative role play
Physical activities
Child-led free play
Children are encouraged to make their own choices, build friendships, develop confidence, and enjoy time in a safe and nurturing environment.
How do you support children with additional needs?
We aim to provide an inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported.
We work closely with parents/carers and school staff to support children with additional needs wherever possible. Whilst we are unable to provide one to one support, we will always endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and provide appropriate support to help children access and enjoy the provision.
We encourage parents/carers to speak openly with us about any additional needs, diagnoses, medical conditions, or concerns so we can work together to support your child.
What qualifications do the staff have?
All staff are experienced, qualified, and fully vetted through enhanced DBS checks.
Staff training includes:
Paediatric First Aid
Safeguarding
Food Safety and Hygiene
Behavioural Management
Health and Safety
Staff also attend regular training and team meetings to ensure practice remains up to date.
How do I register my child?
To register your child, please contact us directly to check availability and request registration forms.
We recommend applying as early as possible, as places can become limited.
Existing families/siblings
New starters joining Hunsley Primary School
How are fees paid?
Invoices are issued monthly through the FAMLY app.
We accept payment via:
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Bank transfer
Tax-free Childcare
Employer Childcare Voucher Schemes
There are no refunds for absences
Late payments may incur a £25 weekly late fee
Continued non-payment may result in suspension or termination of your child's place
Please note:
Fees must be paid by the due date shown on your invoice.
What should I do if my child will be absent?
You must inform us directly if your child will not be attending a booked session.
It is not the school’s responsibility to notify us of absences.
Please contact us via:
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FAMLY
Text message
Phonecall
Can somebody else collect my child?
Yes, but only authorised adults may collect children. If somebody different is collecting your child, they must use the password you provided during registration.
Children will not be allowed to leave without the correct password, and we will contact parents/carers if there are any concerns.
How do you manage behaviour?
We promote positive behaviour through clear expectations, positive praise and encouragement, consistent routines and respectful communication. If any concerns arise regarding behaviour, we will communicate closely with parents/carers and school staff to support the child. Persistent inappropriate behaviour, bullying, or unsafe behaviour may result in suspension or termination of a child’s place.
What if my child has an accident or needs medication?
If your child has had an accident at home or has been unwell before attending the club, please inform staff.
If medication needs to be administered or handed over to school staff, parents/carers will be required to complete the necessary forms. If a child becomes unwell or injured during the session, parents/carers will be contacted immediately.
How do you keep children safe?
Safeguarding children is our highest priority.
We maintain:
All policies are available upon request.
Secure collection procedures
Staff safeguarding training
Appropriate staff to child ratios
Risk assessments
First aid trained staff on-site
Close communication with school staff and parents/carers
How do I reduce or cancel sessions?
Please inform us as soon as possible if you wish to reduce or cancel sessions.
We operate waiting lists for some sessions and appreciate as much notice as possible to support other families requiring childcare.
We require 4 week’s notice.