The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult." - The Secret of Childhood :: Fides Publishers, 1966 :: p.

Taking Your Child to the Pre-School

The front gate has a buzzer & video camera linked to the three classrooms. This allows the child’s Directress to greet the child at the gate. It is the responsibility of the Directress who greets the child at the door to sign that child in at the register, located at the front entrance.

Parents are encouraged to let the child ring the buzzer themselves. Once the child has been greeted & signed in by the Directress in charge, we ask Parents to say good bye to the child at the gate with a nice big hug and the verbalization that they will be back later to collect him/her. The Directress will then take the child to a particular window to wave good-bye. This gives the child closure – they know that the Parent has gone. The Directress will reaffirm that the Parent will be back later to collect him/her & takes the child through to hang up his/her bag etc. & join the class.

We reassure upset children by getting them to think through things for themselves, e.g. 'Where has Mummy/Daddy gone?’ 'When will she/he be back?' We find these sort of questions reassure the children & help them verbalize what they actually already know. We also find that the other children then respond in the same way, e.g. if a child says 'I want my Mummy' the others respond with love & reassurance using the same words that we did. If all else fails we take the child outside to blow bubbles or look at the rabbits. It is a rare child that can keep crying when there are bubbles or rabbits about.

Please note, that with the exception of the Child's 1st week, Parents will NOT be allowed into the classrooms, as this disturbs the work cycles and routine of the children.

Collecting Your Child from the Pre-School

The Directress or Aftercare Facilitator in charge will ensure that the person collecting the child is authorized, & that the said person signs the register, located at the front entrance

Important! Parents must please authorize the collection of their child/ren by a person other than themselves PRIOR to collection. Under NO circumstances will a child be allowed to leave the property with an unauthorized person. Positive I.D. must be shown when a person, authorized by the Parents to collect the child/ren, is, as yet, unknown to the Staff. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE. We would rather deal with an angry parent than a heart-broken parent.

Health & Hygiene

• The Staff at Alex Blaikie Montessori respect the right to a healthy environment for all children. It is with this philosophy in mind that:
  • We employ a strict Illness & Injury Policy for the protection of each and every child.
  • Disposable gloves are used for all food preparation.
  • Each child is supplied with his/her own waterproof mattress & blanket. All bedding is washed on a weekly basis or as is necessary.
  • All the floors are tiled or wooden eliminating the possibility of infections.
  • The bathrooms are beautiful & well equipped for potty training.

First Aid - Policy & Procedure

Sick Bay

All staff members of Alex Blaikie Montessori are certified in Infant/Toddler/Adult First Aid & are proficient in the handling of all major Child Emergencies. The Pre-School has Policies for the handling of Emergencies, Injuries and Illnesses, which are available to Parents on request.

Fire - Policy & Procedure

All Staff Members are familiar with the Pre-School’s Fire Drill Procedure. These Fire Drills are held each month to ensure that the children have a good understanding of the procedure. Each classroom is fitted with a hand-held fire extinguisher. In addition, Alex Blaikie Montessori regularly invites members of the local Fire Department to come and talk with the children. The children never cease to be fascinated by Fire Engines & uniforms!