ELC Information

Messy Work

Lots of the experiences your child will have in the ELC will be messy ones!  Please dress your child with the assumption that they will get dirty! Older clothes are best as paint and glue can stick and/ or stain. We know that children learn best through play!

Outdoor learning environment

We use the outdoors daily as a learning environment – our lovely ELC garden and beyond! Please ensure your child has appropriate clothing to be outside in all weathers. Wellies can be kept in our welly store so that children can change in to them independently. We have a range of waterproofs in our ELC setting that children can access. You may wish to buy your child an all in one weather suit or waterproof trousers and jacket. These items should be kept in our ELC setting every day. Layers work well as the weather can be very unpredictable! A warm coat and hat are essential in the winter months. Please provide a sunhat and sun cream (with your child’s name clearly labelled in the summer term). Our learners will often head out of the ELC to widen their experiences. This includes to our adopted woodland by the school.

Labelling

Please label all items carefully with your child’s name. There are times when items go missing. All Lost Property is stored in a box in the cloakroom, please check it regularly! Any unclaimed items will be recycled at the end of each term and gifted to a local charity or the local recycling point.

Toys

We have a wealth of toys and resources in our setting. Please do not bring toys from home in to the ELC.

Change of clothes

Accidents can happen! Please provide a spare change of clothes (all items clearly labelled) in case your child needs to get changed. These are best stored in a bag on your child’s peg.

Toileting Support

Our ELC setting is fully equipped to support children who use nappies, or who may need help with toileting. Our facilities provide children with a safe, clean environment while promoting privacy, dignity and for older children, independence. If your child requires toileting assistance, please speak with a member of the ELC team to arrange a Health Care Plan. We ask that you provide nappies, wipes and nappy bags as appropriate.

Health

Please keep us up to date with any health or medical information. We follow NHS Lothian’s Handbook of Procedures for Healthcare in Schools. If your child requires special assistance or medication, please speak with a member of the ELC Team. We are unable to accept any medication through the child’s school bag and require forms to be completed before being able to administer prescribed medication. Children with allergens/ specific dietary requirements or adjusted menus, should speak with the ELC team, without delay to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place. As per our local policy, a letter from your GP or clinician is required detailing your child’s allergens or dietary requirements.