Testimonials

We believe the best way of telling people about our preschool is let the parents give their views and opinions. Here are testimonies from them:

July 2021

Thank you for helping Jenson grow. He really has grown into a happy, content boy. Covid put a crazy spanner in the works but to still have preschool as some consistency for Jenson was amazing and meant more than you will ever know. We are truly grateful for everything. We will miss you all. Hope to see you soon. Lots of love Claire, Jon and Jenson

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything over the last 2 and a half years. Brandon has thoroughly enjoyed his time here and his confidence has grown so much. Thank you for everything as 'normal' as possible during these difficult times, we are truly grateful. Brandon will miss you all. Dawn and Craig

Toby has had such a fantastic time at preschool. with lots of fun and learning. He has come home each time with songs and stories to pass on to us. A big thank you to all the aunties who have gone above and beyond during this challenging time to keep some kind of normal for the children. Thank you for all you have done. God bless. Richard, Colette and Toby

Thank you to all the lovely aunties for all your help and support and kindness. Especially through the virus keeping preschool a happy and safe place to be. E has loved being with you all and will miss you lots.

Thank you for being the most kindest caring aunties we could have wished for to look after Jacob, his confidence has grown so much these last few months. Thank you for everything. We can't wait for Emily Rose to start her journey with you all, so it's not goodbye just yet from the Fox family. Lots of love from Kerri & Darren Fox

A wonderful preschool. My daughters confidence has grown so much. We love it her and feel so comfortable that we have just enrolled our little boy. It's been a fantastic journey. Thank you so much. M. Brooks

Delphine has enjoyed her pre schooling. She likes to interact with people and socialise with anyone. Thanks to the preschool.

Thank you all so much for making Nyla's time at preschool so fun. She's absolutely loved her time with you all. Thank you again. Lots of love to you all. Gemma, Dom, Anaya and Nyla

Thank you all so much for helping Stanley learn and grow. He has loved his time at the preschool and we will be sad to leave. Jade Beckford and Stanley

Thank you to all the aunties for everything you have done for both my girls. We will really miss you all. Lots of love Nicola, Sophia and Mia

To all the staff at Thundersley Congregational Preschool. I really appreciate all you have done for Oliver and Evelyn in the time you have had them. We will miss you so much. Thank you for being so caring and helpful. Wish you all the best for the future. Chloe Cambridge, Phil Taylor, Evelyn Taylor, Oliver Cambridge

To all at TCC preschool. Thank you all so much for all your love and care you have shown our two girls. Perla enjoyed her time here at preschool and has loved making memories and friends. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will miss you all. Love Nico, Scott, Arla and Perla Puckey

To everyone at TCC. Thank you so much for being the most kind and caring preschool around. Dolly and previously Dusty have both grown so much with the help of you all and have loved being part of your school. We will miss you. Holly, Dolly & Dusty

Thank you to all the lovely aunties at TCC. Stanley has really enjoyed his time in your care. He has come on in confidence so much and is a really sociable little boy. Thank you for treating Stanley with kindness and for your guidance. You will be missed. Love Rosie and Stanley

To all of you lovely ladies. Thank you so much for being the best! Finley has had the most amazing preschool experience here. To leave your child with complete strangers is the hardest thing ever but it has been a breeze here! TCC preschool aunties you have our hearts. We couldn't have picked a better place for our pride and joy. Good luck all for September when Dolly joins. Love Kieran, Siobhan, Finlay and Dolly

Just want to say a massive thank you for all you have done for Bobby. He loves coming to preschool every day and is excited about all the things he does. Thank you for always being there when I needed an ear to listen. We will all miss you and Bobby want you all to come to big school with him.

To all at TCC. Thank you so so much for everything. Otis has loved his time here and is super sad to leave. All the best Emilia

To everyone at TCC. Thank you so much for making Red's time at preschool so lovely for him, you're all the loveliest group and he is going to miss everyone so much. Thank you for everything. Megan, Luke, Beau and Red

To all the lovely staff at TCC. Luca's time here has been wonderful. As usual I'm pleased with everything. I look forward to Rose coming and starting in September. You've all been so amazing especially due to the hard times in the past year and a half. Luca will miss you all. Love Luca L and mum

To our wonderful preschool Aunties. We'll miss you dearly. Thank you all so much for all you've done for our 3 girls. They've thrived here. Wonderful memories made. Good luck with the future to you all. Keep in touch. Love Helen, Amelia, Izzy and Hattie

Thank you so much for making Ailbie's experience at preschool such a lovely one. We have had such an amazing time and have some lovely memories. We can't thank you enough for the warmth, kindness, knowledge and guidance you have given Ailbie on the start of his journey in education. Ailbie (and us parents) have had such a positive experience. It's been a very different year and a shame that the children missed of things like their Easter show but Ailbie still loved watching the Aunties tell the Easter story. Ailbie said, when we talked about going to 'big school' that he will miss the aunties and hopes Auntie Debbie won't forget him (bless him). We will all miss coming to preschool. I'm sure we will still have a connection and it's not goodbye with Olivia still coming. Thank you all again. Letticia, James and Ailbie

Very friendly and personable staff who are attentive and caring toward the children. We had a very positive experience of TCC and the kids looked forward to everyday.

To our wonderful TCC. We are going to miss you so much. Having somewhere Pippa felt so secure has made being a working mum so much easier. I honestly could not have done it without you. You are Pippa's family and she is going to miss you all. Thank you for the best preschool experience ever. Love you all so much. Love Paula and Pippa

In this preschool is the best stuff. Very friendly, responsible, My kids was very happy here.

2019

To all the fantastic staff at preschool. Thank you so much for giving Louella the loveliest start to school life. Without all you hard work and dedication it just wouldn't be the same. I cannot thank you all enough Louella has had such a lovely happy time here and she will miss you all very much. A massive thank you to Auntie Annette for all her help with Louella and for making her so happy and secure. You have all given her a fantastic start and we are so grateful. Love the Church family

Thank you so much for all your support and teaching. Elijah is a completely different child compared to when he first started he has grown so much in his confidence with being social and friendly. I'm so happy with how much he has progressed in a year. This was the perfect preschool to help him. We will really miss it here. The staff are amazing, very kind and friendly and supportive. Lots of love from Sabrina and Elijah

I can't thank you enough for what you have all done for George since he started preschool. When he first started I was due to have Frieda and the way he was settled in by Auntie Jo was wonderful. With all the new changes in his life this year Auntie Annette has been a huge part of shaping him into who he is and he loves her dearly. Her perseverance and kindness has been unbelievable and I will forever be grateful. Thank you for everything and we look forward to one more year. Love Sammie, Terry, George and Frieda

What can I say, the Aunties at TCC Christian Preschool are wonderful. They are thoughtful, caring and great fun. You have given our children so many lovely experiences and memories. I can't thank you enough. We shall miss you being part of our family. Have a great summer. We will keep in touch. All our love and best wishes Kimberley, Steven, Evelyn, Edward, Maureen, John, George and Wendy

We are so pleased that we chose TCC for Cooper's preschool. All of the aunties have always been so kind, friendly and understanding. We have always been greeted with a smile. Cooper has always been so well looked after and he has gained so much. The shy, nervous little boy who started is now confident and excited about school. Auntie Lynda is adored in our house and she has been amazing. We had always heard rave reviews about TCC and they were all true! Thank you so much for a super start to Cooper's learning. Gemma, Craig, Betsy and Cooper Kenrick

I'd like to thank you all so very much for the way you have looked after Phoebe this past year. She has settled in very well and loves her nursery sessions. She always comes home and tells us what she has done and that she has had fun. Hard to believe she will be in her last year of preschool and one of the 'older ones'. She is growing up too quickly. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you again in September. Have a lovely summer. with love Nicola, Andrew and Phoebe

Wow! what an amazing team you all are, you have all been faultless and I'm so glad Posey has been here for 2 1/2 years. We are all going to miss you all but Annette thank you so much you are the best. Love you all. Gemma Labdon

It is great to hear Isabelle can recognise her name. She has come so far from when she started preschool. Thank you for all you have done, all you have taught her, you have worked wonders with her. We have seen her grow in confidence, interacting with other children flourishing. Thank you so very much for all your help, patience and kindness. We are so pleased we chose Thundersley TCC as Isabelle has been so happy with you all. We feel sad that her time with you is coming to an end but know you have given her a great start for school. You are amazing. Best wishes for the future, we will always remember you with affection. Melanie, Rob and Isabelle

Thank you so much for all you help with the twins helping them to grow, We are all going to miss you all. You all do such an amazing job and anyone you chose TCC preschool have made the best choice. Thank you. Nicci, Emily, Finley and Riley

Thank you all for looking after all my children over the years. You are all lovely ladies. much love Sarah

Thanks for a wonderful year. Abigail has had the most fantastic preschool experience. I'm so thankful to God we chose TCC. She will mis you all dearly. Continue to do the great job you do, it is much appreciated. Much love from us all. Matilda, Abigail & family

I would like to thank the TCC and all you fantastic auntie's for looking after and teaching my two wonderful grandsons Freddy and Jack during their time with you have done a great job, I will certainly miss our little chats thanks again to you all . ( Grandad Mick)

Jack gets so excited to come to TCC preschool. He always makes sure his lunch box is out ready on the side on a Sunday night ready for his attendance on Monday, and on a Friday when he comes in just the morning, is always sad to not be staying to lunch club.

He settled in so quickly all those months ago and obviously feels so very comfortable there. Thanks to Debra, his key worker, for all the work and care she gives to Jack, and to all the members of staff who care, nurture and teach Jack all he needs to learn and understand. He is absorbing so much so quickly at the moment. Martin and I are so very pleased.

Natalie

You wonderful,lovely aunties, always have big smiles and welcoming arms - and patience of a saint. My daughter always comes home full of love and happiness when she has been to pre school. It's such a lovely atmossphere for the children and the parents. Thank you for all your support.

P.

Newsletter

November/December 2024

Welcome back to preschool after the half term break. This term will be quite a busy one so please read this for information.

Photographer – there will be a photographer in preschool on 19^th November. All are welcome. The photographer will be at preschool from 8:00am so you can bring along siblings/family to be included. Details will be in preschool.

Christmas Service – our annual Christmas service will be held on Sunday 1^st December at 3:00pm. All children will be taking part and families are invited to attend.

Christmas Jumper Day – this is on 9^th December. However, we will be holding this event all week from 9^th – 13^th December. If you would like to make a donation please see Terri or Annette.

Christmas Party – Friday 13^th December from 10.30am - 1:30pm. All children are invited. Details will follow. This is the last day of term.

Spring Term - first day of term is Monday 6^th January 2025.

On-line Safety – Online safety is very important for all children. Please see attached information at the bottom of this news letter regarding this.

Two year funding – as you may be aware the government are giving funding for two year olds who qualify for it from April 2024. If your child is eligible you will need to apply via the government website and email the code along with your national insurance number to tcc.preschool@hotmail.co.uk so we can apply for the funding. Funding for two year olds from January 2025 will need to be applied for before the end of the Autumn term. If you do not apply before the cut-off date you will not receive the funding for the spring term. The links for applying and for information are https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ , https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working. This funding will need to be renewed every three months. The government send you an email to remind you to do this.

Labels – Please ensure you label ALL your child’s belongings including bags, snack/lunch boxes, water bottles, sun hats, sun cream, shoes etc. This is very important so things belonging to your child do not go astray or get taken by another child.

Fees – please check your emails for your invoices. Fees are £20.00 per session and lunch club is £3.50 per day. The fees are due to be paid at the beginning of each half term but will need to be paid by Friday 29^th November 2024, at the latest. If fees are not paid by the payment date and a reminder has to be sent a £10.00 admin charge will be added to the invoice. Payments can be paid by BACS (the preferred method) or cash. If you have any issues with payments, please speak to Terri.

Sickness/illness – In line with current Government guidelines we would like to remind you NOT to send your child in if they are at all unwell, even with coughs and colds. There are a lot of viruses about at the moment and it is unfair on your child and on staff if they are ill. Also, if you need to give your child Calpol or any medication do not send your child in as it may be masking another illness. If staff become infected, it will interfere with the continued running of the setting. If preschool needs to call you regarding your child, please ensure you answer your phone as they will need to be collected if they are ill. If your child is prescribed antibiotics please keep them off for the first 48 hours of starting the medication in case of an allergic reaction, unless it is a repeat course of treatment.

Snacks – We will be continuing with our policy of parents providing their child’s snack. We do ask that you supply your child with a healthy snack (fruit, vegetables, cheese or breadstick) and not biscuits, chocolate or sweets. Please remember to cut grapes lengthways and to cut up tomatoes and to stick to recommended age-appropriate portion size. A letter was emailed previously with guidelines for portion size appropriate for young children and healthy snack and lunch options. If you would like a copy of this emailed to you please ask.

Drop off/Pick up – Preschool times are mornings 8.45 – 11.45 and afternoons 12.30 – 3.30. Please do not be late picking your child up. If someone other than the main carers are dropping off or picking up your child, please inform Terri or Annette of the name and contact number of that person. They will need to know your child’s password.

Please could you keep us updated with your email address and check your inbox regularly for updates. Please also ensure you inform us of any change of address or telephone number.

Shared care – if your child goes to a child minder, another preschool or nursery please let Terri or Annette know they have shared care with another setting.

Please do not allow children to bring items in from home, especially toys and comforters (unless it is relevant to the topic and will go straight into the box on arrival) as they can transmit germs.

Diary Dates

2024/2025 Term Dates

Autumn Term

2^nd September 2024 – 13^th December 2024

19^th November – Photographer – details to follow

1^st December – Christmas service – 3:00pm - details to follow

13^th December - Christmas Party – 10:30 – 1:30pm for all children. Speak to Terri or Annette for details

Spring Term

6^th January 2025 – 28^th March 2025

Half Term – 17^th – 21^st February 2025

Summer Term

22^nd April 2025 – 18^th July 2025

Half Term – 26^th – 30^th May 2025

May Day Bank Holiday – Monday 5^th May 2025

Please note the Easter holidays 2025 will be for three weeks and not two like the schools. This is due to the number of weeks funding we receive.

We will continue communicating via email, Facebook, and our website.

Online safety - how to spot the signs of exploitation, check device security settings and report concerns.

The first half term back at school is almost complete for many children and young people across the county, but the risks of online abuse remain a threat which young people and their parents/carers should be aware of.

It’s also spooky season and there is the possibility that children may take their Halloween celebrations online. This could result in sharing frightening content and peer pressure to undertake harmful online challenges. The addictive effects of technology could also impact on mental health.

From the 21-27 October the Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB) and partners are encouraging people across Essex to take part in sharing messages about online safety across social media.

The week of activity will cover topics including youth involved sexual images, online gaming, and online safety for pre-schoolers. There will be information on how to support young people to have healthy relationships in a digital world and the importance of supporting them to understand the dangers that technology can present with relationships.

Any child is at risk of being exploited - both boys and girls can be groomed online, with contact often starting on social media. It is important to remember that exploitation is not the child’s fault, and they are never to blame.

Caregivers can create a supportive environment, where online safety is discussed regularly in the same way as road safety or stranger danger, enabling children to speak up about any concerns they may have. By taking an interest in what games they are playing and trying to understand their online world, parents and carers can initiate important conversations. It’s also worthwhile double checking that devices have the correct parental controls, especially if they’re new.

The ESCB website has resources for parents, carers and professionals including podcasts, videos, how to report concerns, and information about spotting the signs of exploitation.

Concerns about child exploitation can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555111. There is also a dedicated Essex Police Child Exploitation hotline - for parents, carers and members of the public to seek advice around concerns they may have about their own or other children with regards to criminal and sexual exploitation: 01245 452058.

Email – tcc.preschool@hotmail.co.uk

Website – www.tccchristianpreschool.co.uk

Call us: 07913 178982

Where to find us:

Thundersley Congregational Church Kenneth Road, Benfleet, SS7 3AL

Created with

Thundersley Congregational Church Christian Preschool

You wonderful,lovely aunties, always have big smiles and welcoming arms - and patience of a saint. My daughter always comes home full of love and happiness when she has been to pre school. It's such a lovely atmossphere for the children and the parents. Thank you for all your support.

P.