At Apsley Lock Pre-School we maintain the ratio of adults to children in the setting that is set through Ofsted's Welfare Requirements. We usually have at least one additional member of staff present. This helps us to:

• give time and attention to each child;
• talk with the children about their interests and activities;
• help children to experience and benefit from the activities we provide; and
• allow the children to explore and be adventurous in safety

We are proud that our Practitioners are all Paediatric First Aid trained and all hold at least Safeguarding Level 1 and Food Hygiene Level 1 qualifications. There is a deep commitment within the team to ongoing professional learning and development. We have a low turnover of staff and many of the staff's own children attended Apsley Lock Pre-School themselves in previous years. We also work with local colleges to offer Level 1 & 2 placements to students.

Learning opportunities for staff

As well as gaining qualifications in Early Years care and education, the setting staff take part in regular further training to help them keep up-to-date with current practices. We are members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance and regularly access training through the Hertfordshire Grid for Learning. We also work with Early Years Advisors from Hertfordshire County Council and we have very close links with local primary schools and family centres.

Key staff who work at our setting are: