Preschool

Play ~ Learn ~ Grow

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Enrollment

Group1: Babies (3 months – 2 years), Group2:  Group 2: Toddlers (2 – 3 years), Group 3: Grade RRR (3 – 4 years)
Group 4: Grade RR (4 – 5 years)
Group 5: Grade R (5 – 6 years)

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Curriculum

We believe that children learn best when they are enjoying themselves, which is why our curriculum is focused on fun activities that encourage development.

Events

We encourage as much interaction between parents, learner and teachers as possible. Hosting events each quarter helps us to know you and your families better, which enables us to fine tune our educational offerings.

About Us

Neu Monde Investments t/a Funtasia Pre-School boasts three successful branches which accommodates Babies from 3 months – Grade R learners.

  1. Funtasia, Pelham – Established in December 2013
  2. Funtasia Central, CBD – Established in 2020
  3. Funtasia Scottsville – Established in 2023

The Founder – Mrs. Ronnell Stafford-Marais, has a total of 30 years of experience in the Education Industry.

As regulated by The Department of Education, our Pre-school syllabus incorporated is CAPS for Foundation Phase (CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT POLICY STATEMENTS) which is designed to develop all our children holistically: i.e. intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially as well as language development. We offer stimulating activities in three important learning areas: Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills.

We follow a Daily Programme and work with Themes. Our teachers conduct continuous assessments and bi-annual Assessment Reports are issued at the end of the second and fourth terms for Babies, Toddlers, Grade RRR, and Grade RR learners only. Grade R’s receive termly feedback as academic reports are distributed at the end of every term.

As an elite private English Pre-School, we strive to add more value to our high calibre of parents. Our high values and standards ensure that our learners receive the best quality of education and care. We limit our learners per class per group. This way each learner receives more individual attention from our qualified and experienced teachers and caregivers. Thus, your child receives a more positive schooling experience. The school is more than fully equipped inside with an Indoor Playground. It has all the necessary resources to make the learning environment fun. 

 

Our Team

We follow a Daily Programme and work with Themes. Our teachers conduct continuous assessments and bi-annual Assessment Reports are issued at the end of the second and fourth terms for Babies, Toddlers, Grade RRR, and Grade RR learners only. Grade R’s receive termly feedback as academic reports are distributed at the end of every term.

As an Elite Private English Pre-School, we strive to add more value to our high calibre of parents. Our high values and standards ensure that our learners receive the best quality of education and care. We limit our learners per class per group. This way each learner receives more individual attention from our qualified and experienced teachers and caregivers. Thus, your child receives a more positive schooling experience. The school is more than fully equipped inside with an Indoor Playground. It has all the necessary resources to make the learning environment fun.

Our Pre-School. Our Family. Our Community

We work as a team and always expect co-operation and support from parents. All enquirers need to be fully aware that we are very strict with our Terms and Conditions which make up our Policies and Procedures. They are not negotiable.  It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children come to our school ready to focus with good manners and respect.

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What Our Families are Saying

My daughter is very happy at Funtasia. She often has blissful stories about her time at school which I love hearing about on our way home. – Ms Zuma

Sipho is very excited about attending preschool. He has loads of fun and loves her teachers and school mates dearly. – Ms Ndlovu

Thomas has never been happier. We recently moved him to Funtasia and this school has changed his life. He has a bounce in his step and smile on his face again. Thank you to the whole team for caring about my boy so lovingly. – Mrs Nobel

Terms and Conditions

1. SCHOOL HOURS

Mondays to Fridays

Half-day learners: 06H30 – 13H00 SHARP!!!

Full day learners Central Branch: 06H30 – 17H00 Mon-Friday

Full Day learners Pelham /Scottsville Branch: 06H30 – 17H30 (06H30 – 17H00 Fri)

Office Hours: 07H30 – 15.30 daily

CLOSED DAILY:   13H15 – 14H45

Holiday Care Half-day: 07H00 – 13H00 SHARP !!!

Holiday Care Full day: 07H00 – 17h00

  •  Lessons commence from 08H00 – 13H00 Mondays to Fridays. Learners should ideally be at school regularly and 15 minutes prior to teaching time. All children, including toddlers and babies, are expected to be at school by 08H00 so as to not disrupt classes. If you are late, be prepared to wait as all staff are busy at this time.
  • School is CLOSED every day from 13H15 – 14H45 for full-day learners nap time. It is also utilized for staff lunch breaks, teachers planning & preparation, meetings & workshops, etc. Please do not collect learners or phone school during this time.
  • PENALTIES ARE CHARGED AS A DETERRENT & MUST BE PAID IN CASH NO LATER THAN THE FOLLOWING MORNING OR OUR SERVICES ARE IMMEDIATELY SUSPENDED. Neither the school nor its staff will take responsibility for children collected after hours.

    Inform your drivers.

    • Late collection penalties – Full-day learners: A R250 fine per five minutes will be charged for late collections. We are open for 11 hours a day, therefore it is your responsibility to ensure that your children are collected on time. R10.00 per phone call per minute will be charged if we have to phone you to collect your child. You should inform the school if you will be collecting your child later than usual even if it’s before closing time as the school will charge you for a call if one has to be made. Calling the school to inform us that you will be collecting your child after closing time is appreciated but does not exclude you from receiving a late collection penalty fine. 
    • Late collection penalties – Half-day learners: You have until 13H15 pm to collect Half day learners. A R50 fine per five minutes will be charged for late collections. We work with a skeleton staff between 13H15 pm – 14H45 pm. Therefore, at 13H15 we will put your child down for Nap Time together with the full-day learners & drivers may only collect them at 14H45 pm. R50 x 18 5 min = R900)
    • Phone call Penalties- It is your responsibility to ensure your children are collected on time. R10.00 per phone call per minute will be charged if we have to phone you to collect your child. You should inform the school if you will be collecting your child later than usual even if it’s before closing time as the school will charge you for a call if one has to be made. Calling the school to inform us that you will be collecting your child after closing time is appreciated but does not exclude you from receiving a late collection penalty fine.

IMPORTANT: The school is not a public facility. Unless you have an appointment, kindly refrain from dropping by outside of drop off/collection times. Also please be advised that we do not allow children to receive visitors at school; please arrange these in your private time.

    2. SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
    • We DO NOT CLOSE for government School Holidays, only for a few days during the Festive Season and public holidays. You will receive prior notification of the exact dates in your child’s communication book or WhatsApp status.
    • We follow an entertaining Holiday Care Programme and there is no formal teaching at this time. Therefore, we encourage a break from the school environment where possible. This helps to differentiate between fun time and school time.
    • A Holiday care notice will be sent to you asking whether your child will be attending or not. Depending on these numbers, staff leave is scheduled during the July and December holidays, so please indicate as accurately as possible as we have skeleton staffing during this time.
    • There may be other children aged 5 years to 9 years on the premises for Holiday Care.
    • Learners that are going away on vacations, parents must ensure school fees are up to date before you leave.
    • We provide all meals during Holiday Care. The menu may differ from the normal menu due to lower numbers and fewer staff onsite.
    3. SCHOOLS TELEPHONE NUMBER
    • If you need to speak to your child’s teacher, please keep it brief as they have many young children to see to as well as a program to follow.
    • The Emergency/After hour’s no. 068 069 0196 should be used for the intended purpose only. Remember, being upset is not an emergency. After all, we can only investigate and feedback to you within school hours. Kindly refrain from sending emails, text messages, junk mail, or chain text messages.
    • Please do not request the Teacher’s /or caregivers’ personal information, cell phone numbers, and social networking information.
    4. COMMUNICATION BOOK
    • Must be brought to school, and checked by parents every day, notifications must be signed in acknowledgment.
    • Write all messages in the communication book – no verbal messages, please.
    • Notes should be brief and are between the teacher and parent/guardian only.
    • No monies should accompany this book. All financial or admin inquiries as well as complaints must be addressed at the office.
    5. HOMEWORK
    • Grades RR and R learners receive homework to re-enforce what we teach them.
    • This book should be brought to school every day with homework completed by the learner with parents’ assistance and not done by you.
    • Please ensure homework is completed daily and signed by you.
    • Weekly homework sheets are given on Mondays, however, only homework for that particular day should be done as the learners haven’t covered the rest in class yet.
    6. ABSENTEESM

    ABSENTEESM rate at the Pre-School level is usually very high. 

    • While we realize that there can be circumstances beyond your control that could arise for your child to miss school; our school expects Grades RR and R learners to attend as regularly as possible to keep up with the syllabus. These learners also need to be at school by 08H00 daily as we conduct our most important lesson of the day at that time. Above normal absentees fall behind and are unable to catch up. This puts them under unnecessary pressure, which could cause a delay in their development.
    • If your child is absent for more than two days, please contact the school and advise us. 
    7. DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOUR
    • Learners should ideally be taught good manners and how to behave at home.
    • Parents, please reinforce our school rules at home.
    • Bullying and gross misconduct are not tolerated, nor accepted at our school. Please teach your children good manners, and values and to respect their teachers, other children, and the school’s property. Ensure that you do so yourself, especially in front of your child.
    • We are aware that children will be children, so please understand that we will only speak to you if poor behaviour persists, and we feel it is absolutely necessary for you to assist us regarding this. Should this not help and these behavioural problems become too severe, and escalate further, we will request an onsite parent meeting. Please note that there is no need for parents to get defensive. We realize that these issues need to be handled sensitively with empathy. We want to work cooperatively with parents to reach favourable results.
    • For unresolvable issues that impact negatively on our school, we have a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy, e.g., for biting, bullying, destructive behaviour, etc. In severe instances, our services could be permanently suspended immediately.

    PARENTS

    • Unco-operative parents displaying disrespectful or aggressive behaviour, and/or making threats, will be asked to withdraw their children from our school.
    • The school will not be held liable if a learner is injured by another learner. If your child has injured another, you as the parent will be held responsible to cover any medical costs if need be.
    • As we want to offer a great service to you, any valid complaints and/or concerns should be reported to the relevant Department Manager to investigate, resolve, and feedback to you. If unresolved at that level, escalate your report to higher Management. Refrain from reprimanding any staff directly, especially in front of your children.
    • We take threats seriously and may lay criminal charges against anyone threatening us.
    • Slandering our good reputation could result in a law suit against perpetrators.
    • Building trust between the school and parents is important. If at any point that breaks down, each party may give withdrawal notice.

    CAMERA VIDEO AND AUDIO FOOTAGE 

    • Camera footage is for the schools’ official use ONLY.
    • Our CCTV is NOT monitored 24/7. However, it is utilized to conduct investigations as it is not a deterrent to any incidents on the part of learners, staff and/or parents despite our school policies.
    • Due to the POPI Act, access to footage will be denied to parents and third parties. At the schools’ discretion, management may decide to show extractions of footage to disprove any allegations or accusations. Please note that investigations need time so patience is required. Outside discussions during this time are strongly discouraged as it may hinder and/or escalate the investigation. Discretion is required from both parties.
    • A formal meeting between the parents only and management will be held to give feedback and the outcome of the investigation.

    IMPORTANT: Children that require large amounts of negative attention are unfairly taking away from the other children who cannot learn or enjoy their day successfully. As an elite private Pre-school, we want to ensure that our high calibre of parents will remain confident that their children are having a good experience with us.

    8. CONVERSATIONS AND REQUESTS
    • Conversations with teachers and/or staff during drop-off or collection times should be kept to a minimum as these are always the busiest parts of the day. Remember young children cannot be left unattended for long lengths of time.
    • Our Funtasia team does have job descriptions and duties to follow that are set out by the school. While we strive to be accommodating, we urge parents to refrain from issuing instructions to them. If you have any special requests, please discuss and obtain prior permission from the Supervisor on duty. (Our staff and teachers are not your friends, out of respect please refer to them as Ms so and so. We’re not on a first-name basis here.)
    9. PARENT CONCERNS AND DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN PARENTS
    • Please address serious concerns privately, cordially, and with respect in the office with the School Manager only. This should be done preferably by appointment and not in front of your child, other children and/or parents.
    • Parents should not confront each other with school matters. Please allow the school to act as a mediator on your behalf should there be any school-related disputes. We will do our best to investigate, resolve this swiftly and feedback to you.
    • Kindly refrain from discussing any issues you may have with our school with others as you would not appreciate it if the school did that to you.
    • As our school values you as our patrons, we will always treat you with dignity and respect. The school, therefore, expects parents to treat all our teachers and staff the same at all times.
    • As a private institution, we pride ourselves in holding our brand in the highest regard and always ensure the success of your learners growth and learning. Should there be any issues or complaints, we ask that you come forth to our management to resolve the matter, should there be any slander or defamation against our brand or property by use of social media, POPI Act and or other forms of public display we reserve the right to hold you responsible and will take legal action against all parties involved in this regard.
    • As pioneers in the industry, we take pride in our high service levels and have become pillars in our community. We deserve the right and privacy to investigate any complaints and take corrective measures when needed. We understand that it is impossible to meet everyone’s expectations. Therefore, any unhappy parties have the right to follow our withdrawal procedures and find a suitable school. We do not tolerate bullying, threats, tempers tantrums, hostility, excessive aggression and intimidation.
      10. PERSONAL APPEARANCE, CLOTHING AND BELONGINGS
      • The school’s uniform is not compulsory and must be worn as often as possible. It is compulsory to be worn for excursions and/or special events, class photos, etc. so please ensure that your child has at least one full, neat presentable uniform.
      • Children should be sent to school bathed, neat & tidy every day.
      • Small tight clothing is not only uncomfortable for children, but they also embarrass them by the negative attention received due to constant exposure. No jumpsuits, no belts, no buckles and no tight buttons are allowed, as little bodies are too exposed during toilet routine and little fingers cannot open on time.
      • Nails must be kept clean & trimmed.
      • Boys: schoolboy haircuts only, no earrings, etc.
      • Girls: neat hairstyles tied back or plaited, no grown up braids, only small silver or gold stud earrings allowed, no makeup, no lip gloss, no high-heeled shoes, no nail polish, etc.
      • Make sure all belongings have names clearly marked on them and that they are returned before you leave as errors are difficult to rectify later.
      • Only full-day and aftercare children need a small blanket every day. It will remain at school until the end of the week then be sent home for washing on Fridays. If you don’t wash it, please send a clean one on Mondays.
      • Please teach your child to take care of his/her belongings. The school will not take responsibility for lost or damaged items.
      11. IMPORTANT: SCHOOL FEES
      • We DO NOT accept Cash Payments for school fees.
      • ONLY school fees should be transferred into the school’s bank account. Add R20 on all cash deposits. All other payments must be made in cash at the school office e.g. Excursions, school photos, tuckshop, etc.
      • Non-payment of school fees is not tolerated and will result in the suspension of services followed by legal action with extra costs to you.
      • All fees are expected in advance every month, by the 1st of each month from January to December even if you keep children home for whatever reason. It is unfair for the school to experience cash flow problems because some parents don’t pay on time.
      • Arranged 15th Payers MUST pay by the 15th of each month. NO LATER.
      • We do not accept part payments nor do we make payment arrangements. DO NOT pay as you feel without a discussion & agreement.
      • Full school fees are expected in advance as always in ‘holiday’ months i.e., in January, July, and December.
      • Defaulter’s services are permanently suspended and accounts are handed over for collection at the end of each term with added costs to you. Once handed over, refrain from contacting us and DO NOT eft outstanding fees into our accounts. Liaise directly with the collection agency.
      • We charge a R200 late collection penalty for all the extra administration and costs involved in collecting our school fees. This will automatically be applied to your account if our fees are received just before or after the suspension of services has been issued.
      • School fees could increase due to inflation during the year.
      • Refunds of school fees for whatever reason bares a 5% deduction of cost, this is for the interest and administration costs.
      12. WITHDRAWALS
      • One Calendar’s month’s written notice is required for all withdrawals.
      • Withdrawals for school holidays, i.e. July, December and January are not accepted.
      • If your child is returning the following year, every month’s FULL school fees are expected irrespective of whether your child attends school or goes away on holiday or is too ill to attend classes or is only starting the following month, etc.
      • Unofficial withdrawals with be charged a one month notice charge and could be handed over for collection. This could result in nonacceptance of re-entry.
      • Please notify us in writing by end November if your eligible child is not returning in the new school year (Grade RR, RRR, Toddlers & Babies).
      13. HALF DAY/FULL DAY
      • Parents who would like to change our agreement from full day to half day during the course of the school year are required to give one calendar’s month’s written notice as this is considered a partial withdrawal. This change will not be permitted for holiday months only. Written notice is required to change from half day to full day, however the service can be with immediate effort.
      14. DROP/COLLECTION - DRIVEWAYS AND PARKING
      • No loitering and loud music
      • Strictly Drop and Collect Zones for Funtasia learners only.
      • Use one vehicle space only. Whether you are in a hurry or think you won’t be long, please park considerately in front of fence outside school to make place for other vehicles.
      • DO NOT block neighbours’ driveways.
      • An adult and not a child is to hand over and collect learners directly to and from a staff member on the school’s veranda.
      • The school and staff will not take responsibility for any incidences outside of the school yard.
      • Drop off and collection registers must be signed. Inform your drivers.

      IMPORTANT: Please be vigilant and swift when dropping off or collecting children from school.

      15. MEALS AND REFRESHMENTS
      • The school provides all well balanced, nutritious meals for all learners except for babies not yet on solids (Baby meals must be provided daily).
      • We promote healthy eating. Children should be given breakfast at home.
      • Regret NO treats must be brought to school. Treats can be given to children by parents after school and weekends.

      Mealtimes are:

      First snack time: 09H00am – 09H30am (Mealie Meal Porridge)

      Lunchtime: 11H30am – 12H00pm (As per attached Menu)

      Second snack time: 14H45pm – 15H15pm (Two slices of bread with peanut butter or jam, yoghurt & juice)

      • We are unable to make individual lunches for children with special dietary requirements. If there is anything that your child does not eat, please provide lunch for your child on that day every week. There is no discount of school fees for this.
      16. ILLNESS AND MEDICATION
      • Children too sick to cope for the day or that have contagious illnesses must be kept at home until fully recovered.
      • If you receive a courtesy call from the school informing you that your child is too ill to be at school or has been injured, please arrange for them to be collected within the hour of the call. DO NOT be offended and disrespectful should you receive this call, we understand that you are working. However, a sound judgement call is made by the teachers and Principal which you should adhere to.
      • As per the Department of Health and Department of Education, medication is NOT allowed to be administered at schools. Please do not send medication to school. Keep your child at home if they require a midday dosage.
      • Please see attachment in Communication books regarding Illness Quarantine periods.
      • SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES: As a mainstream Edu care facility, we are not equipped to accommodate any learners with special needs or disabilities. Based on an Educators observation, parents will be called in to receive and discuss our Observation Report and may be requested to withdraw enrollment and find a suitable facility.
      17. GENERAL
      • All children should be accompanied by an adult. They should be handed over to and collected from a caregiver on the schools’ veranda.
      • For security reasons, entry inside the school building is restricted. Even our parents are not permitted to be on the schools’ property outside of drop off/collection times unless you have an appointment.
      • We do not celebrate birthdays at school. Kindly refrain from sending anything related due to the fact that our young learners have many allergies and fussy parents. They also come from various religious, cultural and economic backgrounds.
      • We encourage all parents to support all Fundraising functions and events. These are not only fun for everyone and a good opportunity to interact with each other. Fundraising money goes towards the upkeep of our beautiful school and ensures that it remains in good condition and improves. Toys, swings, furniture, equipment, books, CD’s, etc. break and wear out, and therefore needs to be replaced constantly. It is not fair for your child to benefit from the fundraising efforts of others. Every contribution goes to a worthy cause – your child. Please do not confuse these with Excursions.
      • Fees collected for excursions are only for entry fee and transportation costs. Indemnity forms must be sent in on time.
      • We do not wash or bath children, and only change them into their extra set of clothing when necessary. ‘Dirty’, ‘untidy’ children are not neglected children. This just means they had a good day at school and learnt through active play.
      • A R10.00 fine per phone call is a penalty that will be charged for phone calls made to you for the violation of a policy, e.g. overdue school fees, items missing from bags, etc. Remember that violating a school policy for the first time does not mean you are entitled to.
      • We kindly request that parents not speak negatively about their child’s teacher or school in front of your children.
      • The School Manager handles all serious school matters, you may make an appointment if you wish to see her. We do not accept appointments over policies clearly defined in our Terms & Conditions, they are not negotiable.
      • It is parents’ responsibility to ensure that drivers of transportation are aware of our policies and adhere to them.
      • Please ensure that all stationery and requirements are brought altogether to school by the requested deadlines.
      • We will gladly accept any useful items you may wish to donate to our school, e.g. toys, children’s books, bookshelves, equipment, etc.
      • Once a month, on the first Monday of each month we have Market Mondays. Each child from the Toddler group (2 years) to Grade R must bring R10.00 to participate. They will receive a variety of fruit chopped up at each meal time for that day. This will teach them about the importance of fruit in our diets.
      • Every Wednesday we have Water Wednesdays. Please send an easy sip bottle with tap water in and we will refill it as need be during the course of the day. No juice will be allowed at school on Wednesdays. Once again this is from the Toddler group (2 years) to Grade R.
      • Every Friday except during holiday care, we have Development Fridays (PE: Physical Education). This is our Physical Education class which is conducted for ALL our learners. All children must come to school dressed in shorts, t-shirts and takkies. Those not dressed appropriately unfortunately have to sit aside during this enjoyable lesson and feel left out. Parents please pay attention to this.
      • Our teachers are not your friends, out of respect please refer to them as Ms so and so. We’re not on a first name basis here.
      • WE DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH OR TAKE INSTRUCTION FROM THIRD PARTIES, only from the person that our signed contract is with. Kindly inform grandparents, friends, relatives and drivers to treat our staff and teachers with respect or they will be banned from coming to our school.
      • Please notify our office should any of your details change so that we can update your child’s records. Parents need to be contactable at all times in case of an emergency.
      • Please read and sign all communication in Communication book daily. If your child is absent, it is your duty to find out what was missed.
      • Please meet all deadlines.
      • We offer Swimming lessons through a private company. Please read their terms and conditions before enrolling your learner, as we will not be held responsible should any incident occur.
      18. IMPORTANT
      • At Funtasia Pre-School, we do everything decently, orderly and by arrangement. Please ensure that you read, understand and agree with ALL the school’s Terms & Conditions, as we do not wish to offend you when we enforce our policies and procedures. They are not negotiable and we will keep enforcing them until they become second nature to all concerned. Your registration indicates that we need not worry about any unnecessary challenges regarding these during the school year.

        As a private institute,

        we reserve the right to request the withdrawal of any children should our Terms & Conditions not be adhered to.

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