Our Educational Philosophy
A Caring School
Kindergarten is a special place where each child is recognized in their individuality. Our teaching team is committed to creating a safe and stimulating environment that fosters the development of all students.
We support your child in their first steps towards autonomy, respecting their pace of development and their specific needs. Kindness and active listening are at the heart of our educational project.
Fundamental Learning Process
Through play, manipulation, and experimentation, children develop their linguistic, motor, social, and cognitive skills. Each activity is designed to awaken their curiosity and lay the foundation for their future success.
Our pedagogical approach values each child's progress and encourages self-confidence, an essential element for approaching schooling with serenity.
Our School's Organization
Reception Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- Morning: 8:20 AM - 11:45 AM
- Afternoon: 1:50 PM - 4:35 PM
- Nursery Class: 2:45 PM - 4:35 PM
Class Structure
Four Levels of Learning
- Very Young Nursery (2-3 years old)
- Nursery Class (3-4 years old)
- Middle Nursery (4-5 years old)
- Senior Nursery (5-6 years old)
Our Team
Dedicated Professionals
- Qualified Teachers
- ATSEM (Territorial Agents Specialized in Nursery Schools) for each class
- Specialized staff (RASED - Networks of Specialized Aid for Students in Difficulty)
- AESH (Accompanying Students with Disabilities) for notified students
The nursery school welcomes children from 2 to 6 years old and constitutes the first fundamental stage of their educational journey. Our organization is designed to offer a structured and secure environment, fostering learning.
The Educational Team
The Director: Olivier HERGUEUX
He is both director and teacher. He ensures the smooth running of the school, the implementation of projects, and compliance with rules. He liaises with the town hall. He is released half-time to handle the directorship. To meet him or ask him questions, please make an appointment by phone or email, on his released days (Monday and Tuesday).
The Teachers / The Class Teacher:
They are employed by the National Education system. The teacher is your primary contact for everything concerning your child's schooling, learning, and classroom life.
The ATSEM / Specialized Territorial Agents in Nursery School:
They are employed by the Town Hall. They provide valuable support to teachers during school hours by preparing and supervising workshops. They have duties related to cleanliness and hygiene. They are in charge of children during extracurricular canteen time.
The AESH / Support Staff for Students with Disabilities:
They are employed by the National Education system. They accompany children with special needs who have a notification from the MDMPH.
The RASED / Specialized Help Network for Children in Difficulty:
It consists of a school psychologist and two specialized teachers for the care of children with special educational needs.
Tel: 04 72 65 39 94
The Extracurricular Team = Coordinators and Animators,
They are employed by the Town Hall. They look after your children during extracurricular times (morning, noon, and evening). They offer them various activities.
Tel: 06 74 71 53 99
Other essential staff for the smooth functioning of the school:
- The school caretaker.
- The cleaning and school catering staff.
They are employed by the Town Hall.
All adults in the school prioritize the well-being, development, and growth of the children.
A Typical School Day Example
8:20 AM - 8:50 AM: Arrival
A special time for individual welcome. Children gradually arrive and participate in free or directed play activities. This time allows for a smooth transition from home to school.
8:50 AM - 10:00 AM: Gathering and Activities
Morning rituals (attendance, date, weather), followed by small group learning workshops. Children move through various activities adapted to their level: drawing, mathematics, plastic arts, language.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Recess
A moment of relaxation and socialization in the schoolyard. Children develop their gross motor skills and learn the rules of living together through collective games.
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM: Pedagogical Activities
Continuation of learning with various activities: discovery of the world, music education, physical activities, or class projects. Time for reading storybooks and singing before departure.
1:50 PM - 3:30 PM: Learning Time
The afternoon is dedicated to workshops and class projects. For the youngest, there is a possibility of a nap or quiet time adapted to individual needs.
3:30 PM - 4:35 PM: Recess and Departure
Last recess, small workshops, then departure preparation rituals. Time for discussion between teachers and parents about the day.
Learning Domains
The kindergarten curriculum is structured around five fundamental domains that contribute to the child's harmonious development. Each domain is approached daily through playful and adapted activities.
Mobilizing Language
Learning oral and written language
- Enriched oral expression
- Expanded vocabulary
- Discovery of writing
- Graphics and writing
Acting and expressing through physical activities
- Gross motor skills
- Movement coordination
- Body expression
- Collective games
Acting, expressing, understanding through artistic activities
Creative expression and sensitivity
- Visual arts
- Musical education
- Representations and productions
Acquiring the first mathematical tools
- Discovery of numbers
- Shapes and sizes
- Logic and reasoning
Exploring the World
Discovery and curiosity
- Time and space
- Natural sciences
- Objects and matter
- Digital
The Essential Role of Parents
Indispensable Collaboration
You are your child's first educators, and your involvement in their schooling is crucial for their success. Preschool works in close collaboration with families to ensure pedagogical consistency.
We encourage you to maintain a regular dialogue with your child's teacher, participate in school meetings and events, and consult information transmitted via the liaison notebook, by email, or on the school blog.
Daily Communication
Exchanges during drop-off and pick-up times to monitor your child's development
- Liaison notebook
- Classroom displays
- Messages via email, SMS, blog.
Individual Appointments
Scheduled interviews to discuss progress and specific needs
- At least twice a year
- On request if needed
- Personalized feedback
Active Participation
Friendly and educational moments open to families
- School parties
- School trips
- Parent-child workshops
Throughout the year:
Your child should always know when you leave the classroom in the morning, who is picking them up, if they are eating in the cafeteria, or if they are staying in after-school care.
Please be on time to drop them off in the morning and to pick them up.
Your child's regular attendance, starting from the very first year of preschool, is very important for their progress and adaptation.
Absences and tardiness:
- All absences must be reported and justified. Please leave a message on the school's answering machine at 04 72 65 39 91 or by email at: [email protected].
- Education is compulsory from the age of three. Absences without a valid reason are not permitted and will be reported to academic authorities.
- Children must arrive on time. Every delay disrupts the school's functioning.
Internal Regulations:
Like any community, the school has a document that defines the rights and duties of everyone and the main rules to be respected. Enrolling a child in school implies acceptance of the regulations by their parents. The regulations are provided at the beginning of the school year and must be signed and known by all.
The use of telephones by parents is prohibited within the school premises. Take this opportunity to talk with your child and with the school adults!
Clothing / Autonomy:
- Dress them simply, so they can get dressed and undressed by themselves.
- Avoid fancy outfits, overalls, overly tight pants, bodysuits, and shoes with laces!
- Mark jackets, bags, shoes, and comfort blankets with your child's name.
- Teach them to do things on their own! Work on autonomy at home; it will help them at school...
Children's Health and Well-being:
- Sick children cannot be accepted at school, and we are not authorized to administer medication. When a child is ill, it is best for them to rest at home to avoid contaminating other children and staff.
- Any contagious illness must be reported to the Director. In certain cases, you will need to provide a medical certificate of recovery or non-contagion.
Lifestyle: Children should have slept enough and had a good breakfast before coming to school to fully benefit from their schooling!
Nap Time:
In the afternoon, all children in "Toute petite section" and "Petite section" have a nap in a specially designed dormitory with individual beds. This nap time is an integral part of class time and is essential at this age.
They may not have needed it at home, but the new and sustained pace of activities in the classroom will tire them out.
For children staying to sleep at school, we will ask you at the beginning of the year for a towel (placed on your child's bed), as well as a blanket and a pillow if needed.
Don't forget to give your child a comforter or anything they need to sleep peacefully.
These items will be returned to you at each holiday so you can clean them.
Additional Services and Activities
School Catering
A canteen service is offered with balanced meals, prepared on-site or via hot link. Menus are displayed and comply with nutritional standards. Specific dietary regimes can be implemented upon presentation of a medical certificate (PAI).
After-school Care
To accommodate families' professional constraints, after-school care is open in the morning from 7:30 AM and in the evening until 6:00 PM. Children are supervised by qualified staff for fun and safe activities.
Registration and Fees
Registration for after-school services takes place in June or during the school year. Fees are calculated based on family income to ensure accessibility for all. A one-week delay is required between the day of registration and the day the child can use the canteen.
A complete registration file (with income statements, insurance certificate, and identity document) must be provided to the KID space.
KID Family Area
52 rue Racine, next to the town hall.
04 78 03 67 84 : telephone switchboard
- 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
- 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
It is advisable to prioritize, as much as possible, digital procedures.
Health, Safety and Well-being
Your child's health and safety are our absolute priority. The school has a strict protocol to ensure the well-being of all students and to react effectively when needed.
Health Protocols
- Regular medical follow-up by the PMI for Nursery pupils (mandatory medical examination), depending on the situation of pupils in Middle Section.
- Individualized Welcome Plans (PAI) for children with specific care needs
- Non-prescription medications are prohibited.
- Temporary exclusion may occur in the event of certain contagious diseases: whooping cough, Hepatitis A, mumps, measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis.
Local Security
The school is equipped with security systems compliant with current standards. Fire and evacuation drills are regularly conducted to prepare children for emergency situations. Access to the school is controlled, and students' departure is strictly regulated.
Prevention and Attention
A serene school environment is essential. We work daily on children's psychosocial skills: emotion regulation, conflict resolution, mutual respect. Any inappropriate behavior is handled with kindness, but firmness.
Allergies and Specific Dietary Needs
If your child has food allergies or requires a special diet, an individualized welcome plan (PAI) will be established in collaboration with the school doctor. Please inform us of any particular situation upon registration.
Together for Your Child's Success
« Kindergarten lays the foundation for the success of all students. It adapts to the needs of each child and supports them in their development. »
Our Commitment
To offer every child a fulfilling environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive at their own pace and with full confidence.
Your Trust
We count on your collaboration and support to accompany your child on this wonderful adventure of kindergarten.
Stay in Touch
Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. The school's door is always open to you.
Practical Information
EMPU Château Gaillard - 20 Mongolfier Street - 69100 VILLEURBANNE
04 72 65 39 91
After-School Services (City Hall)
Morning after-school care: 7:30 AM / 7:55 AM - 8:20 AM
School catering / Midday after-school care: 11:50 AM to 1:50 PM
Evening after-school care: 4:40 PM to 6:00 PM
After-school leisure center Wednesday morning: 7:30 AM/8:30 AM - 12:00 PM/12:30 PM
After-school coordinators:
Fatima ATTOU
Tel: 06 74 71 53 99
Buers Social Center
17 Pierre Joseph Proudhon Street
Leisure center on Wednesdays and during school holidays
Contact: 04 78 84 28 33
Welcome to our educational community. Let's work together for the development and success of all our students!
Welcome to Château Gaillard Nursery School