WHY CHOOSE US
Our team
Dedicated, qualified and experienced Practitioners. We create a secure, safe and stimulating environment that encourages the children to play, explore and learn through exciting activities that children enjoy. We are passionate in nurturing our children to use their imaginations through creative exploration. Our enthusiasm for children’s learning knows no bounds.
Karen Illsley
Manager - Foundation Degree in Early Years (Level 5) & Level 3 in Supporting Special Educational Needs
Designated Safeguarding Lead & PFA trained
is passionate about promoting opportunities and skills to enable children to be confident and resilient.
Karen Roberts
Assistant Manager - Level 3 NVQ
Assistant Designated Safeguarding Lead & PFA trained
is the pre-school mummy and keeps everything running smoothly.
Ashleigh Cox
Early Years Educator - NVQ Level 3 Cache
PFA trained
enjoys being outside, using nature in play and learning.
Charlotte Halls
Early Years Educator - TQUK Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
PFA trained
enjoys having fun whilst making the children laugh and smile!
Jade Scovell
Early Years Educator
PFA trained
enjoys being imaginative and creative with crafts.
Ann O'Brien
Early Years Educator
PFA trained
loves to cook with the children.
Tracey Kendell
Senior Pre-School Administrator
runs our office, dealing with all our financial and administrative work.
Our Facilities
Pirton Pre-School is based in a modern purpose-built unit benefiting from extensive grounds to the rear which incorporate outdoor climbing equipment and our very own vegetable patch.
Inside the unit there is a central area that has been divided into the following:
Graphics Area
to encourage mark making and early attempts at writing
Malleable Materials
including play-dough, clay and cooking opportunities
Small-World Play
to encourage use of imagination for example using the doll’s house, garage with cars and wooden railway
Role-Play Area
to explore different roles and relationships using costumes and props
Water and Sand Play
used indoors or outdoors
Creative Area
where children can paint, use chalk and select various materials to cut, stick and paint and develop their own creative ideas
We are exceptionally well resourced with both small and large construction materials – including large plastic and wooden bricks and construction kits including Mobile. ICT is an integral part of the pupils learning. The children use a variety of software and can choose to work on the standalone computers.
Our specially designed outside area is partially covered allowing pupils to play outside every day. It is a safe and secure environment where the children can observe their surroundings and develop their fine and gross physical motor skills. Activities include a range of wheeled toys, climbing frame, balls, beanbags, tunnels and much more.
The unit benefits from a separate small-group room, kitchen, purpose-built toilets, changing area and office.
Our latest Ofsted Inspection
At our most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2025, we were graded as “Outstanding”. Strengths highlighted by the Inspector include:-
- leaders place exceptional focus on supporting staff practice and development
- children are exceptionally well-prepared for their next stage of learning
- children are confident communicators who delight at discussing their thoughts and ideas with their friends
- staff take every opportunity to support children’s communication through language-rich interactions and consistent role modelling of new and increasingly complex vocabulary
- leaders construct a well-considered curriculum that supports children’s long-term learning and progression exceptionally well. This is shared with staff, who consistently deliver precise teaching that meets the needs of all children
- children are incredibly curious and relish challenges in their play
- children delight at exploring the wealth of exciting learning experiences in this friendly pre-school
- children flourish in the nurturing care of the attentive team of staff,who plan interesting experiences each day that support the needs and interests of children attending
- a highly effective key-person system ensures children form close attachments to staff who are highly responsive to their individual needs. These close relationships are particularly evident when supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities
- leaders and staff strive to enhance practice and create an exceptional learning environment for all children. They continuously reflect on children’s experiences to ensure all aspects of the pre-school environment promote the precise needs of the current cohort of children
Ofsted Report - June 2025
Session flexibility
The Pre-School offers up to 32 places per session for children aged from 2 years to rising fives. We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Children are welcome to attend for a morning session from 9am to 12pm, an afternoon session from 12pm to 3pm or a full day session from 9am to 3pm.
Wraparound village childcare
For parents who require early morning or afterschool care there are a number of childminders in the village and a popular afterschool club who will all collect and/or drop children off at the Pre-School. Please feel free to speak to us for further information.
