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
is passionate about promoting opportunities and skills to enable children to be confident and resilient.
Karen Roberts
Assistant Manager - Level 3 NVQ
is the pre-school mummy and keeps everything running smoothly.
Michelle Tracey
Early Years Assistant - Level 1 Award in Caring for Children
adores all aspects of watching children learn and grow and is extremely keen to gain more qualifications and experience in working with children.
Helen Godfrey
Pre-School Assistant - NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing
really enjoys reading stories and playing games with small groups of children.
Debby Mann
Pre-School Assistant - Level 3 NVQ
enjoys messy play with our children.
Jackie Brown
Pre-School Assistant - Level 3 Children & Young People and Level 3 Health & Social Care
enjoys spending time with our lovely children, particularly telling and enjoying amazing stories with them!
Tracey Brock
Senior Pre-School Administrator
runs our office, dealing with all our 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 November 2019, we were graded as “Good”. Strengths highlighted by the Inspector include:-
- staff quickly identify and embrace children’s interests and passions, incorporating them into activities that are memorable and relevant to children’s individual progress
- consistent high quality of education
- the dedicated staff plan ambitious activities that focus on children’s individual next steps in learning
- staff create unusual play spaces, helping to trigger children’s creativity and imagination
- children are immersed in a language-rich environment, helping them develop greater skills in speaking and listening
- children are confident learners
- children are able to self-select and think critically
- staff know children really well; their progress, strengths, areas for development
- there is a positive partnership with external agencies
- there is strong teaching
Ofsted Report - November 2019
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. A lunch club is also available from 12pm to 1pm every day.
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.
