Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pre-School in Lavenham, Suffolk
Established in 1995, Lavenham Pre-school has been dedicated to nurturing the uniqueness and independence of children aged 2 to 4 years. Our purpose-built facility in Lavenham, Suffolk, provides a safe and stimulating environment where children develop social skills, creativity, and a love for learning. With a team of qualified educators and Forest School leaders, we deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum while prioritising individual growth. Our Ofsted-rated 'Good' setting combines structured learning with outdoor exploration through our Forest School programme.We actively involve parents in governance and fundraising, fostering a strong community ethos. Our flexible session options accommodate government funding and private payments, ensuring accessibility for local families. Through personalised key-person approaches and partnerships with external professionals, we support children with diverse needs. Regular inspections and adherence to rigorous safety standards underscore our commitment to excellence in early years education.
Services
Pre-school Education
Forest School Sessions
Child Care Services
Government Funded Hours
Special Educational Needs Support
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Ofsted-rated 'Good' early years provision since 2017
- Qualified Forest School Leaders with specialist safeguarding training
- Flexible session options accommodating government funding and private payments
- Proven track record supporting children with special educational needs
- Active parental involvement through trustee and committee opportunities
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Fantastic staff
Exceptional Forest School
Special needs support
Smooth school transition
Welcoming community
Services
Pre-school Education
Our Ofsted-registered pre-school delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through structured learning and play-based activities. Qualified teachers create individualised development plans while maintaining small group ratios. The programme prepares children aged 2-4 for primary school through literacy, numeracy, and social skills development in a purpose-built facility.
Forest School Sessions
Led by certified Forest School Leaders, our woodland sessions promote holistic development through nature-based exploration. Children engage in risk-assessed activities that build confidence, environmental awareness, and physical coordination. The programme aligns with EYFS requirements while allowing flexible, child-led learning in all weather conditions.
Government Funded Hours
We administer 15 and 30-hour government funding schemes for eligible families. Our team assists with eligibility checks and code validation to ensure seamless access to free childcare entitlements. Funding applies to morning and afternoon sessions with optional paid add-ons for extended care.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our SENCo-qualified staff work with external professionals to support children with additional needs. Individualised care plans and specialist referrals ensure comprehensive support. The accessible facility and trained team members create an inclusive environment where all children achieve developmental milestones.
Parental Involvement Programme
We encourage parental participation through trustee roles, committee memberships, and fundraising activities. Regular communication channels and policy consultations ensure family voices shape our service delivery. Parents receive training opportunities to enhance home-school partnerships.
People
Elzbieta Zlotek
Chairman & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Qualified Teacher Status holder with Forest School leadership qualifications. Oversees safeguarding protocols and strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in daily operations.
Kelly Humphreys
Vice Chairman
Supports organisational governance and policy implementation. Works closely with staff to maintain educational standards and community engagement initiatives.
Emma Appleby
Deputy Manager & Forest School Leader
Level 3 qualified practitioner with SENCo accreditation. Leads Forest School sessions and special educational needs provision while managing daily operations.
Jill Jones
Secretary
Maintains organisational records and communication systems. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and policy documentation standards.
Sue Knight
Trustee
Contributes to strategic decision-making and financial oversight. Brings extensive local community knowledge to governance discussions.
Questions
What are your Ofsted inspection results?
We received a 'Good' rating in our October 2021 inspection, our first full assessment in the purpose-built facility since 2017.
How does Forest School benefit my child?
Forest School develops confidence, environmental awareness, and physical skills through structured outdoor learning led by qualified practitioners.
What funding options are available?
We accept 15 and 30-hour government childcare entitlements for 3-4 year olds, with support for eligibility verification and code validation.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SENCo-qualified team creates individualised plans, coordinates external professional input, and provides tailored learning resources.
Can parents get involved in governance?
Yes, we actively seek parent trustees and committee members, particularly those with financial expertise or current pre-school experience.
What are your operating hours?
Core sessions run Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, with optional Breakfast Club (8-9am) and Afternoon Club (4-5pm) subject to demand.
