Business Details
Trusted Childcare and Early Education in Hurst, Berkshire
St Nicholas Preschool is an Ofsted-registered charity preschool located in Hurst, Berkshire, serving children aged 2-5 from surrounding areas including Woodley and Winnersh. Our professionally trained staff fosters learning through play, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum to develop essential life skills. We utilise the Tapestry app to document children's progress through observations, videos, and photographs, creating individual learning journeys accessible to parents.Our focus on school readiness prepares children for their transition to formal education by building independence and self-confidence. We offer flexible childcare funding options through Wokingham Borough Council for eligible families while maintaining a nurturing environment that prioritises child-led exploration and social development.
Services
Preschool Education
Childcare Funding
Lunch Club
Admissions
Uniform Committee
Highlights and features
- Ofsted-registered charity with dedicated early years specialists
- Proven play-based learning approach aligned with EYFS standards
- Digital progress tracking via the Tapestry app for parental engagement
- Specialised school readiness preparation with measurable outcomes
- Flexible funding options approved by Wokingham Borough Council
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Preschool Education
Our preschool education programme delivers structured play-based learning aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Qualified educators facilitate child-led exploration while developing literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The curriculum prepares children for school through activities that build independence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Childcare Funding
We provide government-funded childcare places for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds through Wokingham Borough Council. This financial support reduces costs for qualifying families while maintaining access to our high-quality educational environment. Funding applications are processed separately from preschool registration.
Lunch Club
Our lunch club offers nutritious meals and supervised social time for children attending full-day sessions. The menu meets dietary requirements while encouraging healthy eating habits. This service extends care beyond standard hours, supporting working parents with flexible scheduling options.
Admissions
The admissions process begins with registration, placing children on our waiting list. We notify families when spaces become available, prioritising eligibility criteria. An optional administration fee covers essential resources like uniforms and record-keeping when a place is confirmed.
Uniform Committee
Our parent-led uniform committee manages clothing procurement and policy development. This collaborative group ensures consistent dress code standards while maintaining affordability. The committee meets regularly to address uniform-related matters and improve the service for families.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We accept children aged 2 to 5 years, with placements starting from the first term after their 2nd birthday.
How does the admissions process work?
Registration places your child on our waiting list. We contact families when suitable spaces become available, with an optional administration fee required upon confirmation.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we provide government-funded places for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds through Wokingham Borough Council's childcare funding scheme.
How do you track children's development?
We use the Tapestry app to document progress through observations, videos, and photographs, creating individual learning journeys accessible to parents.
What facilities do you have?
Our preschool offers excellent indoor and outdoor facilities at Small Village Hall in Hurst, with dedicated spaces for structured learning and free play.
How do you prepare children for school?
Our EYFS-aligned curriculum focuses on school readiness through independence-building activities, social interaction, and structured learning experiences tailored to each child's needs.
