Business Details
Trusted Child Care Services in Whitchurch-on-Thames
Whitchurch Pre-School serves the village of Whitchurch-on-Thames in South Oxfordshire, providing a secure and caring environment for children's learning and development. Situated within Whitchurch Primary School grounds, our facility features a large enclosed garden for outdoor learning. Our team of qualified professionals, many of whom are local parents themselves, prioritise individualised care through our key person approach. We offer government-funded places for 3-4 year olds while operating as a non-profit charity managed by a parent-led committee. Our curriculum balances structured activities with spontaneous play, fostering imagination and language development.Parents actively contribute through volunteering and fundraising, creating a strong community spirit. Staff hold advanced qualifications including Early Years Educator diplomas, paediatric first aid certifications, and safeguarding training. We maintain strong partnerships with external professionals to support children with special educational needs. Our Ofsted-rated provision ensures emotional needs are met with warmth and understanding. Through regular communication channels, families stay informed about their child's progress and development milestones.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Learning Programmes
Child Development Tracking
Community Fundraising Events
Parent Information Sessions
Special Educational Needs Support
Highlights and features
- We offer individually tailored care through our key person approach
- Our team holds advanced early years qualifications and first aid certifications
- We operate as a non-profit charity with transparent financial practices
- Our outdoor learning program enhances child development through nature exploration
- We maintain strong community ties through parent-led volunteering and fundraising
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Fantastic time
Wonderful staff
Blossomed in confidence
Safe learning environment
Inclusive approach
Services
Early Years Education
Our structured yet flexible curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Qualified educators create daily learning invitations balancing educational objectives with child-led exploration. Activities foster holistic development across all learning areas while maintaining Ofsted compliance.
Outdoor Learning
Our enclosed garden provides daily outdoor learning opportunities. Children explore natural environments, develop physical coordination, and engage in sensory experiences. Staff facilitate nature connections while ensuring safe risk assessment practices.
Development Tracking
Individual learning journeys document each child's development through observations and work samples. Parents receive regular updates about milestones and receive guidance for home learning support.
Special Needs Support
Our SENCO-trained staff collaborate with external professionals to support children with additional needs. Personalised plans ensure equal access to our curriculum while maintaining emotional wellbeing.
Community Engagement
As a charity-managed setting, we encourage parental involvement through volunteering and fundraising. Regular events build social connections while sustaining quality facilities and resources.
People
Kathleen
Manager
Qualified Early Years Educator with 20 years' experience. Holds Level 4 Certificate and Safeguarding Lead accreditation. Combines professional expertise with personal parenting experience to lead our team.
Marie
Deputy Manager
CACHE Level 4 qualified with specialist SENCO certification. Focuses on inclusive education and community relationships. Brings extensive experience from previous early years roles.
Molly
Assistant Manager
Level 3 Early Years Educator with specific expertise in child development. Actively involved in outdoor learning programmes and staff training initiatives.
Sophie
Play Assistant
Level 2 qualified practitioner with particular strengths in relationship building. Contributes fresh perspectives through recent training and community engagement.
Linda
Play Assistant
Experienced practitioner with first aid and food safety qualifications. Focuses on nurturing individual child needs while maintaining operational standards.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We cater for children aged 2.5 to 5 years, offering government-funded places for 3-4 year olds.
How do you support child development?
Our qualified team uses observations to create personalized learning journeys following the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
Are staff first aid trained?
All staff hold current paediatric first aid certifications as required by Ofsted standards.
How does outdoor learning work?
Daily garden activities balance structured sessions with free play in our secure outdoor environment.
How can parents contribute?
We encourage participation through volunteering, fundraising events, and our parent-led committee.
Do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCO-trained staff work with external professionals to create tailored support plans for each child.
