Business Details
50+ Years
experience
OFSTED-Registered Pre-School in Lincoln
At Dunholme Pre School, we are committed to nurturing every child's individuality through tailored learning experiences. Established in 1970, we operate from our purpose-built facility adjacent to Dunholme St Chads C of E Primary School, providing care and education for children aged 2 to 5 under the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our team of dedicated professionals exceeds statutory qualification requirements, with specialized expertise in SEND support and Makaton communication methods. We foster 'learning through play' while maintaining strong parent partnerships, guided by an elected Voluntary Management Committee that ensures financial accountability and policy excellence.Our Ofsted 'good' grading reflects our commitment to quality, with staff delivering personalized activities that challenge and engage children based on their developmental needs. We actively encourage parental involvement through our online Tapestry system, which documents each child's progress and enables 24/7 home-school collaboration. Our achievement of 'silver' in the Caring2Learn awards demonstrates our dedication to exceptional early years provision. Through continuous staff development and adherence to best practices, we ensure every child receives the highest standard of care and educational support.
Services
Pre-School Sessions
Two-Year Checks
Online Tapestry
SEND Support
Key Person System
Funding Options
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 53 years of childcare expertise since 1970
- Our staff hold advanced early years qualifications beyond statutory requirements
- We maintain an Ofsted 'good' rating with proven track record
- All team members receive Makaton communication training
- Individualized learning through dedicated Key Person system
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
- Makaton Friendly Setting
- Caring2Learn Silver Award
What people say
Good progress
Interesting activities
Makaton-trained staff
Individualized support
Experienced team
Services
Pre-School Sessions
Structured educational programs delivered during morning (8:45-11:45), afternoon (12:20-3:20), and full-day (8:45-3:20) sessions. These programs follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, promoting learning through play-based activities tailored to individual developmental needs. Sessions include lunchtime care from 11:45-12:20 for children attending both halves.
Two-Year Checks
Statutory developmental assessments conducted the term after children turn 2.5 years. These collaborative evaluations between parents and educators identify progress, support needs, or accelerated learning requirements. Results may be shared with health visitors to ensure comprehensive child development tracking across home and educational environments.
Online Tapestry
Interactive digital observation system documenting children's learning journey. Each child has a secure online journal where educators upload observations, learning milestones, and next steps. Parents access real-time updates, contribute home observations, and share photos using individual passwords, fostering continuous home-school communication and personalized learning strategies.
SEND Support
Specialized educational support for children with speech, language, and communication needs. Led by our Elklan-trained communication coordinator and SENDco, services include individualized learning plans, Makaton communication integration, and specialist equipment access. Staff receive regular training to implement effective support strategies tailored to each child's requirements.
Key Person System
Individualized care approach assigning each child a dedicated Key Person. This educator maintains continuous responsibility for the child's progress, conducting daily observations, planning personalized learning activities, and providing emotional support. The Key Person serves as primary contact for parental communication regarding their child's development and wellbeing.
People
Jenny Blyth
Manager
With 15 years' leadership experience, Jenny Blyth manages daily operations. Holding a Level 6 early years qualification and first-class honours degree, she oversees safeguarding and serves as dedicated Key Person for several children.
Leanne Walker
Deputy Manager
Leanne Walker brings 25 years' childcare expertise as Deputy Manager. Currently completing a foundation degree in early years, she leads SEND provision and health & safety while maintaining key person responsibilities for assigned children.
Rachel Pettifer
Deputy Manager
Qualified teacher Rachel Pettifer specializes in staff training and mentoring. With 20 years' experience across schools and early years settings, she maintains key person duties while developing professional development programs for educators.
Alex Bullivant
Early Years Educator
Alex Bullivant, with 17 years' childcare experience, serves as communication coordinator. Elklan-trained, she develops speech and language strategies while providing direct care as a dedicated Key Person to assigned children.
Ashleigh Stamp
Early Years Educator
Ashleigh Stamp, currently completing Level 3 qualifications, contributes creative leadership. After six months volunteering, she became part of the permanent team, bringing fresh perspectives to educational activities while maintaining key person responsibilities.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We operate term-time only, Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 3:20pm. Morning sessions run 8:45-11:45am, afternoon sessions 12:20-3:20pm.
How much do sessions cost?
Morning and afternoon sessions cost £20 each, lunch session £23, or £43 for full day including lunch. All fees include our enhanced educational provision.
Do you accept government funding?
Yes, we offer 15 funded hours weekly for 3-4-year-olds, with eligibility checks for 30-hour and 2-year-old funding options available for qualifying families.
How do you communicate children's progress?
We use the Tapestry online system for daily updates, observations, and learning milestones. Parents receive unique login details to access their child's journal and contribute home observations.
What qualifications do staff hold?
Our team exceeds statutory requirements with Level 3 and Level 6 qualifications, Makaton training, and specialist expertise in SEND provision and early years education.
How are Ofsted inspections handled?
We maintain Ofsted 'good' grading with regular internal assessments. Our most recent inspection highlighted effective staff knowledge and challenging learning activities tailored to children's needs.
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