Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Early Years Education in Barton-le-Clay
Barton-le-clay Pre School has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in our community for over 30 years. Established initially at Barton Village Hall and now operating from a purpose-built facility at Ramsey Manor Lower School, we pride ourselves on providing a safe, engaging, and educational environment for children aged two to school age. Our team of 14 dedicated staff includes experienced educators, specialists in special educational needs, and professionals trained in safeguarding, first aid, and early years development. We are registered with Ofsted and operate as a registered charity (Charity No. 1023883), governed by a voluntary management committee committed to maintaining high standards.Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, emphasizing individualized learning, outdoor exploration, and strong partnerships with families. We offer government-funded hours for eligible families and provide tailored support for children with special educational needs, including Makaton-trained staff and sensory resources. Our focus on health, safety, and well-being ensures every child thrives in a nurturing environment designed to prepare them for future academic and social success.
Services
Early Years Education
SEN Support
Outdoor Learning
Government-Funded Hours
Parental Engagement
Woodwork Activities
Healthy Eating Programs
Safeguarding Services
Fundraising Events
Transition Support
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.
- Our team includes SENCO, Makaton-trained, and outdoor learning specialists.
- Access to government-funded hours for eligible families.
- Purpose-built facility with dedicated outdoor learning spaces.
- Registered with Ofsted and governed by a parent-led committee.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Early Years Alliance
What people say
Caring and happy place
Confidence has flourished
Best teachers ever
Wonderful memories made
Amazing team of educators
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Education program follows the EYFS framework, fostering holistic development through play-based learning. Qualified staff deliver individualized plans focusing on communication, physical development, and social skills. Sessions include structured activities and free exploration with open-ended resources to stimulate creativity and critical thinking.
SEN Support
We provide tailored SEN support led by a Level 3 SENCO and trained staff. Services include Makaton communication, sensory integration, and collaboration with external agencies like speech therapists. Individualized plans ensure children with autism, diabetes, or other needs receive personalized care and developmental opportunities aligned with their abilities.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning enhances child development through natural exploration. Activities build motor skills, teamwork, and environmental awareness while reducing stress. Weekly sessions include shelter-building, tool use, and seasonal observations, promoting risk assessment, creativity, and physical health in a purpose-designed garden space.
Government-Funded Hours
Eligible families access 15-30 government-funded hours weekly for 3-4-year-olds, with 2-year-olds qualifying under specific criteria. This program reduces childcare costs while maintaining access to our full curriculum, qualified staff, and facilities, ensuring high-quality education remains accessible to all community members.
Parental Engagement
We encourage active parental participation through home visits, progress meetings, and shared learning journals via Baby's Days. Parents contribute to policy development and fundraising, with regular communication channels including Class DoJo. This partnership approach strengthens children's transitions and developmental outcomes through consistent home-setting support.
People
Dawn Kelly
Manager & SENCO
Dawn has led Barton-le-clay Pre School since 2015, specializing in speech and language development. With Level 3 SENCO and safeguarding qualifications, she oversees staff training and child welfare. A passionate advocate for early years education, she has three children of her own.
Hannah Doyle
Team Leader
Hannah brings diverse experience from aviation and care sectors. As Outdoor Learning Lead, she designs nature-based activities that enhance physical development. Her approach combines creativity with practical skills, fostering children's confidence through hands-on exploration and structured play.
Natalie Bowers
Book Keeper
Natalie has managed finances since 2012, ensuring fiscal transparency for this charity. Her background in bookkeeping and parental perspective informs operational decisions. She coordinates funding applications and maintains compliance with regulatory requirements, supporting sustainable service delivery.
Beth Potten
Early Years Practitioner
Beth, an apprentice-turned-educator since 2015, focuses on forest school principles. With Level 1 Forest School training, she creates nature-based learning experiences that develop resilience and environmental awareness. Her family-oriented perspective strengthens parent partnerships.
Sam Barraclough
Team Leader
Sam specializes in arts education with 12 years' experience. As Healthy Movers Champion, she integrates physical activity into creative sessions. Her expertise in Twinkl phonics enhances literacy development, combining artistic expression with foundational academic skills.
Questions
What age range does Barton-le-Clay Pre-School accept?
We accept children from their second birthday up to school age, providing tailored programs for 2-5-year-olds in a mixed-age setting.
How do I apply for government-funded hours?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss eligibility. We'll guide you through childcarechoices.gov.uk verification and help claim 15-30 funded hours as applicable.
Do you support children with special educational needs?
Yes, our SENCO and Makaton-trained staff work with external agencies to create personalized support plans. We have sensory resources and accessible facilities for children with disabilities.
What are your session times?
Term-time-only sessions run Monday-Friday: 9:00-12:00 (morning) and 12:00-15:00 (afternoon), with options for 2+ sessions weekly minimum.
How do you involve parents in their child's learning?
We use Baby's Days online journals for daily updates, hold parent-teacher meetings, and offer home visits. Families can access learning journals 24/7 and participate in progress reviews.
What outdoor learning opportunities are available?
Weekly outdoor sessions include tool use, shelter-building, and nature exploration. Our garden features climbing frames, sensory plants, and designated areas for physical play and environmental education.
