Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Early Years Education & Childcare in Reading
Founded in 1967, The Grange Pre-school has dedicated over five decades to delivering high-quality early years education and care. As a parent-led institution, we operate under a management committee comprising parents and carers, ensuring decisions align with the needs of our community. Our team of qualified professionals holds essential certifications, including Paediatric First Aid and Enhanced DBS checks, while adhering to strict adult-to-child ratios. We implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on play-based learning to foster communication, physical development, and emotional growth. Our inclusive approach accommodates children from diverse backgrounds, including those with special educational needs, and we maintain partnerships with parents to support holistic development.Registered with Ofsted and a member of the Early Years Alliance, we combine structured educational goals with flexible, affordable childcare. Our commitment to anti-discriminatory practices ensures equality of opportunity for all families, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or family structure. With trained staff in food hygiene and safeguarding, we provide a safe environment where children build confidence through creative activities, outdoor play, and social interaction. Our curriculum, guided by Development Matters, balances child-led exploration with adult-led structured learning to meet individual needs. As a registered charity, we prioritize transparency and community involvement, reflected in our annual general meetings and parent engagement initiatives.
Services
Early Years Education
Childcare
Inclusive Programs
Parent Workshops
Outdoor Activities
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We are a parent-led pre-school with community-driven decision-making.
- All staff hold Paediatric First Aid and Enhanced DBS certifications.
- Our inclusive programs accommodate children with diverse needs and backgrounds.
- We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for structured learning.
- Registered with Ofsted and operating since 1967, ensuring proven reliability.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Early Years Alliance
- Registered Charity
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Education program follows the EYFS framework, combining play-based and structured activities to develop communication, physical skills, and emotional resilience. Qualified staff create personalized learning journeys, tracking progress in seven key areas. Children engage in creative play, storytelling, and group activities that prepare them for primary school.
Inclusive Childcare
Inclusive Childcare ensures all children, including those with special needs, receive tailored support. We maintain a 1:5 staff-to-child ratio for 2-3-year-olds and 1:8 for 3-5-year-olds. Our anti-discriminatory policies promote equality, accommodating diverse family structures and cultural backgrounds through flexible, needs-based care plans.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor Play sessions utilize our enclosed decking area for physical development and social interaction. Children explore sand, water, and construction toys while building motor skills. Structured activities like sports day and nature walks encourage teamwork, risk assessment, and environmental awareness in a secure outdoor environment.
Parent Partnerships
Parent Partnerships involve families in decision-making through our committee and regular meetings. Stay-and-Play sessions allow parents to engage with staff and observe their child's progress. We provide termly learning journey updates and maintain open communication to align home and pre-school experiences.
Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding Training ensures all staff hold Level 3 qualifications and complete Prevent Duty courses. Our designated officers implement strict safety protocols, including secure registration systems and DBS-checked personnel. Regular training updates maintain compliance with Ofsted standards, prioritizing children's welfare in all activities.
People
Julia Molyneux
Manager - Designated Safeguarding Officer
With over two decades at The Grange Pre-school, Julia oversees daily operations and child readiness for school. She balances leadership with family time, enjoying marathons, dancing, and live music.
Angela Oakey
Finance & Administration Officer
Angela manages financial operations and safeguarding duties since 2003. She combines administrative expertise with family activities, including football matches and Lego projects.
Shelley Johnson
Room Leader
Shelley has led classroom activities since 2009, focusing on creative play and family engagement. She enjoys running and spending time with her family.
Suraksha Sawant
SENCO
Suraksha coordinates special educational needs support and community events. With a decade of experience, she organizes fundraising and music activities, valuing local involvement.
Emma Kirby
Key Person
Emma has worked at the pre-school since 2017, specializing in storytelling and craft activities. She balances childcare with family days out and two young sons.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We cater to children aged 2 to 5 years, with structured programs for school readiness and flexible play-based learning for younger attendees.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SENCO coordinates individualized plans, maintaining small group ratios and adapting activities. Staff receive specialized training to meet diverse requirements while promoting inclusion.
Can parents participate in activities?
Yes! We offer Stay-and-Play sessions, parent workshops, and regular meetings. Families can join events like sports day and graduation ceremonies.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have Paediatric First Aid, Enhanced DBS checks, and Safeguarding certifications. Many hold Level 3 NVQs, with specialized training in early years education.
How do you prepare children for primary school?
We follow the EYFS framework, focusing on Early Learning Goals through structured group work, literacy/math activities, and social development to ensure smooth school transitions.
Are meals provided?
We offer healthy snacks with fruit, vegetables, and milk. Parents provide packed lunches for the lunch club, with staff assistance available for younger children.
