Business Details
24 Years
experience
Magic Box Pre-school Pre-school: Outdoor Learning for Early Years in Wellow
Established in 2002, Magic Box Pre-school Pre-school is a not-for-profit, Ofsted-registered early years provider nestled in the rural village of Wellow, Bath. Our dedicated team of experienced educators, all parents themselves, has nurtured generations of children for over two decades, preparing them for school life through play-based learning. We prioritise outdoor exploration, leveraging our countryside surroundings to foster confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.Our approach combines the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with individualised attention, ensuring each childs unique needs are met. With strong community ties and partnerships with local schools, we provide a warm, family-oriented environment where children thrive. Our commitment to safeguarding, continuous improvement, and transparent communication with families underscores our reputation as a trusted, high-quality pre-school setting.
Services
Outdoor-Inspired Learning
Forest School Activities
Phonics Programme
Cooking Education
Individualised Support
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in early years education with a dedicated team.
- Our outdoor-inspired curriculum leverages rural resources for hands-on learning.
- We maintain strong partnerships with families through individualised 'All About Me' plans.
- Our staff hold NVQ Level 3 and CACHE qualifications in early childhood education.
- We provide seamless transitions to local primary schools through established partnerships.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Calm family atmosphere
Dedicated warm team
Confidence grow
Happy day
Blossom in magical environment
Services
Outdoor-Inspired Pre-School Programme
Our play-based curriculum integrates outdoor exploration with structured learning, using local fields, gardens, and seasonal activities to teach literacy, numeracy, and science. Children engage in welly walks, gardening, and rural adventures while developing social and emotional skills in a safe, stimulating environment.
Forest School Activities
Inspired by Forest School principles, children participate in tool use, bug hunts, and nature crafts to build resilience and curiosity. These sessions promote physical development and environmental awareness through hands-on experiences like bark rubbing, stick construction, and clay modelling in our garden.
Phonics Introduction
A playful phonics programme introduces letter sounds and reading readiness through games, storytelling, and interactive activities. Staff use informal, play-based methods to develop vocabulary and comprehension, ensuring children feel confident and engaged as they prepare for formal schooling.
Cooking & Nutrition Education
Children learn about healthy eating through cooking sessions that involve sensory exploration of ingredients. Activities like making soup or bread incorporate counting, teamwork, and fine motor skills while fostering a positive relationship with food and nutrition.
Individualised Learning Support
Each child is assigned a key person who tailors activities to their interests and developmental needs. Through 'All About Me' forms and scrapbooks, we track progress and collaborate with families to ensure consistent support for personal, social, and emotional growth.
People
Amanda Rogers
Pre-school Manager
With over 20 years leading Magic Box Pre-school Pre-school, Amanda oversees daily operations and curriculum design. Her NVQ Level 3 qualification and passion for music-based learning ensure children develop confidence through creative, interactive sessions.
Carol Hancock
Pre-school Leader
Carol supports staff and families, drawing on her NVQ Level 3 expertise to enhance learning both indoors and outdoors. Her focus on one-to-one sessions helps children build strong bonds and individual skills.
Vicky Hammerton
Pre-school Practitioner
Vicky specialises in sensory cooking activities, using food preparation to teach learning areas from the Early Years Foundation Stage. Her CACHE Level 3 qualification ensures engaging, educational experiences for all children.
Karen Wilmott
Pre-school Practitioner
Karen leads phonics sessions and promotes literacy through storytelling. Her Level 3 Diploma and volunteer work in primary schools ensure children develop strong reading foundations and vocabulary.
Questions
What is your settling-in policy for new children?
We offer flexible stay-and-play sessions to help children adjust gradually, adapting to individual needs with support from their key person.
What should I pack for my child's day?
Bring wellies, a named water bottle, packed lunch (nut/sweet-free), indoor shoes, a spare change of clothes, and sun/winter hats as needed.
Do you support potty training?
Yes, we provide facilities and guidance for potty training when children show readiness, working closely with families to ensure consistency.
How will I stay updated on my child's progress?
Daily WhatsApp messages, scrapbooks documenting 'Wow' moments, and informal updates from key persons keep parents informed about learning and development.
Are there opportunities for parental involvement?
Parents can join our committee, share activities, or visit to read stories, fostering a collaborative community-focused approach to learning.
Is funding available for childcare costs?
Eligible families may access government funding towards fees—contact us for details on how to apply and reduce childcare expenses.
