Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare and Preschool Education in Earley
Established in 1984, we have dedicated over 35 years to delivering high-quality childcare and pre-school education in Earley, Berkshire. Our setting, located at Our Lady of Peace Church Hall, provides a nurturing environment where children develop intellectual, social, and emotional foundations for school readiness. With a staff ratio exceeding statutory requirements, we prioritise individualised attention through our Key Person system, supported by online learning journals for parental engagement. Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, incorporating holistic learning through structured activities, outdoor play, and ICT resources.Two secure outdoor spaces, including a vegetable-growing garden, enhance experiential learning. While we regret closing in summer 2025 after serving generations of families, our legacy reflects unwavering commitment to early years education. Our team holds advanced qualifications in childcare, safeguarding, and special educational needs, ensuring compliance with Ofsted standards following our May 2024 inspection which awarded us 'good' gradings across all areas.
Services
Childcare Services
Preschool Education
Funded Placements
Outdoor Play Activities
ICT Learning
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We maintain staff-to-child ratios exceeding statutory requirements
- Our team holds advanced qualifications in childcare and special educational needs
- We provide individualised learning journals for parental engagement
- Our outdoor spaces include a vegetable-growing garden for experiential learning
- We operate under Ofsted-registered quality assurance frameworks
Associations and certifications
- UK Registered Charity
- Ofsted
Services
Preschool Education
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework, delivering structured learning through adult-directed activities and child-initiated play. Qualified practitioners facilitate development in literacy, numeracy, and social skills while preparing children for school transition. Sessions incorporate letters and sounds programmes alongside ICT resources.
Childcare Services
We provide Ofsted-registered childcare for children aged 2-4 years with flexible session options. Our enhanced staff ratios (1:6 for 3-4 year olds) ensure individual attention. Services include morning, afternoon, and lunch club sessions with packed lunch provision required for extended care periods.
Funded Placements
Offering 15 and 30-hour funded placements for eligible 3-4 year olds, plus 15-hour schemes for 2-year-olds. Funding eligibility determined by parental employment status and income thresholds. Additional hours beyond entitlement available at standard session rates with term-time availability.
Outdoor Play Activities
Two secure outdoor areas feature all-weather surfaces and natural play spaces including a sand pit, mud kitchen, and vegetable-growing beds. Children engage in physical development through structured outdoor activities and free play, with weather-permitting access throughout operating hours.
ICT Learning
Age-appropriate ICT equipment integrates technology into early years education. Children develop digital literacy through guided computer activities and interactive learning tools. Resources support cognitive development and familiarisation with modern educational technologies in line with foundation stage requirements.
People
Claire Bartlett
Manager
Qualified to Level 3 in Early Years Education, Claire holds multiple leadership roles including SENCO, Safeguarding Lead, and Fire Safety Coordinator. She oversees daily operations and strategic management of the preschool.
Sasirekha Balaji
Deputy Manager
Level 3 NVQ qualified practitioner with responsibilities for language development, fire safety, and deputy safeguarding coordination. Leads classroom activities and staff training initiatives while maintaining current first-aid certification.
Claire Montgomery
Senior Practitioner
Level 3 qualified senior practitioner serving as Lead Fire Marshall and designated first aider. Specialises in child development monitoring and implementation of safety protocols across the preschool environment.
Kayleigh Clarke
Senior Practitioner
NVQ Level 3 qualified practitioner with designated first-aid responsibilities. Focuses on curriculum delivery and child engagement strategies while supporting staff training and development programmes.
Jayashree Payaringal
Cover Staff
NVQ Level 3 qualified practitioner providing staff cover during absences or training periods. Maintains continuity in childcare provision and educational activities across all age groups.
Questions
When does Maiden Erlegh Preschool close permanently?
We will close at the end of summer term 2025 after 40 years of service to the local community.
What funding options are available?
We offer 15/30-hour funded placements for eligible 3-4 year olds and 15-hour schemes for 2-year-olds based on parental employment and income criteria.
How do sessions and fees work?
Sessions run 9am-12pm and 12pm-3pm Monday-Friday during term time. 3-hour sessions cost £24, with lunch club at £4 per day.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Two secure outdoor areas include all-weather surfaces, sand pit, mud kitchen, and vegetable-growing beds for experiential learning.
How do you support child development?
We use the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework with individual learning journals, Key Person system, and regular parental updates through Tapestry.
Is the preschool Ofsted registered?
Yes, we received 'good' gradings in all areas during our May 2024 Ofsted inspection at our current premises.
Reviews (4)
Micheal Doran
Dec 05, 2018
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My child has complained about a business teacher. I think his name was Mr Van. My son told me that he is late to lessons and the whole class did badly in the test. I already reported this to the office but there hasn't been a change since. I hope this problem will be resolved because I want my son to do well. On another note, I think I heard my son say that Mr Van said that revision is not important and that they shouldn't do it. I am very disappointed at what is going on in that school. The only good thing I would say would be that the clubs are pretty good.
Adam A.
Nov 17, 2017
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I seen a teacher which wanted some personal details from student. The student started crying and I saw the teacher (I think) dragged inside the building. How disgraceful
Jonisha Stushi
Aug 31, 2017
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I hate the experience, I paid lots of money for a trip. A teacher stopped me from going and I didn't get the money back.
Haashim Hussain
Aug 15, 2017
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I think maiden Erlegh school is a brilliant way for students to come and join the community and also come and learn new things
