Business Details
Trusted Early Years Education in Basingstoke
Castle Hill Pre-School is an independent, committee-run charity pre-school dedicated to fostering early childhood development through play-based learning. Established to prioritise children's well-being, we offer a structured yet flexible environment where qualified practitioners deliver personalised education and care. Our team, all holding Level 3 qualifications or higher, collaborates closely with parents to support each child's progress. Accredited by Hampshire County Council for early years funding, we provide access to 15 - 30 hours of government-funded childcare for 2 - 4-year-olds.Our expansive outdoor play zone and thoughtfully designed indoor spaces encourage physical, cognitive, and social growth. With a curriculum aligned to national standards and participation in county and national educational programmes, we ensure children develop essential skills for school readiness. Our commitment to quality is reinforced through continuous staff training, paediatric first aid certifications, and a focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment that reflects the community we serve.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Play Zones
Curriculum Development
Parent Collaboration
Qualified Staff Training
Highlights and features
- We offer play-based learning with qualified Level 3 practitioners
- Our curriculum aligns with national educational standards and goals
- We provide government-funded childcare places for 24-year-olds
- Our outdoor play zone supports physical and exploratory development
- We maintain strong parent-teacher collaboration for child progress
Services
Early Years Education
Our play-based early education programme follows national curriculum goals while prioritising child-led exploration. Qualified practitioners create tailored learning experiences that develop independence, communication, and school readiness skills through structured activities and free play in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Outdoor Play Zones
Expansive outdoor spaces feature natural materials and loose parts to encourage physical development and imaginative play. Children engage with seasonal changes, gardening activities, and large-scale construction projects that support motor skills and environmental awareness in a secure setting.
Curriculum Development
Our curriculum aligns with national standards while incorporating innovative approaches like the National Maths Championship programme. We focus on self-care milestones, number recognition, language development, and social skills through carefully designed activities that balance adult guidance with child-initiated learning.
Parent Collaboration
We maintain regular communication with families through daily interactions, progress updates, and home-reading initiatives. Parents receive guidance on supporting learning at home while contributing to their child's individual development plan through ongoing consultation with key practitioners.
Qualified Staff Training
All staff hold Level 3 qualifications or higher with ongoing professional development in early years education. Our team maintains paediatric first aid certifications and participates in regular training updates to ensure best practices in child development and safety.
People
Rachel Sharpe
Manager/Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Rachel oversees daily operations and safeguarding protocols at Castle Hill Pre-School, bringing extensive early years experience to ensure quality care and compliance with educational standards.
Paula Jenkins
Deputy Manager/Designated Safeguarding Lead
Paula manages safeguarding procedures and room operations, combining leadership expertise with hands-on childcare experience to maintain high standards of child protection and development.
Ellie Abbott
SENCO/Room Leader
Ellie specialises in special educational needs coordination while leading classroom activities, ensuring inclusive practices that support diverse learning requirements within the pre-school environment.
Shantini Nanthakumar
Early Years Practitioner
Shantini delivers daily childcare activities with Level 3 qualifications, focusing on creating engaging learning experiences that align with individual children's developmental needs and interests.
Laura Richards
Playworker
Laura supports children's play and development through structured activities and outdoor learning experiences, maintaining safety standards while encouraging creative exploration and social interaction.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept children aged 2–4 years, including those eligible for government-funded childcare places.
How do you support school readiness?
Our curriculum focuses on independence, communication, and mathematical/literacy skills through play-based learning.
Are your staff qualified?
All practitioners hold Level 3 qualifications or higher with paediatric first aid training.
Do you offer outdoor learning?
Yes, we have an expansive outdoor play zone with natural materials and loose parts for exploration.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain regular communication and collaboration with parents to support each child's development journey.
Reviews (1)
Divya Sharma
Nov 08, 2018
Report
My child loves her preschool. As a parent I m very satisfied with CHPS regarding their teaching plans, hygiene and values.
