Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Early Childhood Education in Stevenage
Established in 1983 as Aston Playgroup and rebranded as Aston Pre-school in 1999, we are a registered charity dedicated to providing a safe, stimulating environment for early childhood development. Our team of qualified Early Years practitioners prioritises individual care, with a high adult-to-child ratio and a tailored curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines. Governed by a volunteer committee of parents, we foster community involvement and ensure equality of opportunity for all families.Our staff undergo Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service checks and commit to ongoing training, maintaining high standards through Ofsted compliance and external quality assessments. We offer flexible payment plans, accept government-funded childcare hours, and provide a structured admissions process with transparent criteria.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Playgroup Activities
Keyworker Support
Curriculum Development
Parent Involvement Programs
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We are a registered charity with over 40 years of community-focused childcare experience.
- Our staff hold Enhanced DBS checks and undergo continuous professional development.
- We maintain a high adult-to-child ratio for personalised attention and safety.
- Our curriculum aligns with Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines for structured learning.
- We offer flexible payment plans and accept 15/30-hour government-funded childcare schemes.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Charities Commission
- Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our tailored curriculum follows Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, focusing on structured play, social skills, and foundational academic concepts. Qualified staff deliver age-appropriate activities to foster cognitive, physical, and emotional development in a secure environment.
Keyworker Support
Each child is assigned a dedicated keyworker to monitor progress, provide individualised attention, and maintain consistent communication with parents about developmental milestones and care needs within our high adult-to-child ratio framework.
Parent Involvement Programs
We encourage active parental participation through volunteer opportunities, committee roles, and regular updates on child development. Parents receive guidance to support learning at home and attend events to strengthen family-school connections.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our SENCO-qualified staff implement individualised support plans for children with additional needs, working within Ofsted guidelines to ensure inclusive learning environments and access to specialist resources when required.
Flexible Session Options
We offer sessions that accommodate 15/30-hour government-funded schemes, with flexible payment arrangements available. Sessions are structured to balance learning, play, and rest periods while maintaining continuity in educational progress.
People
Melanie
Pre-School Manager/SENCO
Qualified in Special Educational Needs, Melanie leads our team with expertise in inclusive early years education and child development.
Cheryl Galbraith
Deputy/Key Person
Cheryl supports daily operations and provides individualised care as a keyworker, ensuring adherence to safeguarding and educational standards.
Danielle Thomas
Key Person
Danielle delivers personalised attention to children, tracking progress and maintaining communication with parents within our high adult-to-child ratio model.
Nicky Blake
Key Person
Nicky focuses on creating stimulating learning environments and supports children's social and emotional development through structured play activities.
Chloe Alston
Key Person
Chloe implements the tailored curriculum while providing individual care, ensuring each child's learning journey aligns with early development goals.
Questions
What are your admissions criteria?
Priority is given to Aston residents, application date, and siblings currently attending. We follow equal opportunities policies and accept children with special needs in exceptional cases.
How much do sessions cost?
Sessions cost £18 each, invoiced half-termly. Payment plans are available for parents requiring flexibility.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff are Enhanced DBS checked, qualified in Early Years education, and undergo continuous professional development.
Do you accept government-funded childcare hours?
Yes, we accept 15 and 30-hour funded childcare schemes for eligible children.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can join our volunteer committee, participate in activities, and receive regular updates on their child's progress through keyworker communication.
