Business Details
Trusted Child Care Services in Layer de la Haye
Layer Preschool has been nurturing young minds through play-based learning for over five decades. Established as an Ofsted-registered charity in Layer de la Haye, we combine 50 years of experience with modern educational practices to create a stimulating environment for children aged 2-5. Our team of highly qualified professionals includes a SENCO-certified manager and staff trained in EYFS frameworks, paediatric first aid, and safeguarding protocols.We offer flexible childcare options with both 15-hour and 30-hour funded sessions, complemented by our unique Forest School programme that fosters outdoor exploration and resilience. Our committee-led governance ensures community involvement while maintaining strict adherence to Charity Commission regulations, and our innovative use of Tapestry online learning journals provides parents with real-time insights into their child's development.
Services
Childcare Services
Forest School
Settling-In Sessions
Online Learning Journals
Outdoor Exploration
Parent Partnerships
Special Educational Needs
Community Fundraising
Forest School Activities
Flexible Sessions
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of dedicated early years childcare experience
- Our staff hold Level 3 paediatric first aid and safeguarding qualifications
- Forest School sessions develop resilience and outdoor learning skills
- Committee governance ensures community-focused decision making
- Tapestry online journals provide real-time child development tracking
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Charity Commission
- Early Years Alliance
What people say
Amazing staff
Nurturing environment
Thriving confidence
Wonderful setting
Inclusive approach
Services
Childcare Services
Our childcare services cater to children aged 2-5 with structured learning through play. Qualified staff deliver EYFS-compliant activities in purpose-designed indoor and outdoor spaces. Forest School sessions and online learning journals enhance development tracking.
Forest School
Led by certified practitioners, our Forest School programme develops resilience through woodland activities. Small group sessions include den-building, nature exploration, and risk-assessed outdoor challenges that promote confidence and environmental awareness.
Settling-In Sessions
We offer tailored settling-in periods to help children adapt at their own pace. Staff work closely with families to ensure smooth transitions through gradual integration and personalised care plans.
Online Learning Journals
Tapestry-based digital journals provide real-time updates on child development. Parents access secure portals to view progress, upload home activities, and collaborate with key workers on learning objectives.
Parent Partnerships
Regular parent meetings, newsletters, and partnership mornings foster home-school collaboration. Staff maintain open communication channels to discuss development plans and home learning support strategies.
People
Paula Clark
Preschool Manager
BA (Hons) in Early Years Level 6 qualified manager with SENCO certification. Leads staff training and special educational needs provision while overseeing daily operations and safeguarding protocols.
Sarah Proctor
Preschool Assistant
NVQ Level 3 qualified practitioner with expertise in health and safety, speech and language support, and equality coordination. Provides hands-on care and learning activities for children.
Jo Gipson
Forest School Assistant
Level 3 Early Years Educator and qualified Forest School Assistant training toward Level 3 leadership. Delivers outdoor learning sessions focusing on natural environment exploration and skill development.
Karena Dunn
Office Manager
Handles administrative operations while maintaining safeguarding Level 2 certification. Coordinates committee communications and ensures regulatory compliance for daily preschool functions.
Amy Goodburn
Deputy Manager
CACHE Level 3 qualified deputy manager with paediatric first aid expertise. Supports daily operations, staff supervision, and implementation of educational programmes across all age groups.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 2 to 5 years for both 15-hour and 30-hour funded childcare sessions in Colchester.
Are staff qualified in child safety?
All staff hold paediatric first aid and safeguarding qualifications, with our manager possessing Level 6 Early Years and SENCO certifications.
Do you offer outdoor learning?
Yes, our Forest School programme provides structured outdoor activities in woodland environments with qualified Level 2 and 3 practitioners.
How do you track child development?
We use Tapestry online learning journals for real-time progress tracking, allowing parents secure access to updates and development records.
Can parents get involved?
We encourage parent participation through partnership mornings, committee volunteering opportunities, and regular communication channels with teaching staff.
What facilities do you have?
Our facilities include role-play areas, messy play pods, reading corners, outdoor garden with pirate ship frame, sandpit, and woodland access.
Reviews (6)
Gemma Baker-Smith
Mar 13, 2020
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What an amazing pre school! Setting is great, with lots of variety for little ones to choose from. Love the fact its very relaxed and little ones can do crafts, play and do activities such as baking ect. Staff are all so welcoming and friendly!
Claire Sherrington
Jul 24, 2019
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Thank you to everyone at Layer Pre school for providing my daughter with the very best start and especially to Amy ❤️ She has come on in leaps and bounds, and you have helped bring out the very best in her and… we’ve loved watching her grow under your care. The time has come for my daughter to leave you all, and I’m genuinely disappointed that it’s come to an end. Thank you Amy and everyone at Layer Pre School
Sandy Measor
Jul 18, 2019
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Very experienced staff who show their dedication to their job and the children they work with. Happy staff and very happy children. Thank you for all you have done for my granddaughter. I am so glad we chose layer preschool.
Zoe Kendall
Jul 20, 2018
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Best pre school around I went there as a child and it was so nice having my child go there, Paula and her team are amazing and so Friendly, Ethan has learnt so much from being at pre school, I remember his first few months he wouldn’t stop crying when I left I felt awful leaving him as he had only just turned 2, but then he loved it so much I couldn’t get him away, will miss taking him here and seeing all friendly faces. Hopefully my next child can attend this pre school too.
Samantha Baker
Jul 19, 2018
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I don't actually know where to start.. to Paula and all the team I can't begin to tell you how you have changed our situation. Before Bea came to you I never thought with her condition I would be able to leave her with anyone and I certainly never thought I would feel as confident with her being anywhere without us. She has grown and her confidence… has grown. You have not only shaped her into the amazing little girl she is but you have shaped me and have helped me in ways I can never express. I can't find the words to say thank you enough to every single one of you and especially of course
Sophie Russell
Apr 24, 2018
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What an amazing setting. Staff are so lovely and welcoming. My eldest enjoyed her time here and learnt so much. I would recommend for anyone to let there little ones come here! Thank you Layer Pre School what an amazing job you do!
