Business Details
50 Years
experience
Easton Pre-school: Play-Based Learning in Suffolk
Easton Pre-school is a small charity-run early years setting established in 1976 in Easton, Suffolk. Our homely approach prioritises children's social and emotional development, offering a nurturing environment where qualified staff guide learning through play. Located within Easton Farm Park, we utilise the farm's facilities to provide unique outdoor experiences, including animal interactions and woodland exploration. Our team holds up-to-date paediatric first aid and safeguarding certifications, with specialists in speech and language development and creative play.Recognised by OFSTED as fostering secure emotional attachments, we support children aged a few months to 4 years, offering flexible funding options and family season tickets to the farm park. Parental involvement is central to our ethos, with opportunities for collaboration in activities and governance through our committee of trustees.
Services
Early Years Education
Outdoor Play Sessions
Parental Involvement Programs
Government Funding Assistance
Seasonal Activities
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 48 years of experience in early years education.
- Our farm park location provides unique outdoor learning opportunities.
- We accept all government childcare funding options for flexibility.
- OFSTED-rated environment fostering secure emotional attachments.
- Parents can participate in governance and fundraising activities.
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
- Early Years Alliance
What people say
Warm and inviting
Fantastic time
Happy, caring environment
Experienced staff
Excellent platform
Services
Early Years Education
Our play-based curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on communication, physical development, and personal growth. Qualified staff deliver tailored activities that nurture creativity and social skills while tracking progress through Tapestry. Children engage in structured learning alongside spontaneous play with natural resources and farm-themed experiences.
Outdoor Play Sessions
Daily access to Easton Farm Park enables woodland walks, animal interactions, and seasonal activities. Children explore giant sandpits, collect natural resources, and participate in feeding sessions with farm animals. This outdoor learning environment promotes physical development and environmental awareness through hands-on experiences in a safe, supervised setting.
Parental Involvement Programs
Parents actively participate in governance through our elected committee and contribute to fundraising initiatives. We encourage sharing skills and occupations with children while maintaining open communication about progress. Regular feedback opportunities and surveys ensure families feel integral to their child's educational journey and the preschool's development.
Government Funding Assistance
We accept universal and extended childcare funding for eligible families, including 15-30 hours of government-subsidised care weekly. Our team guides parents through eligibility applications and funding code processes. This financial support makes quality early education accessible while maintaining high staff-to-child ratios and resources.
Seasonal Activities
Our curriculum incorporates cultural and seasonal themes through creative projects and practical experiences. Children celebrate festivals like Chinese New Year and Easter while exploring weather patterns and natural cycles. These activities develop cultural awareness and scientific understanding through hands-on, age-appropriate engagement in both indoor and outdoor settings.
People
Jackie Wall
Pre-School Leader
With 24 years of experience, Jackie leads our team as a qualified early years teacher holding NVQ Level 3 qualifications. Her special interest in creative play enriches our messy and art activities while maintaining educational standards.
Nicole Harris
Childcare Specialist
Nicole brings 12 years of childcare experience with NVQ Level 3 qualifications, specialising in speech and language development for children with diverse needs across our inclusive setting.
Catherine Lockett
Childcare Practitioner
Catherine holds CACHE Level 3 qualifications with seven years' experience in various childcare settings before joining our team, contributing expertise in early years education and care.
Louissa Burrows
Chair
As committee chair, Louissa oversees governance and policy implementation while ensuring compliance with our 2011 constitution and charity regulations through regular reporting and DBS-checked leadership.
Emily Nightingale
Secretary
Emily manages administrative functions and documentation as our committee secretary, maintaining accurate records of policies, accounts, and operational procedures for transparency and compliance.
Questions
What are your operating hours and term times?
We operate Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm during term time only, with sessions structured around morning arrival, lunchtime, and afternoon activities.
How does childcare funding work at Easton?
We accept government funding for eligible children aged 9 months-4 years, including 15 universal hours and 30 extended hours, with support for application processes and funding code verification.
What makes Easton Preschool unique?
Our farm park location provides unparalleled outdoor learning opportunities, combining animal interactions with woodland exploration in a purpose-designed educational environment.
How can parents get involved?
Parents participate through our elected committee, fundraising events, and regular progress discussions while sharing their skills and occupations with the children.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff maintain paediatric first aid and safeguarding certifications, with qualifications ranging from NVQ Level 3 to early years teacher status and specialist training in child development.
What should children bring to preschool?
Children need named spare clothes, wellington boots for farm access, and healthy snacks, with high-visibility jackets provided for outdoor activities.
