Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Paignton
Established in 1989, Collaton St Mary Pre-School provides high-quality childcare and early education in a welcoming, semi-rural setting near Paignton, Devon. Our team of experienced, CRB-checked staff delivers a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage, fostering children's development through play and structured activities. Registered with Ofsted and supported by the Torbay Early Years Advisory Group, we offer sessional and full-day care for up to 30 children aged two to school age. Our facilities include two ground-floor rooms and a secure outdoor play area, with flexible timings to accommodate parental needs.We prioritise safeguarding, first aid coverage, and staff professional development, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment. As a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, we maintain strong community ties and collaborate with local schools to support smooth transitions. Parents are actively involved, with access to a dedicated online portal featuring photo galleries and resources. Our intergenerational activities and Forest School trips enrich learning experiences, reflecting our commitment to holistic development.
Services
Sessional Care
Full Day Care
Forest School Trips
Intergenerational Activities
Toddler Group
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.
- Our staff are CRB-checked, first aid certified, and professionally trained.
- We offer flexible sessional and full-day childcare options.
- Our secure outdoor play area supports active, nature-based learning.
- We maintain strong partnerships with local schools and advisory groups.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Pre-School Learning Alliance
- Torbay Early Years Advisory Group
Services
Sessional Care
Flexible morning, afternoon, and lunchtime sessions tailored to working parents' schedules. Our structured activities follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, ensuring children develop essential social, cognitive, and motor skills through play-based learning in a safe, supervised environment.
Full Day Care
Comprehensive full-day childcare covering early education and recreational activities. We provide nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining a balanced routine of structured learning and free play, supporting children's holistic development from 8am until 4pm daily during term times.
Forest School Trips
Nature-based educational experiences for pre-schoolers in their final term. These trips develop environmental awareness, physical coordination, and risk assessment skills through guided outdoor activities, aligning with our commitment to experiential learning and connection with natural surroundings.
Intergenerational Activities
Programmes connecting children with older community members to foster mutual learning and social bonds. These activities promote empathy, communication skills, and cultural awareness while creating meaningful intergenerational relationships through shared storytelling, crafts, and interactive projects.
Toddler Group
Weekly sessions for children aged 0-4 with their caregivers, featuring creative play, music, and storytime activities. This affordable drop-in group provides socialisation opportunities for young children while offering parents a supportive environment to connect and share experiences.
People
Julia Yarrell
Pre-School Manager
Experienced early years educator with over 15 years in childcare leadership. Specialises in safeguarding and curriculum development, ensuring high standards of care and educational outcomes for all children.
Leanne Drake
Deputy Manager
Dedicated childcare professional with extensive experience in early childhood development. Focuses on staff training and operational management to maintain quality care and compliance with regulatory standards.
Jayne Jones
Admin & Finance Manager
Responsible for financial oversight and administrative operations. Ensures efficient management of resources while maintaining compliance with funding requirements and organisational policies.
Chantelle Lane
Pre-School Assistant
Supports daily activities and child engagement. Specialises in sensory play and inclusive activities, contributing to a nurturing environment that accommodates diverse learning needs.
Laura Dexter
Pre-School Assistant
Active participant in curriculum delivery and child development monitoring. Committed to creating stimulating learning experiences that align with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We accept children aged two years until they start school, with our toddler group accommodating younger children up to age four.
Are meals provided during full-day care?
Yes, we provide nutritious meals and snacks as part of our full-day childcare service, with dietary requirements carefully accommodated.
How do you support children's learning and development?
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through play-based learning, supplemented by Forest School trips and intergenerational activities for holistic development.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff are CRB-checked, first aid certified, and receive regular professional training to maintain high standards of childcare and education.
How can parents stay informed about their child's progress?
Parents receive regular updates through our online portal, which includes photo galleries, news, and direct communication with staff members.
Do you offer flexible session times?
Yes, we provide early start options from 8:00am and late sessions until 4:00pm, with various term-time childcare vouchers accepted for added flexibility.
