Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Pre-School in Worcester Park for Inclusive Early Education
Established in 1973, Doris Venner Pre School provides a stimulating and caring environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years in Worcester Park. Situated within the Doris Venner Community Hall, we offer structured morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions, alongside our specialised Sunshine Class for children with autism, ADHD, and speech delays. Our curriculum follows a free-flow approach aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, ensuring individualised attention through high adult-to-child ratios.Recognised with the Nursery World Inclusion Practice Award in 2024, we prioritise equality of opportunity and partner closely with families to support each child's development. As an OFSTED-registered charity and member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, we combine decades of expertise with continuous investment in resources and staff training to deliver high-quality early education.
Services
Early Years Education
Inclusive Support
Flexible Funding
Parent Partnerships
Curriculum Planning
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in early childhood education.
- Our Sunshine Class provides tailored support for children with special needs.
- We exceed national staff-to-child ratio requirements for individual attention.
- Award-winning inclusive practices recognised by Nursery World in 2024.
- Flexible funding options available for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds.
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
- Nursery World Inclusion Practice Award
What people say
Award-winning inclusion
Experienced staff
Flexible funding
Parent engagement
Structured curriculum
Services
Early Years Education
Structured learning programmes for children aged 18 months to 5 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Focuses on communication, physical development, and social skills through play-based activities. Sessions run term-time only with flexible daily options.
Inclusive Support
Tailored provision for children with autism, ADHD, and speech delays through our Sunshine Class. Delivered by trained staff with individualised learning plans and sensory-friendly environments to support diverse developmental needs.
Flexible Funding
Access to government-funded hours for eligible families, including 15-hour universal entitlement and 30-hour extended options. Assistance with applications for two-year-old funding and early years pupil premium support.
Parent Partnerships
Regular parent meetings, home visits, and online learning journals to track progress. Opportunities for parental participation in sessions and decision-making processes through trustee committees.
Curriculum Planning
Thematic curriculum covering seven key areas of development, including literacy, mathematics, and expressive arts. Combines child-led exploration with guided learning to foster curiosity and foundational academic skills.
People
Maria Churchill
Manager
Over 20 years' experience in early years education, leading safeguarding initiatives and curriculum development. Holds Level 3 qualifications with a focus on inclusive practices.
Charlotte Churchill
Deputy Manager
Specialises in special educational needs coordination with Level 3 qualifications. Manages daily operations and staff training programmes.
Joanne Tuhey
Third in Charge
Experienced practitioner with responsibilities for equality policies and health & safety compliance. Trained in early years leadership.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
Children aged 18 months to 5 years, with specialised support for those with additional needs.
How does funding work?
Eligible families can access 15-30 government-funded hours weekly for 3-4-year-olds and some 2-year-olds.
What special provisions exist?
Our Sunshine Class offers tailored support for children with autism, ADHD, and speech delays.
Are sessions full-day?
We offer morning (9:15-12:15), afternoon (12:30-3:30), and full-day (9:15-3:30) options.
How do you involve parents?
Through termly meetings, home visits, online learning journals, and volunteer opportunities on committees.
Reviews (5)
Clare Miller
Jul 09, 2020
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Amazing nursery. Staff have been great and caring especially through covid 19. My twin boys have loved every minute and it is such a shame it is so short as off to school September. Thanks again
Sascha Stipinovich
Aug 06, 2019
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My son has been at Doris Venner for 2 years now. We have been so impressed with the caring staff and the amount of effort and creativity that goes into the children's day to day activities. Thank you so much for everything that all the staff have done for our child. He absolutely loves going to Doris Venner and is so proud of everything he learns and makes there.
Abi Reeve
Jul 20, 2019
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Very caring and attentive staff that keep the children's day full with all kinds of learning activities, good community spirit, very high staff to child ratio and it seemed like Maria and Jane really made sure they employ the right people who stay there so there isn't a high turnover of staff unlike some nurseries, and it clearly shows through with it's happy but focused atmosphere. My son loved his time there.
Roxanne Jane
Jul 03, 2019
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Absolutely Doris venner !! My little boy has grown so much & learnt so much since starting!! He loves it so much he asks to go nursery on the weekend 🙈🤣
Fiona Wilkes
Jul 01, 2019
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Our 4 year old twins have been attending Doris Venner since September and they have loved it from the start. The staff ratio is excellent and the turnover is minimal creating a very caring and stable environment for the children. The children love the free flow learning environment which is child led and both love bringing home their crafted creations each week. They are happy and confident and been able to access Playball whilst attending which has further developed skills and confidence. I'd be happy to recommend Doris Venner as a great Early Years setting for anybody looking for their children
