Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Preschool in Great Oakley
Established in 2004, Oakey Dokeys is a community-led preschool rooted in the values of inclusivity and educational excellence. As a registered charity and limited company, we operate under the guidance of a dedicated volunteer committee comprising parents, staff, and community members. Our adherence to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework ensures a structured yet flexible approach to early childhood education, complemented by our membership in the Early Years Alliance. We prioritise individualised care, assigning each child a key person to support their development while fostering strong partnerships with families.Our team of qualified professionals, including a SEN Co-ordinator, delivers tailored support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aligning with the Essex Local Offer. Located on the grounds of All Saints Primary School in Great Oakley, our purpose-built facility provides a secure, stimulating environment where children aged 2 to school age thrive through play-based learning. With a legacy of community collaboration, we remain committed to nurturing young minds through a curriculum that balances statutory requirements with creative exploration.
Services
Early Years Education
SEND Support
Parent Committee Involvement
Funding Applications
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We are a registered charity preschool led by a volunteer committee of parents and staff.
- Our team includes qualified SEN specialists and Early Years Practitioners.
- We follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum rigorously.
- We provide tailored support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Our purpose-built facility is located on the grounds of All Saints Primary School.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Education program follows the statutory EYFS curriculum, focusing on communication, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional growth. We provide a language-rich environment to build vocabulary and literacy skills while fostering numeracy through hands-on activities. Our inclusive approach ensures all children, including those with SEND, develop confidence and foundational learning abilities.
SEND Support
We offer tailored support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including access to additional funding and collaboration with external agencies. Our SEN Co-ordinator works closely with families to create individualised learning plans, ensuring seamless integration into our inclusive setting while aligning with the Essex Local Offer framework.
Parent Committee Involvement
Parents and carers are encouraged to join our volunteer committee, participating in decision-making and fundraising activities. This community-led structure ensures families shape our policies and events, fostering a collaborative environment where all voices contribute to the preschool's development and long-term sustainability.
Funding Applications
We assist families in accessing government-funded childcare schemes, including 2-year and 30-hour entitlements. Our team guides parents through application processes for additional support funding, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder access to quality early education for eligible children.
Community Partnerships
Our partnerships with All Saints Primary School and local organisations enhance learning opportunities through shared resources and expertise. These collaborations strengthen our ability to provide a secure, enriching environment while maintaining strong ties to the Great Oakley community and its educational ecosystem.
People
Helen Hill
Manager
Helen Hill holds a Level 3 Diploma in Nursery Nursing and NNEB qualification. She oversees daily operations and safeguarding, ensuring compliance with EYFS standards while maintaining a nurturing environment for children and staff.
Sophie Rice
Business Manager
Sophie Rice manages administrative operations and equality initiatives. Her role ensures efficient governance and financial transparency, supporting the preschool's mission through strategic planning and community engagement.
Jemma Pells
SEN Co-ordinator
Jemma Pells, a Level 3 NVQ holder in Children's Care, leads our SEND support. She collaborates with families and external agencies to create inclusive learning plans, drawing on her 20-year experience since joining the founding team in 2004.
Sian Turner
Deputy Manager
Sian Turner, qualified with a Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, supports operational leadership and safeguarding protocols. Her expertise ensures consistent implementation of educational standards across all preschool activities.
Michelle Goddard
Deputy Early Years Practitioner
Michelle Goddard, holding a Level 3 Diploma in Nursery Nursing, delivers hands-on childcare and educational support. Her qualifications and experience contribute to maintaining high-quality daily care and developmental activities for children.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children from their second birthday until they start primary school.
Do you support children with Special Educational Needs?
Yes, we provide tailored support for children with SEND, including access to additional funding and external specialists.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can join our volunteer committee, participate in fundraising, and attend regular meetings to shape our policies.
Are you registered with Ofsted?
Yes, our Ofsted registration number is EY462559, and we fully comply with EYFS requirements.
What funding options are available?
We accept 2-year and 30-hour government-funded childcare entitlements and assist with additional support funding applications.
Can I visit the preschool before enrolling?
Yes, we welcome visits to help families determine if Oakey Dokeys is the right setting for their child.
