Business Details
Quality Early Years Education in Chippenham
Pewsham Preschool is dedicated to providing a safe, stimulating environment where children learn and develop through play. Our experienced team works closely with parents to tailor education to each child's unique needs, adhering to the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. With a focus on inclusion and individuality, we foster confidence, independence, and social skills in every child. Our staff hold Ofsted-approved qualifications and undergo regular training to maintain high standards.We maintain excellent adult-to-child ratios and ensure all safeguarding protocols are rigorously followed. Our commitment to continuous improvement has been recognised in our latest Ofsted report, which rated our provision as Good. We actively involve parents in their child's learning journey through regular communication and collaborative activities. By combining structured learning with free-flow play, we create an environment where children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Services
Early Years Education
Childcare Sessions
Special Educational Needs Support
Parental Involvement Programs
Key Person System
Speech and Language Support
Outdoor Learning Activities
Transition Preparation
Flexible Session Options
Progress Monitoring
Highlights and features
- Experienced staff with Ofsted-approved qualifications and regular training
- Excellent adult-to-child ratios ensuring individualised attention
- Ofsted-rated 'Good' provision with proven educational outcomes
- Tailored support for children with special educational needs
- Strong parental involvement through regular communication and activities
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Pre-school Learning Alliance
What people say
Settled in easily
Lovely staff
Flexibility and friendliness
Positive attitudes
Care and support
Services
Early Years Education
Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on seven key areas of development. Through structured activities and free-flow play, children develop cognitive, physical, and social skills. Our practitioners plan engaging experiences that nurture curiosity and creativity while tracking individual progress.
Childcare Sessions
We offer morning (8:45-11:45), afternoon (11:45-14:45), and full-day (8:45-14:45) sessions five days a week during term time. Optional additional sessions run until 15:15 with separate charging. Our flexible approach accommodates different family needs while maintaining consistent care routines.
Special Educational Needs Support
Our designated SENCO provides tailored support for children with additional needs. We work closely with parents and external agencies to create individual education plans. The setting implements specialist interventions like BLAST programmes and uses Total Communication strategies to support speech and language development.
Parental Involvement Programs
We encourage active parental participation through regular communication, learning journey diaries, and open sessions. Parents contribute to activity planning and can join committee meetings. Our Tapestry online platform provides real-time updates on children's progress and daily activities.
Key Person System
Each child is assigned a dedicated key person who monitors their development and maintains close communication with parents. This system ensures consistent care, personalised learning plans, and detailed progress tracking through individual learning journey records.
People
Janet Croft
Preschool Manager and Safeguarding Officer
With qualifications up to Level 4 in childcare management, Janet has led the preschool since 2009. She holds safeguarding certifications and focuses on continuous quality improvement in early years provision.
Barbara Heath
Preschool Manager, Health & Safety Officer and SENCO
A former childminder, Barbara has managed the setting since 2013. She specialises in special educational needs support and holds Level 3 qualifications in supporting children with autism spectrum conditions.
Diane Head
Administrator and Early Years Practitioner
Diane manages admissions and brings NVQ Level 2 childcare qualifications to her role. With long-standing committee experience, she provides administrative and practical support across the preschool.
Jane Knight
Early Years Practitioner
With a preschool practice diploma since 1996, Jane specialises in speech and language support. She implements Makaton and BLAST programmes to help children develop communication skills effectively.
Rachel Punter
Early Years Practitioner
Rachel holds a Level 4 childcare qualification and focuses on creative and outdoor learning. With extensive experience in various childcare settings, she creates engaging environments for children's development.
Questions
What age does Pewsham Preschool accept children?
We accept children from two-and-a-half years old up to school age.
How long are your operating hours?
We operate during term time only, with sessions from 8:45am-11:45am, 11:45am-2:45pm, and all-day options.
Do you offer government-funded childcare hours?
Yes, we offer 15 hours free childcare for three-year-olds and 30 hours for eligible parents.
How do you support children with special educational needs?
We have a dedicated SENCO, implement individual education plans, and work with external specialists to support children's specific needs.
Can parents get involved in the preschool activities?
Yes, we encourage parental involvement through volunteering, committee membership, and regular collaborative activities.
How do you communicate children's progress to parents?
We use Tapestry online journals, regular parent meetings, and daily communication through key persons to share progress updates.
Reviews (5)
Hannah Simkins
Jan 17, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Excellent preschool, my daughter thrived here and really came out of her shell ready to start school. Would highly recommended!
Excellent preschool, my daughter thrived here and really came out of her shell ready to start school. Would highly recommended!
Teryn Marlow
Nov 13, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Such a lovely preschool. All my children will be attending. The staff members of the preschool are very caring and supportive. The resources are brilliant and environment is warming and fun! My daughter loved going to this preschool and helped her transition to school.
Such a lovely preschool. All my children will be attending. The staff members of the preschool are very caring and supportive. The resources are brilliant and environment is warming and fun! My daughter loved going to this preschool and helped her transition to school.
Danielle Embling
Sep 12, 2021
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Such a lovely preschool - the staff are great, the resources are brilliant and setting has an amazing garden for all of the children to enjoy. My son loved his time here. I would highly recommend :)
Leanne Springhall
Dec 27, 2019
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A wonderful setting for your child to spend their preschool year. Well-trained, warm and enthusiastic staff who care about the educational and emotional wellbeing of the children in their care. My boy loves going, my daughter will definitely be going there, I cannot recommend it enough.
Paul Newson
Nov 09, 2018
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My son absolutely loves Pewsham Preschool. The staff are fantastic and he has learnt so much in the time that he has been there. He always tells us about the fun he has had during the day. The staff send us videos and images showing what he is learning and the milestones he has achieved using their Preschool app so I don't miss out on his journey.
