Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert Childcare and Early Learning in Norfolk
At Shipdham Preschool, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where children develop through play and exploration. Our qualified team prioritises child wellbeing, with all staff holding DBS checks, paediatric first aid training, and specialist qualifications in special educational needs and behaviour management. We offer a stimulating mix of indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including a forest school area, to foster creativity and physical development. Our curriculum focuses on language development, social skills, and early literacy while maintaining strong safeguarding practices. As an Ofsted-registered provider rated 'Good' in all areas, we combine structured routines with flexible learning opportunities tailored to individual needs.With over 25 years of collective experience among our leadership team, we support children aged 2 to school age through personalised key person relationships. Our wraparound care from 7:00am to 5:30pm and government-funded childcare options ensure accessibility for families in Norfolk. We maintain transparent communication with parents through regular updates and observation records. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through continuous staff training and community-led fundraising initiatives that enhance resources for all children.
Services
Early Years Education
Forest School Learning
Special Educational Needs Support
Wraparound Care
Outdoor Play Facilities
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We hold an Ofsted 'Good' rating in all assessment areas
- Our staff include specialists in special educational needs and speech development
- We provide forest school learning experiences with qualified leaders
- Flexible wraparound care available from 7:00am to 5:30pm
- We maintain a 25-year track record of early years expertise
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Norfolk Family Information Service
What people say
Caring staff
Excellent outdoor learning
Special needs support
Flexible hours
Well-structured routine
Services
Early Years Education
Structured educational programmes following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Focus areas include language development through storytelling, social skills through group activities, and physical development through play. Staff create individual learning plans for each child's progression.
Forest School Learning
Outdoor learning experiences in our dedicated forest school area with trained leaders. Children engage in nature-based activities that develop problem-solving skills and environmental awareness through hands-on exploration of plants, wildlife, and natural materials.
Special Educational Needs Support
Tailored support for children with additional needs through specialist staff training. Our SENCO coordinator implements individualised programmes for children with learning or behavioural requirements, including communication support using sign language and speech development techniques.
Wraparound Care
Flexible childcare from 7:00am to 5:30pm with breakfast and after-school sessions. Includes supervised play activities and healthy snacks, providing convenient options for working parents while maintaining continuity of care within the preschool environment.
Outdoor Play Facilities
Comprehensive outdoor learning spaces featuring play equipment, sandpit, mud kitchen, and construction areas. Designed to promote physical development and imaginative play with designated zones for different types of outdoor exploration and discovery activities.
People
Annette Watts
Manager
Level 4 Early Years Practitioner with over 25 years' experience. Specialises in outdoor learning and forest school leadership. Holds advanced first aid qualifications and child protection certifications.
Maxine Hinde
Manager
Level 3 Diploma holder in Preschool Practice with 16 years' experience. SENCO coordinator and speech development specialist. Accredited in Elklan communication training and safeguarding practices.
Chloe Ramm
Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 qualified practitioner since 2017. Specialises in EYFS planning and parent communication through Tapestry. Completed baby-friendly practice and positive behaviour management training.
Luce Thaddeus Smith
Early Years Practitioner
Currently completing Level 3 Early Years qualification. Focuses on child observations and assessments while supporting key person responsibilities for individual development tracking.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children from 2 years old up to school age, with a separate baby room for limited under-2 places.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we're Ofsted registered under number 2618962 and were rated 'Good' in all areas during our 2023 inspection.
Do you offer funded childcare places?
We provide government-funded places for eligible 3-4 year olds (15-30 hours weekly) and some under-2s through the Norfolk County Council scheme.
What special educational needs support do you provide?
Our SENCO coordinator and specially trained staff offer tailored support, including communication assistance using Signalong sign language and Elklan speech development programmes.
What are your opening hours?
Term-time only Monday-Friday: core hours 9:00am-3:00pm with wraparound care from 7:00am-5:30pm.
How do you support toilet training?
We support children through toilet training with established routines and provide guidance to parents while maintaining individual dignity and privacy.
