Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in Great Yarmouth
Established in 1993, Penguin Pre-School has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Great Yarmouth. Our committee-run, OFSTED-registered charity (Charity No. 1039260) was founded to provide a nurturing environment where children develop social skills and foundational learning. With 13 dedicated Early Years Professionals, we prioritise tailored teaching methods that align with each child's interests, ensuring effective engagement. Our team undergoes continuous training to maintain expertise in early years care and education.We collaborate closely with parents, viewing ourselves as an extension of the family, and focus on fostering confidence, independence, and curiosity in children aged 2-5. Recognised for our 'Good' OFSTED rating (2015), we accept government-funded early learning for eligible children and operate term-time sessions from 8:30am-4:00pm. Our commitment to quality care and education remains unwavering, creating a supportive space where children thrive.
Services
Preschool Education
Childcare Services
Early Learning Funding
Social Development Programs
Parent Collaboration
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience in early years education.
- Our staff undergo continuous training in Early Years Care and Education.
- We received a 'Good' OFSTED rating in our 2015 inspection.
- We are a registered charity committed to accessible childcare.
- Our teaching methods prioritise individual child interests.
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Experienced team
Individual development
Strong OFSTED standards
Services
Preschool Education
Our preschool education program focuses on structured learning for children aged 2-5. We use interest-led teaching methods to develop foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and creativity. Our OFSTED-registered curriculum ensures children gain confidence through play-based activities while preparing for formal schooling. With small class sizes and experienced staff, we tailor lessons to individual needs, fostering curiosity and social interaction in a nurturing environment.
Childcare Services
We provide term-time childcare from 8:30am-4:00pm, offering a safe, stimulating environment for young children. Our services include supervised play, structured activities, and mealtime support. Staff trained in early years development ensure children's physical, emotional, and educational needs are met. We accept government-funded places for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds, making quality childcare accessible to local families in a friendly, family-like setting.
Social Development Programs
Our programs focus on building social skills through group activities and peer interaction. Children learn cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution in a supportive environment. Tailored sessions encourage empathy and teamwork while respecting individual differences. With experienced practitioners, we create opportunities for children to develop friendships and confidence, ensuring they build strong interpersonal foundations crucial for future academic and personal success in a structured yet playful setting.
Parent Collaboration
We work closely with parents as partners in their child's development. Regular communication ensures alignment between home and preschool experiences. Our team provides progress updates and tailored advice to support learning continuity. We host parent meetings and welcome feedback to enhance our services. This collaborative approach strengthens children's learning outcomes while fostering trust and transparency between families and our experienced staff, creating a cohesive support network for each child.
Early Learning Funding
We offer government-funded early learning places for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds. Our team assists parents in understanding eligibility criteria and application processes. These funded sessions provide high-quality education at no direct cost to qualifying families, ensuring accessibility to early years provision. With experienced staff and a proven track record of OFSTED compliance, we deliver structured learning opportunities that prepare children for school while supporting financial accessibility for local families.
People
Liesel Symonds
Manager
Liesel has worked in childcare since 1999, returning to Penguin Pre-School in 2011 as Manager. She leads a dedicated team focused on quality early years education. A mother of two, she understands parental concerns and ensures a nurturing environment for all children.
Rebecca
Deputy Manager
Rebecca joined in 2019 with four years' experience at a major nursery chain. As SENDCO, she specialises in supporting children with additional needs. Her nurturing approach creates an inclusive environment where all children can thrive through tailored learning experiences.
Mary
Room Leader
Mary has worked at Penguin Pre-School since 2006, specialising in behaviour management and special educational needs. She continually updates her knowledge through professional development, ensuring best practices in early years care. Her dedication to child development enhances our team's expertise.
Claire
Practitioner
Claire has been with us since 1998, bringing extensive experience in early years education. As equal opportunities coordinator, she ensures inclusive practices across all activities. Her artistic approach enriches our curriculum, supporting diverse learning styles in a fun, engaging environment.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 2-5 years old, offering tailored programs for different developmental stages.
Are you OFSTED registered?
Yes, we are OFSTED registered and received a 'Good' rating in our 2015 inspection.
Do you offer funded places?
We provide government-funded early learning places for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain regular communication with parents and offer progress updates to support learning continuity at home.
What safety measures are in place?
We have trained staff, secure premises, and clear procedures for emergencies and child welfare.
What is your operating schedule?
We operate term-time only, with daily sessions from 8:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.
