About us

Latchingdon Pre-School was established during the 1990's in the local village hall by a group of parents to enable both children and parents/carers to meet and play socially together.  This idea developed into a pre-school and a separate toddler group.  In September 2012 we were fortunate to move into our current home which is within the local primary school.  Following this move we were able to offer afternoon sessions and extended services to the pre-school and the school children.  During 2013 the pre-school management transferred to private ownership but the fundraising activities remain part of the charity and continue to strive to develop our setting and to meet the needs of the children who we care for.

Our Setting 

Although we are independent to Christchurch Primary School we are based on their school site.  This gives us the opportunity to have a safe and secure base for our pre-school and gives the children the opportunity to see how a school works and when the occasion arrises they can use the school play facilities.  The children enjoy playing on the school field and playground.  They also enjoy the opportunity to visit the school hall.

Below are some pictures of our pre-school room

This is our reading corner, which is a cosy space with bean bag seats and many many books.  The children can also sit with one of our reading buddies who are called Barnaby the Bear, Mateo the Monkey, Douglas  the Dog and Harry the Baby.

Next to this area is our role play section, in this photo it's a Garage.  The children have a reception area and tools to work on a car.  This area is changed regularly and can be many things, for example it can be a cafe, a space station, kitchen, doctors, recycling centre and many many other things.

This is our small world area, in this photo it's set up with space toys, this changes daily and we have many resources that we set up here.  We have Bluey toys, Babies, Little Pony's, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder, Cars and much much more.  Also in this photo is our den which the children love to sit in and play with their friends.

This is our construction area,  the children have opportunities to build in this area.  Displayed are magnetic cubes which can be used to make many things, we also have stickle bricks, duplo, mega blocks, link flowers, magnetic shapes and much much more.

The areas in these photos are our Maths, Literacy and Craft areas.  We have lots of different resource for the children to play with.  We have games, puzzles and fine motor toys which the children can use to move parts.  In our craft area we have easels which the children can use for painting, drawing or sticking.  They can also use magnets on these boards.  There is also a table used for craft where children can take part in adult and child led activities.

Around the sides of our room we store all of our resources and on the walls we have our birthday chart and our WOW moments.  Children are given the opportunity to choose which toys they want to play with and we also have some toys which are always available.  At the end of the room is our separate bathroom which has toilets, potties and a changing unit.  The children also hang their coats on hooks in the bathroom and changes of clothes are also stored in here.

We also have a snack area at the end of the room.  Children are offered tasty and healthy snacks in this area.  Water is also available at all times.  When children stay for lunch this is done in our main room on the activity tables.  

This is our outside environment,  The area is safe and secure and the children have lots of opportunities to play out here.  

Admissions

We are open to every family in the community, and we make every effort to ensure that the pre-school is genuinely accessible to all.  We are registered for 22 children per session.

Latchingdon Pre-school is for children aged from 2yrs to rising 5 and there is a waiting list.  Please contact the manager or call to put your child's name on our waiting list.  Once you have been offered and accepted a place, we recommend that your child visits the pre-school, and we can organise the completion of registration forms and other related documents.

Children are normally admitted to the pre-school during the term of their 2nd birthday or a date that is suitable with the parents.

We offer places in order of birth having regard to length of time on the waiting list and any special circumstances.

We require half terms notice if your child is to leave Latchingdon Pre-School.  Failure to give this notice will result in you being responsible for the payment of half term fees.  While your child is absent due to holiday's or illness you will be requested to pay your child's normal session fees.

Communication