About Walkern Preschool

Walkern Preschool is a small committee run preschool, registered with the charity commission, based in a purpose built classroom within the grounds of Walkern Primary School.  We like to promote our small, friendly village atmosphere and we pride ourselves on our close relationships with the parents, carers and children. 

We have a team of dedicated, caring staff who provide a welcoming atmosphere to all and offer a nurturing approach and inclusivity. Our key person system enables children to develop a secure attachment from which they can grow and thrive. All our staff are qualified in First Aid, Safeguarding and Child Protection and we support all staff in continual professional development to ensure that we use current research and pedagogical thinking when developing our curriculum and our practices.

We support children at all stages of their educational journey from attending our Baby & Toddler group to first days at Preschool and settling in, to the move to our Nursery session and the transition to Primary school. Our environment is safe and stimulating and we plan themes and activities according to the unique interests of each child.

At Preschool, we recognise the very different stages of development in the children and as a result we work to a system where our morning sessions are held for our Nursery age children and the afternoon sessions are for 2-3 year olds. This enables us to meet all the children's needs and ensures that their development is supported appropriately. 

​

Parents and carers are regularly invited into the setting for Open Days and Parent/carer Saturdays, and we hold major events, such as Sports Days at weekends so that the whole family can attend.

​

We are here for every child and will always ensure that each one is given the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential. 

​

The Preschool run two sessions each day (as follows), splitting the children by age, allowing us to adjust each session to their needs:

​​

Mornings 

Targeted to those due to start Primary School the following year. Our morning children are all invited to stay for Lunch club from 11:45am until 12:45pm. 

​

Afternoons
Children generally start in our afternoon sessions between 2 and 2½ depending on when the child is ready. Children usually start with two sessions per week, rising to perhaps three or four per week (after consultation with parents) in the second or third term of attendance.

​​

In addition, we run a weekly (term-time only) Baby & Toddler group, held every Monday from 08:45am-10.45am in Walkern School Hall. The cost is £3.50 per adult and child. Additional siblings £1 each. No need to book in advance for this friendly group where children can play in the large school hall and are provided with a snack whilst the parents have a hot drink. All proceeds go into the preschool charity funds.