Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Child's First Step into Education at St Andrew's Pre-school
St Andrew's Pre-school Caversham was established in 1968 and has since grown into an Ofsted Outstanding-rated educational institution. Our primary mission is to serve as the foundational link in a child's educational journey, working closely with families to create a supportive learning environment. We maintain high staff-to-child ratios, ensuring individualised attention and tailored development plans. Our team holds advanced qualifications, including Early Years Professional Status and Level 6 certifications, alongside specialised training in safeguarding and paediatric first aid. As a registered charity (number 900218), we combine professional expertise with community involvement through our parent-led committee structure.Our membership with the Early Years Alliance provides access to continuous professional development and sector innovations. We prioritise child-centred learning through interactive play and structured group activities, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Our facilities in St Andrew's Church Hall offer a safe, inclusive space for early childhood education. We actively engage families through formal committee roles and informal participation opportunities. With over five decades of experience, we remain committed to evolving our practices while maintaining core values of care, inclusivity, and educational excellence.
Services
Early Years Education
Childcare Services
Curriculum Development
Parent Involvement Programs
Fundraising Events
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in early childhood education
- Our team consists of certified experts with Level 6 qualifications
- We maintain high staff-to-child ratios for personalised attention
- We are Ofsted Outstanding-rated with verifiable inspection reports
- We actively involve families through formal and informal participation
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted Outstanding
- Early Years Alliance
Services
Early Years Education
Our Ofsted Outstanding-rated program develops foundational skills through structured play and interactive activities. Qualified staff deliver age-appropriate curricula focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social development. We maintain high staff ratios to ensure individual attention and tailored learning plans for each child.
Childcare Services
We provide safe, nurturing care for children in a purpose-built environment. Our qualified team offers continuous supervision and developmental activities. Services include flexible session times and holiday care, operating within Ofsted-registered standards and safeguarding protocols.
Parent Involvement Programs
Our parent-led committee structure enables family participation in decision-making. We offer formal roles and informal opportunities for involvement, recognising the importance of home-school partnerships in child development and institutional improvement.
Fundraising Events
We organise annual events like Family Fun Days and Race Nights to support facility improvements. Additional initiatives include online shopping partnerships and sponsored activities, with 15% donations from local estate agents for property transactions through our network.
Staff Training
Our team maintains current qualifications including paediatric first aid and safeguarding certifications. We access specialist training through Early Years Alliance membership, ensuring staff expertise in child protection, special educational needs, and curriculum delivery.
People
Katharine Yarwood
Manager
Early Years Professional with Level 6 qualification and safeguarding leadership certification. Oversees staff training and child protection policies, maintaining Ofsted compliance and educational standards.
Karen Johnson
Deputy Manager
Level 3 qualified practitioner with designated safeguarding responsibilities. Supports curriculum implementation and staff development while ensuring compliance with childcare regulations.
Amanda Chenery
Administrator
Handles administrative operations with safeguarding certification. Coordinates communication between staff, parents, and the management committee while maintaining organisational records.
Hilary Coome
Early Years Practitioner
NNEB-qualified practitioner with SENCo responsibilities. Delivers classroom instruction and implements individualised learning plans while maintaining child protection protocols.
Fran Loar
Chair
Volunteer committee member leading governance and strategic direction. Oversees financial management and organisational development in collaboration with staff and parent representatives.
Questions
How do I register my child for St Andrew's Pre-school?
Applications for September 2026 are open via our online registration link. Contact us through the website form for specific application guidance.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes Level 6 Early Years Professionals, Level 3 qualified practitioners, and staff with current paediatric first aid and safeguarding certifications.
Is the pre-school Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are Ofsted-registered (number 116825) and maintain an Outstanding rating following our latest inspection.
How does fundraising support the pre-school?
Fundraising covers equipment purchases, facility improvements, and ICT resources. Events include Family Fun Days, sponsored runs, and community partnerships with local businesses.
What are your operating hours?
Session times are published on our website. Contact us directly for specific availability or to arrange a pre-enrolment visit.
How can families get involved?
Parents can join our committee, participate in fundraising events, or contribute through informal engagement opportunities with classroom activities.
