Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Salisbury
St Osmund's Preschool is a charity-run early years setting located within the grounds of St Osmund's Primary School in Salisbury. Established to provide affordable childcare and wraparound care, we cater to preschool children and those attending the adjacent primary school. Our culturally diverse environment celebrates families from various backgrounds, integrating their traditions into daily routines to enrich learning experiences. With a team of dedicated professionals holding qualifications ranging from Level 2 to Level 5 in early years education, we prioritise individualised learning through play-based activities. Our Forest School sessions, yoga programmes, and oral hygiene initiatives demonstrate our commitment to holistic development.As a registered charity (Number 1140389) and Ofsted-registered provider (URN EY357437), we combine structured educational frameworks with flexible, child-centred approaches. Over 13 years of collective staff experience ensures continuity in nurturing environments where children develop confidence and foundational life skills. Daily operations from 7:30am to 6:15pm accommodate modern family schedules while maintaining strong safeguarding protocols. Partnerships with parents and external agencies strengthen our ability to support children's unique needs. This combination of professional expertise, community engagement, and evidence-based practices positions us as a trusted provider in Salisbury's early years sector.
Services
Preschool Education
Wraparound Care
Forest School
Yoga Sessions
Oral Hygiene
Potty Training
Breakfast Club
After School Club
Cultural Integration
Safeguarding Support
Highlights and features
- We offer 13+ years of combined staff experience in early years education
- Our culturally diverse setting integrates family traditions into daily learning
- Forest School sessions develop outdoor learning and risk management skills
- Individualised key person approach supports each child's unique development
- Flexible wraparound care operates from 7:30am to 6:15pm daily
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Registered Charity (1140389)
What people say
Massive support given
Commendable learning development
Best start possible
Secure loving environment
Thrived under your care
Services
Preschool Education
Our play-based curriculum nurtures children aged 2-5 through creative exploration and structured activities. Qualified staff implement individual learning plans while promoting social development. Daily routines incorporate art, music, and physical play to stimulate cognitive growth and prepare children for primary school transitions.
Wraparound Care
Flexible childcare operates before and after school hours for children aged 2-11. Breakfast includes fresh fruit and cereals while afternoon snacks feature healthy options. Activities range from sports and crafts to quiet reading spaces, accommodating working parents' schedules with care from 7:30am to 6:15pm.
Forest School
Level 3 Forest School practitioners lead weekly outdoor sessions in all weather conditions. Children develop risk management skills through tool use and nature exploration. Activities include shelter building, seasonal observation, and sensory experiences that connect children with natural environments while meeting early years foundation stage requirements.
Oral Hygiene
Participating in NHS England's Big Brush Club initiative, we supervise daily tooth brushing sessions. Staff educate children on proper techniques using child-safe equipment. This preventative programme establishes lifelong oral care habits through fun, structured routines that complement home dental practices.
Potty Training
Key persons collaborate with families to implement consistent potty training approaches. We provide resource packs and progress tracking while maintaining individualised support. Staff use positive reinforcement techniques aligned with each child's developmental readiness, ensuring smooth transitions between home and preschool environments.
People
Polly Swannell
Manager
With 13 years' experience in early years education, Polly holds a Level 5 Leadership qualification and Forest School Practitioner status. She oversees daily operations and specialises in creating play-based learning environments that stimulate children's natural curiosity and developmental progress.
Helen Evans
Office Manager
Helen manages administrative operations with a BA in Social Science and TEFL certification. Having joined in 2017, she leverages parental experience to improve family communication. She coordinates wraparound care logistics and serves as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Emily Cope
Assistant Manager
A qualified early years practitioner since 2013, Emily specialises in child development through outdoor exploration. As Key Person and Deputy DSL, she implements safeguarding protocols while leading community engagement activities that enhance children's environmental awareness.
Barbara Buckingham
Forest School Leader
With RAF service and international teaching experience, Barbara brings Level 3 Forest School leadership expertise. She develops outdoor learning programmes and promotes healthy eating initiatives. Her background in nursery education spans both UK and Abu Dhabi settings.
Basia Stachurska-Rufino
EAL Specialist
Bilingual practitioner Basia supports English as Additional Language learners through targeted communication strategies. With Level 3 childcare qualifications, she implements special educational needs programmes and speech development interventions while fostering cross-cultural understanding in the preschool environment.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children aged 2-5 years in preschool, with wraparound care extending to 11-year-olds attending primary school.
Are meals provided?
Breakfast Club offers fruit, cereals and toast. After School Club provides healthy snacks. Parents supply packed lunches for preschool hours.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCO and EAL specialists create individualised plans, with Basia and Renata providing language support and tailored developmental interventions.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Yes, contact us to arrange a visit. Meet staff and observe our nurturing environment where children engage in structured play and learning activities.
What qualifications do staff hold?
Team members have Level 2-5 early years qualifications, including Forest School Practitioners, First Aid certified staff and safeguarding specialists.
How do you handle toilet training?
We partner with families using consistent approaches. Key persons provide guidance packs and implement individual readiness plans with positive reinforcement techniques.
