Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Pre-School & Toddler Care in Ely, Cambridgeshire
Established in 1975, we have dedicated five decades to nurturing young minds in a supportive, child-led environment. Our purpose-built facility near Ely, Cambridgeshire, offers expansive outdoor spaces and Forest School sessions that foster natural curiosity and hands-on learning. With a team of highly qualified practitioners, we implement 'in the moment planning' to tailor activities to children's interests and developmental stages. Our curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, ensuring holistic growth through play and exploration.We maintain strong partnerships with families, recognising parental insights as vital to individualised care. Accredited by Ofsted, we provide flexible session options including breakfast, lunch, and full-day programmes for children aged 2.3 to 5 years. As a registered charity, all funds directly enhance resources and experiences for our young learners. Our commitment to quality care and educational excellence has made us a trusted pillar of the Little Thetford community.
Services
Pre-School Sessions
Forest School
Toddler Group
Outdoor Learning
Healthy Eating Program
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of specialist early years experience in a rural Cambridgeshire setting
- Our Forest School sessions develop resilience and environmental awareness through outdoor learning
- Highly qualified staff implement individualised 'in the moment planning' for optimal development
- Flexible session options accommodate working families' needs with 15/30-hour funding entitlements
- Secure garden environment with natural resources promotes free-flow play and exploration
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Pre-School Sessions
Structured learning programmes for children aged 2.3-5 years following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Sessions include indoor and outdoor activities promoting cognitive, social, and physical development. Qualified practitioners deliver individualised care with flexible booking options including breakfast, lunch, and full-day sessions during term time.
Forest School
Specialist outdoor education for children over 3 years focusing on nature-based exploration and skill development. Activities include woodland crafts, environmental observation, and risk-assessed play. Limited spaces available on Mondays. Develops resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness through hands-on forest experiences led by trained practitioners.
Toddler Group
Weekly social sessions for younger children and caregivers featuring structured play activities and social interaction. Running Mondays 1:15-2:45pm with small participation fee. Provides early socialisation opportunities and parental networking in a supportive environment with age-appropriate resources and staff guidance.
Outdoor Learning
Curriculum-integrated outdoor activities utilising our extensive garden space with natural play resources. Includes seasonal crafts, sensory exploration, and physical challenges. Encourages environmental stewardship and kinesthetic learning. Available across all sessions with free-flow access between indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Healthy Eating Program
Nutritionally balanced meal planning with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Includes morning snacks and lunch options meeting dietary requirements. Teaches food hygiene and healthy choices through child-led cooking activities. Lunch club requires packed lunches from home with guidance on balanced meal composition.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 2 years 3 months to 5 years for pre-school sessions, with toddler group for younger children.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are Ofsted-registered and maintain our high standards through regular inspections and quality assurance processes.
Do you offer flexible hours?
We provide half-day, full-day, and combination sessions during term time with breakfast and lunch club options available.
What funding options are available?
We accept Working Parents' Entitlement funding (15 and 30 hours) for eligible families with children aged 2.3 years and above.
Is outdoor play included?
Yes, our extensive garden space with natural resources allows free-flow outdoor play throughout all sessions.
How do you support child development?
Our 'in the moment planning' approach tailors activities to individual interests, supported by qualified practitioners and Forest School sessions.
