Business Details
32 Years
experience
Early Years Education in Driffield
At First Steps Pre-school Driffield Pre-school Driffield, we understand that transitioning from home to an educational environment represents a significant milestone for both children and families. Our dedicated team of professionally qualified staff specialises in creating a nurturing atmosphere where imagination, creativity, and social development flourish alongside academic readiness. With over two decades of collective experience in early years education, our practitioners hold recognised qualifications including NVQ Level 3 Childcare and Education, Qualified Teacher Status, and specialist SENCO certifications. We implement a carefully structured curriculum that balances structured learning with free play, ensuring each child receives individualised attention while developing independence.Our facility in East Yorkshire provides a stimulating environment equipped to support children aged 0-5 years, with access to outdoor learning spaces and partnerships with local schools to facilitate smooth educational transitions. As a registered charity (No. 1035653) since 1994, we maintain rigorous safeguarding standards and participate in the East Riding Local Offer to support children with special educational needs. Our operating hours align with school terms, offering flexible childcare solutions including 30-hour weekly provision for eligible families. Through regular Ofsted inspections and parent engagement initiatives like our monthly newsletter, we maintain transparency and continuous improvement in our childcare services.
Services
Early years education
Childcare provision
SEN support
Curriculum development
Parent partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We employ OFSTED-registered practitioners with NVQ Level 3 qualifications
- Our SENCO-certified staff provide specialist support for children with additional needs
- We maintain a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio ensuring individualised attention
- Our curriculum aligns with Early Years Foundation Stage requirements
- We offer flexible 30-hour weekly childcare provision during term time
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
- East Riding Local Offer
What people say
Exceptional SEN provision
Caring staff
Excellent curriculum
Great communication
Well-structured sessions
Services
Early years education
Our structured curriculum follows Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, focusing on six key areas of learning through play-based activities. Qualified teachers deliver daily sessions that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills while maintaining a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio. The programme includes outdoor learning experiences and transition support for school readiness.
Childcare provision
We offer flexible childcare during school term time, including morning and afternoon sessions with optional extended hours. Our facility accommodates up to 24 children daily, providing nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining strict hygiene standards. Parents can access 30-hour weekly provision subject to eligibility criteria through the East Riding Council.
SEN support
Our SENCO-certified practitioners implement individualised education plans for children with special educational needs. We collaborate with local authorities and healthcare professionals to deliver tailored interventions, including speech therapy resources and sensory integration activities. Regular progress reviews ensure continuous support aligned with the East Riding Local Offer framework.
Parent partnerships
We maintain open communication through daily updates, termly parent-teacher meetings, and a monthly newsletter. Our staff provide guidance on home learning activities and transition preparation for school. Parents receive regular photographic evidence of their child's progress through our secure online portal.
Curriculum development
Our team designs thematic learning journeys that integrate all curriculum areas through child-led exploration. Daily activities combine structured teaching with free play opportunities, supported by continuous assessment records. We maintain learning journals documenting each child's developmental milestones and emerging interests.
People
Alison Atkinson
Pre-school Manager
B.Sc. (Hons) in Early Childhood Education with Qualified Teacher Status. Oversees curriculum implementation and staff training. Leads safeguarding initiatives and maintains OFSTED compliance across all operational areas.
Gemma Broadhead
Deputy Manager and SENCO
Level 3 Early Years Educator with SENCO certification. Develops individualised education plans and coordinates specialist support for children with additional needs. Maintains partnerships with local healthcare professionals.
Rose Davies
Deputy SENCO
Level 3 Early Years Educator specialising in sensory development. Implements tailored interventions for children with sensory processing difficulties. Conducts regular observations to assess progress against individual learning goals.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We cater for children aged 2 to 5 years, with some provision for younger siblings during school holidays.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SENCO-certified staff create individualised education plans, working closely with parents and external specialists to deliver tailored support.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold minimum Level 3 Early Years qualifications, with several holding Qualified Teacher Status and SENCO certifications.
Do you offer holiday childcare?
We operate during school terms only, but can provide guidance on alternative holiday provision options.
How do you prepare children for school?
Our curriculum follows Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, with structured learning sessions and transition programmes including school visits.
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
We maintain a 1:8 ratio with at least two staff members present at all times, exceeding minimum regulatory requirements.
