Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Purley Pre-School: Nurturing Early Years Education Since 1975
Established in 1975, Purley Pre-School has dedicated four decades to delivering high-quality early years education across Purley on Thames, Tilehurst, Pangbourne and surrounding areas. Our approach combines a stimulating, well-resourced learning environment with tailored support for children's individual needs, including those with SEND and English as an additional language. Recognised by Ofsted for our commitment to personal, social and emotional development, we offer Forest School sessions that foster outdoor learning and physical growth.Our experienced team, holding relevant qualifications and paediatric first aid certifications, implements a curriculum aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage requirements while maintaining strong parental engagement through online learning journals. Continuous improvement drives our practice, as evidenced by our investment in staff training and adaptive programming based on family feedback.
Services
Early Years Education
Forest School Sessions
SEND Support
Online Learning Journals
Parental Involvement
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 1:8 staff-child ratio with qualified educators since 1975
- Specialist Forest School provision develops outdoor learning and physical skills
- Proven expertise supporting children with SEND and English as an additional language
- Digital learning journals enable daily parent-teacher collaboration and progress tracking
- OFSTED-recognised focus on children's personal, social and emotional development
What people say
Stimulating learning environment
Impressive SEND support
Enthusiastic staff
Strong outdoor provision
Effective tailored support
Services
Early Years Education
Our structured learning program follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework while incorporating spontaneous play-based learning opportunities. Qualified educators facilitate child-led exploration through designated indoor learning zones and extensive outdoor facilities. Continuous progress monitoring ensures timely interventions for children needing additional support.
Forest School Sessions
Weekly woodland adventures develop physical coordination and environmental awareness through supervised risk-taking activities. Children explore natural elements while developing teamwork skills during structured hut-building, fire-safety training, and seasonal observation tasks tailored to their developmental stages.
SEND Support
Our designated SENCO coordinates individualised learning plans with regular progress reviews involving parents and external specialists. Staff maintain up-to-date training in speech and language support strategies, with visual timetables and sensory integration activities embedded throughout daily routines to aid accessibility.
Online Learning Journals
Tapestry platform captures developmental milestones through documented observations, photographs and video evidence. Parents receive real-time updates and can contribute home-based learning insights to create comprehensive records that support transition processes with primary schools.
Funded Childcare
Registered provider offering 15/30 hours free childcare entitlements for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds. Our flexible session options accommodate various parental employment patterns while maintaining continuity of care through consistent key worker assignments.
People
Alison Turner
Manager
MA in Early Childhood Studies graduate with over 15 years leadership experience. Designated Safeguarding Lead who oversees curriculum development and staff training. Forest School Level 3 qualified practitioner managing outdoor learning programs.
Katherine Hunt
Deputy Manager
Level 3 Early Years Educator with specialist safeguarding training. Coordinates staff professional development and maintains compliance with childcare regulations. Oversees daily operational management during manager's absence.
Claire Allen
Admin Officer
NNEB-qualified administrator managing admissions, funding claims and parent communications. Coordinates volunteer committee operations and maintains statutory records for regulatory inspections.
Kerry Savage
Treasurer
Chartered accountant responsible for financial management and budgetary oversight. Ensures fiscal compliance with charity regulations while managing procurement and grant applications for facility improvements.
Lewis Rayner
Senior Practitioner
Level 3 Early Years Educator implementing daily curriculum activities. Leads group sessions focusing on literacy development and coordinates transition programs for school-bound children through partnership working with local schools.
Questions
What age children do you accept?
We accept children from age 2 until they start formal schooling, typically around 4-5 years old.
Do you offer full-day care?
Our sessions run mornings (8:30-11:30), afternoons (12:15-3:15) and extended days (8:30-3:15), with flexible booking options available.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SENCO develops individual support plans with regular progress reviews. All staff hold up-to-date special needs qualifications and we maintain close partnerships with speech and occupational therapists.
Can parents observe sessions?
Yes, we encourage visits before starting and provide scheduled observation opportunities during themed learning weeks throughout the year.
What's included in Forest School activities?
Weekly woodland sessions include tool safety training, fire-building under supervision, seasonal nature studies and team-building challenges that develop resilience and confidence.
How do you communicate with families?
We use the Tapestry digital platform for daily updates, maintain an email newsletter, and schedule parent-teacher consultations twice yearly alongside regular informal check-ins.
