Walberton Pre School

Walberton Pre-School is a well-established and celebrated pre-school based in the heart of Walberton, West Sussex. Located in Walberton Village Hall, our pre-school is proudly run by an experienced and dedicated staff team who are passionate about providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2 - 5 years. With over 20 years of experience, we have had the privilege of working with over 600 children and families, many of whom come from a wide range of local areas and schools. Our pre-school is registered by Ofsted, and our most recent inspection deemed us as "Good", reflecting our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality early years education.

Hours and Funding

We are open for morning sessions from Monday to Friday during school term times, from 9:15 am - 12:15 pm. Our follow-on sessions are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday afternoons, from 12:15 pm - 3:15 pm. Our pre-school is owned and managed by local residents Helen Baxter and Mandy Foulds, who are proud of the community-driven and friendly atmosphere we have created.

All children are eligible to receive 15 hours of Government Funding from the term after their 3rd birthday. For eligible families, additional funding of up to 30 hours per week is available. To check your eligibility, please visit the Childcare Choices website or contact the WSCC Family Information Service on 01243 777807. For those claiming the 2-year-old funding, please inform us so that we can make the claim direct from the WSCC. We are registered to receive payments via the Government Tax-Free Childcare scheme.

Our Classes

At Walberton Pre-School, we have two classes designed to cater to the different age groups and stages of development. Younger children, aged 2 and 3, join our Robins Class. This class allows them to explore and learn through play with a curriculum tailored to their age group. Older children, aged 3 and 4, preparing to leave us and go on to school the following Autumn Term, join our Owls Class. This class offers a more structured learning environment, helping to prepare them for their school journey while still maintaining the joy and excitement of pre-school play.

Both classes share the expansive, bright, and airy play space within Walberton Village Hall. Additionally, children have access to a secure outdoor learning space used all year round. This area has been described as "Walberton's best kept secret" by visiting parents, providing an engaging and fun space for children to grow and learn.

Potty Training and Education

We understand that children do not have to be potty trained when beginning pre-school and are more than happy to support their learning in this area. When children show an interest in using the toilet and becoming more independent, we ask that parents encourage the use of 'pull-ups' rather than nappies.

Our education goal is to give your child the best possible start to their formal education. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, a play-based learning approach designed to develop children's skills in communication, language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, understanding of the world, and expressive arts and design.

Each child is assigned 'keyworkers' who maintain formal records, called Learning Journals, of their progress. We involve parents in their child's learning journey, using an app to record and share progress, achievements, and photos between home and pre-school. We believe that parents are their child's first educators, and we value the unique relationship and collaboration between home and pre-school.