Thames Pre School

Welcome to Thames Pre-school, located in the heart of Cricklade, Wiltshire. We are a charity-run pre-school dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and education for children aged 2 to 5 years old. Our mission is to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

At Thames Pre-school, we believe that every child is unique and capable of achieving great things. That's why we take a child-led approach to learning, where we build on each child's interests, experiences, and strengths. Our experienced and caring team of early years educators work closely with each child to support their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Our Approach

Our approach to learning is grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which emphasises the importance of play-based learning and child-led activities. We understand that children learn best when they are engaged, interested, and having fun. That's why we plan our activities based on the interests of the children, using their natural curiosity and creativity to guide our curriculum.

We also recognise the importance of developing strong relationships with parents and carers. We believe that partnership working with families is crucial to ensuring the best outcomes for children. That's why we regularly communicate with parents and carers, sharing observations, achievements, and next steps for children's learning and development.

Our Programs

At Thames Pre-school, we offer a range of programs to meet the diverse needs and interests of children. Our programs include:

• Forest School: Our Forest School sessions are run by a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner and offer children the opportunity to learn and explore in a natural environment. During these sessions, children engage in a range of activities such as den building, mud painting, and bug hunting. These sessions provide children with valuable learning experiences, as well as developing their physical, social, and emotional skills.
• Funded Sessions: We offer funded sessions for eligible 2-year-olds and all 3- and 4-year-olds, including the 30 hours funded entitlement. These sessions enable children to access early years education and care at no cost to parents.
• Additional Needs Support: We are committed to supporting all children, including those with additional needs. We work closely with parents, carers, and other professionals to ensure that children with additional needs have access to the support they need to thrive.
• Arts and Crafts: At Thames Pre-school, we value the importance of creativity and self-expression. We provide children with a range of opportunities to engage in arts and crafts activities, such as painting, drawing, and modelling.

Our Team

At Thames Pre-school, we have a dedicated team of early years educators who are passionate about providing the best possible care and education for children. Our team members are qualified to at least Level 3 in Early Years Education and are committed to continuous professional development. We also have a designated safeguarding lead and special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) to ensure that all children's needs are met.

Our Community

At Thames Pre-school, we believe that community involvement is key to providing the best possible environment for children. We are proud to be part of the Cricklade community and value the relationships we have built with local businesses, schools, and community groups. We regularly engage in community events and activities, such as the Cricklade Fire Station open day and Open Door, a social lunch club for the older generation.