Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Preschool Services in Bury St Edmunds
Great Barton Great Barton Pathways has established itself as a trusted provider of childcare and early years education in a rural setting. Our approach focuses on nurturing children's development through play-based learning tailored to individual interests and stages. With a team of highly qualified staff maintaining excellent child-to-staff ratios, we provide a safe, stimulating environment both indoors and outdoors. Our facilities include purpose-built play areas with climbing structures, gardening spaces, and age-appropriate learning resources.We maintain strong partnerships with parents through an active committee that contributes to decision-making. Ofsted-registered with consistently good ratings, we offer flexible session options including preschool, wraparound care, and holiday clubs for children aged 3-11 years. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through continuous staff training and adherence to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
Services
Preschool Sessions
After-School Care
Holiday Clubs
Breakfast Club
Outdoor Play Areas
Highlights and features
- Our team maintains excellent child-to-staff ratios with fully qualified childcare professionals
- We offer flexible session options including holiday clubs and extended hours care
- Ofsted-registered setting with consistently good inspection outcomes
- Purpose-built facilities with extensive outdoor learning and play spaces
- Active parent committee involvement in setting management and decision-making
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Preschool Sessions
Structured learning programmes for 3-5 year olds following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Sessions combine play-based activities with developmental milestones in a purpose-built environment. Children access age-appropriate resources including role play areas and climbing equipment, with flexible morning, afternoon or full-day options available during term time.
After-School Care
Supervised childcare for 3-11 year olds from school dismissal until 5:30pm or 7:30pm. Includes transportation to/from Great Barton Primary School, light snacks, and structured activities. Staff provide homework support alongside themed crafts and construction projects in a safe, engaging environment that promotes social development and relaxation after the school day.
Holiday Club
Flexible holiday childcare during school breaks for 3-9 year olds. Offers full-day and half-day sessions with varied activities including arts and crafts, cooking, and outdoor play. Children enjoy structured programmes alongside free play opportunities in extensive outdoor spaces featuring climbing structures and gardening areas, with meals and snacks provided throughout the day.
Breakfast Club
Early morning childcare from 8:00am with breakfast options including cereals, toast and fruit. Children participate in free play before being escorted to Great Barton Primary School by staff members at 8:50am. Provides a relaxed start to the day with supervised activities and social interaction for 3-11 year olds during term time.
Outdoor Play Areas
Extensive outdoor learning and play spaces designed for children aged 3-11 years. Features climbing structures for different age groups, bike tracks, mud kitchen, and gardening areas with raised beds. Children engage in physical play while observing wildlife and agricultural activities in the rural setting, with dedicated spaces for both structured activities and free exploration.
People
Julie Goodwin
Leader of Pathways
Experienced childcare professional leading daily operations with specialist knowledge of early years development. Oversees curriculum planning aligned with statutory frameworks while maintaining strong parent relationships through regular communication and committee involvement.
Tory Stone
Assistant Leader
Supports leadership in delivering high-quality childcare with focus on individualised learning approaches. Coordinates key person responsibilities while ensuring compliance with Ofsted standards and maintaining excellent staff-to-child ratios across all sessions.
Sophie Mayhew
Play Assistant
Qualified play assistant implementing developmentally appropriate activities for children aged 3-11. Specialises in creating engaging play experiences that support educational outcomes while maintaining safe, inclusive environments during all childcare sessions.
Philippa Latham
Administration
Manages administrative operations while supporting childcare delivery. Ensures smooth day-to-day running of the setting through effective communication between staff, parents and the committee, maintaining organisational standards.
Heather Gadd
Treasurer
Financial officer overseeing budget management and funding compliance. Works with the committee to ensure sustainable operation while maintaining transparency in fee structures and government funding applications for early years entitlements.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 3-11 years during term time and 3-9 years during holiday clubs.
Do you offer government-funded childcare?
Yes, we provide 15 universal funded hours weekly for 3-year-olds with eligibility for extended funding options.
What are your operating hours?
Preschool sessions run 9:00am-11:30am and 12:30pm-3:00pm term time. Breakfast club starts at 8:00am, after-school care until 5:30pm or 7:30pm.
How do you support child development?
We use play-based learning tailored to individual interests and developmental stages following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
Can I visit the facilities?
Contact us to arrange a visit and see our purpose-built childcare environment with extensive outdoor play areas.
How do you involve parents?
Parents participate through our committee that helps manage the setting and organises events and fundraising activities.
