First Stop Preschool Within Trimley St Mary Primary School

At First Stop Pre-School, we are dedicated to providing a safe, stimulating, and child-friendly environment for infants aged 2 to 5 years. Our pre-school is a community-based group, situated within the grounds of Trimley St. Mary Primary School, and we take pride in offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all our children and their families. Our experienced and highly qualified staff members are committed to enhancing the development and education of children under statutory school age, and we believe in working closely with parents and carers to achieve this goal.

Our History

First Stop Pre-School has been operational since 1982, originally starting in a converted double decker bus before moving to our current building in 1986. Over the years, we have expanded and improved our facilities to provide a secure and enclosed garden, as well as a large undercover canopy area, allowing our children to engage in outdoor play-based learning activities regardless of the weather.

Our Services

Our pre-school offers a range of services designed to support the growth and development of our children. We provide stimulating activities, healthy snacks, and drinks, as well as a safe and secure environment for our children to thrive. We are open during term time, Monday to Friday, from 8.45am to 11.45am and 12.20pm to 3.20pm, with a maximum of 25 children per session. We also welcome telephone and email enquiries, and we are happy to arrange visits to our pre-school for prospective families.

Our Staff

Our staff members are highly qualified, dedicated, and experienced in their roles. We have a trained SENCo who holds an Elkan speech and language qualification, and all our staff regularly undergo training in first aid and safeguarding. We believe in working closely with parents and carers, and we offer a range of opportunities for them to participate in whole sessions with their children.

Our Aims

Our aims are to enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age, provide a safe and stimulating environment, and work within a framework that ensures equality of opportunity for all children and families. We believe in recognising and supporting parents and carers as the first educators of their children, and we strive to build strong relationships with our families.

Our Community

First Stop Pre-School is managed by a committee elected by and from the parent/carers, meaning that major decision making is in the hands of those who use the group. We also have an independent group of Trustees overseeing the general well-being of the pre-school. We welcome all children from all backgrounds, regardless of socio-economic status, religion, or culture, and we encourage parent/carer involvement in various ways.