Collaton St Mary Playgroup

At Collaton St Mary Pre-School, we pride ourselves on providing a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Our dedicated team of experienced staff are passionate about delivering high-quality childcare and education, tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. With a focus on play-based learning, our curriculum is designed to broaden children's horizons, equip them with essential skills, and prepare them for a smooth transition to school.

Our Story

Established in 1989 as Collaton St Mary Community Playgroup, we have since evolved to become Collaton St Mary Pre-School CIO, a registered charity with a strong reputation for excellence. Our journey has been marked by a commitment to continuous improvement, driven by our passion for providing exceptional childcare and education. Today, we operate from two spacious ground-floor rooms, with access to a safe outside play area, offering sessional and full-day care for up to thirty children from two years until they leave for school.

Our Services

We offer a range of services designed to support the needs of children and their families. Our experienced staff provide stimulating activities in all areas of the curriculum, working in small groups and on a one-to-one basis where appropriate. We also offer:

• Forest school sessions, promoting outdoor learning and exploration
• Intergenerational activities, fostering connections between children and the local community
• Healthy Eating initiatives, encouraging children to develop good food habits
• Parent and Carer support, through regular updates, workshops, and feedback opportunities
• Access to our parents' area on the website, featuring a photo gallery and useful information and links

Our Aims

Our aim is to offer each child the opportunity to expand their experiences of the world, following the guidelines of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We strive to broaden their horizons, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to cope with moving on to school. We believe in making our pre-school genuinely accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community, maintaining a waiting list for entry and encouraging prospective parents to register their interest.

Our Team

Our team of seven staff members work collaboratively to provide a high ratio of adults to children, enabling us to deliver stimulating activities and work in small groups and on a one-to-one basis where appropriate. Each member of our team has a designated role, including a designated SENCO, Health and Safety/Hygiene Officer, Child Safeguarding and Behavioural Management Advisors. All full-time members of staff hold First Aid Certificates, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children at all times.