ABOUT US

Our Sessions

All sessions operate in school term-time only. We have the capacity to accomodate 29 children at a time, of a variety of ages from two years to almost five years. For much of the day these age groups are mixed, as research shows it is better for children to be in “family style” groups rather than the artificial grouping of all one age group together. However, for a short time each day they do spend time in a small grouping called the 'key groups' for doing age-appropriate activities.

Free Play

Free play takes place inside the Pre-School and in the garden, where a variety of experiences and toys/interesting objects are set out, according to the children's interests and level of experience. During this time, we observe the children, making written notes and taking photos for their records and to inform the planning of future activities. This helps us get to know them well, and we can plan how best to promote each child’s learning and development. The children may move freely between inside and out - although in cold or wet weather we make sure they put on coats and boots! They may choose other toys or activities themselves from our clearly photo labelled boxes and drawers and are encouraged to put things away when they have finished with them. They are encouraged to ask if there is something they would like to do but cannot initiate themselves. We are very lucky to have such beautiful surroundings. We regularly use our conservation area, (which is attached to the school grounds) for all sorts of adventures! We sometimes go on walks through the village with a purpose, such as to the post box to post Christmas cards!

Snack Time

For the older children, we operate a “Cafeteria Style” rolling snack time at Wickham Pre-School. For about an hour during the session, children may come to the Snack area and help themselves to a cup and plate, find a seat and choose something to eat from the healthy choice available that day. The younger children are brought to the table as a group, given a drink and offered something to eat. We always make sure children wash their hands before they eat and check that every child is aware when snack is available. Drinking water is always available. Children are often involved in preparing snack themselves and we sometimes use snack time as a chance to try new foods; they are encouraged to clear away after themselves.

Environment

Wickham Pre-School children learning and playing

Enabling Environments - 'the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning'. We observe our children so that experiences and routines flow with the children’s needs. We endeavour to provide a rich and varied environment, inside and out, safe and secure yet challenging and interesting. We work in partnership with other professionals such as Health Visitors and Speech Therapists to ensure the best outcomes for all our children and also with the local primary school to ensure a smooth transition.

Timetable and Costs

Our opening times coincide with school term dates. Further details on school holiday dates can be found here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/schoolholidays Our Inset Days for 2026/2027 Tuesday 1st September
Friday 25th September
Monday 4th January
Thursday 25th March
Monday 21st June

Session Rates	Monday	Tuesday	Wedneday	Thursday	Friday
Early (8am-9am)	£6.50	£6.50	£6.50	£6.50	£6.50
Morning (9am-12pm)	£19.50	£19.50	£19.50	£19.50	£19.50
Afternoon (12pm-3pm)	£19.50	£19.50	£19.50	£19.50	£19.50
Late (3pm-5pm)	£13.00	£13.00	£13.00	£13.00	£13.00

Fees and Grants

30 Hours Weekly Funded Childcare
Eligible working parents of a child aged 9 months - 3 years, you can apply for up to 30 hours funded childcare per week. This scheme is aimed at full time working parents, in a bid to offer that little extra support if both parents, or a single parent, is working full time, (over 16 hours per week). For this type of funding, you would need to apply yourself as it is an income based and you need to provide your personal details in order to apply. Once set up, in order to keep your 30 hours funded childcare place, you need to verify your details every 3 months. You will receive an email to remind you this needs to be done at the appropriate time. To check eligibility and to apply visit the Government's application webpage. Universal 15 Hours Funded Childcare - 3 and 4 year olds
The term after your child turns 3 years old, they are entitled to 570 funded hours per year.
ALL children automatically qualify for this Families Receiving Additional Support (FRAS)
(Previously known as Disadvantaged 2 Year Old Funding)
Once your child reaches the term after their 2nd birthday, they may be entitled to 15 funded early education hours and childcare if you live in England and receive certain types of benefits. You may be eligible if any of the following apply to your child:

They are looked after by a local council
They have a current statement of special education needs (SEN) or an education, health and care (EHC) plan
They are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
They have left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or adoption order Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds Funding – eligibility and how to apply | Children and Families | Hampshire County Council

Please call 01329 833039

or email: preschooladmin@wickham-primary.hants.sch.uk for more information on registration. During the holidays and out of office hours, please leave a message or send an email and someone will contact you as soon as possible.

ADMISSIONS ENQUIRIES

Staff

Staff are always nearby to interact and sustain shared thinking with the children, intervening when appropriate to move children/activities on to another phase and make certain that each and every child is included and having positive experiences.

Sarah Harbour

Pre-School Manager Level 3 Childrens Care and Development EY ELSA (Early Years Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)

Alix Mason

Pre School Deputy Manager and SENCO Level 3 Childrens Care and Development Level 2 Autism Awareness

Tara Campbell

Pre School Practitioner Level 3 Childrens Care and Development

Bethany Sumpner

Early Childhood Studies Degree

Kelly Smith

Level 3 Children's Care and Development

Sabrina Davis

Level 3 Children's Care and Development

Leanne Akehurst

Level 6 QTS

Emma Gallimore

Early Years Practitioner

Clare Georgeson

Senior Admin Assistant.

Areas of Learning

Characteristics of effective Learning

Characteristics of Effective Learning describe behaviours children use in order to learn. By providing an abundance of opportunities with curiosity, energy and enthusiasm, we ensure that our children develop the abilities and attitudes to support them in making good progress in all the Areas of Learning and Development. We understand that effective learning must be meaningful to a child, so that they are then able to use what they have learned and apply it in new situations.

Our 9 Curriculum Aspirations

Our 9 Aspirations 2024-5 ↗