We are open Monday to Friday during term times only. We operate for 38 weeks per year, with our term dates aligned to Essex County Council, making them similar to local school terms.

Session Times:

Morning Session - 9.00am to 12.00pm (3 hours)
Afternoon Session - 12.00pm to 3.00pm (3 hours)
Full Day - 9.00am to 3.00pm (6 hours)

Children attending a full day or afternoon session will need to bring a healthy packed lunch. Please note that we are a nut-free environment, so packed lunches must not contain nuts or nut products.

Children are welcome to any pattern of attendance but we ask that they attend at least 2 sessions per week. If a child stays for a Full Day (9.00am to 3.00pm) this is 2 sessions.

Term times for the current 2025-26 Academic Year can be found here. Term times for the forthcoming 2026-26 Academic Year can be found here.

What Does Your Child Need To Bring To Pre-School?

For each session (Morning, Afternoon or Full Day), your child will need:

A jumper or cardigan everyday
A sun hat on sunny hot days
Named water bottle (ideally filled with water please)
A healthy packed lunch if staying all day or for afternoon sessions
Two spare set of clothes in a bag to hang on your child's peg
A warm coat (on cold days) and/or a rain jacket
Spare nappies, wipes and sacks (if still needed)
A pair of wellies on wet days (please remember to pack indoor shoes)

Our Sessions

What does Our Daily Routine Look Like?

Below is a glimpse of our daily routine:

9.00am : Arrival and Free Play

Children arrive at the pre-school and have the opportunity to engage in free play of various areas such as construction, art, home corner and puzzles.

9.15am : Registration

An important part of our school readiness, children are encouraged to engage in the calling of the register by returning a greeting of "Good Morning". We then partake in our Warm Up Song!

9.25am : Free Flow - Indoor and Outdoor Free Play

Children choose to play indoors or outdoors. Adult-led activities are available in both areas, offering planned, fun and engaging learning through play that supports all areas of the EYFS.

10.00am : Snack (available until 10.30am)

All children are invited to the snack table, after washing their hands. They will be offered a nutritious snack which includes a savour item, a fruit item or both!

11.00am : Nappies and Toilet Reminders

All nappies are checked and changed. Children who require toilet reminders are supported and encouraged.

11.30am : 5 Minute Notice

Children are given time to prepare for a change of activity. Jiggle bells are rung to let children know they have 5 minutes of free play remaining.

11.35am : Tidy Up Time!

A crucial part of the day, teaching children valuable life skills such as organisation, responsibility and teamwork.

11.45am : Circle Time

Children participate in circle activities, which always includes story time and can include songs, rhymes, action songs, discussions and weather-related topics.

11.55am : Toilet and Hand Washing

Children are encouraged to use the toilet and wash their hands ready for either going home or for lunchtime.

12.00pm : Home Time and Arrival Time

Children Attending the Morning Session depart and children attending the Afternoon Session arrive.

12.00pm : Lunchtime

A social and enjoyable time with children and staff eating their lunch together. Children are encouraged to eat their lunch and have good table manners.

12.30pm : Registration

An important part of our school readiness, children are encouraged to engage in the calling of the register by returning a greeting of "Good Afternoon".

12.40pm : Free Flow - Indoor and Outdoor Free Play

Children choose to play indoors or outdoors. Adult-led activities are available in both areas, offering planned, fun and engaging learning through play that supports all areas of the EYFS.

1.45pm : Snack (available until 2.15pm)

All children are invited to the snack table, after washing their hands. They will be offered a nutritious snack which includes a choice of a savoury item, a fruit item or both!

2.00pm : Nappies and Toilet Reminders

All nappies are checked and changed. Children who require toilet reminders are supported and encouraged.

2.30pm : 5 Minute Notice

Children are given time to prepare for a change of activity. Jiggle bells are rung to let children know they have 5 minutes of free play remaining.

2.35pm : Tidy Up Time!

A crucial part of the day, teaching children valuable life skills such as organisation, responsibility and teamwork.

2.45pm : Circle Time

Children participate in circle activities, which always includes story time and can include songs, rhymes, action songs, discussions and weather-related topics.

3.00pm : Home Time

All children depart the pre-school