Apple Orchard Pre-School

Daily life in pre-school

At Apple Orchard Pre-School, we understand how important it is for parents to find a childcare setting where their child feels happy, safe, and supported. We work closely with families to ensure every child enjoys a positive start to their learning journey.

We believe that care and education go hand in hand. Everything we do aims to:

• Help each child feel valued, included, and confident.

• Provide a safe and nurturing environment.

• Support children in developing friendships and social skills.

• Encourage curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.

We provide a warm and welcoming environment where children can learn through play, explore their interests, and develop at their own pace. Our free-flow indoor and outdoor spaces allow children to choose where they learn best and enjoy a wide range of experiences throughout the day.

Our environment encourages creativity, problem-solving, imagination, and independence. Outdoor play is a valuable part of children's development, supporting their physical wellbeing and helping them learn more about the world around them.

We follow an In the Moment Planning approach, which means we build learning opportunities around children's interests and experiences as they happen. This helps keep learning meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable while preparing children for their next steps, including starting school.

At Apple Orchard Pre-School, we are committed to helping every child feel happy, confident, and ready to thrive.

Opening Times

Apple Orchard Pre-School current session charges for 2026/2027 are based on an hourly rate of £6.00 per hour.

Our sessions run from 8:30am to 3:30pm, providing flexibility for families and supporting those eligible for 30 hours funded childcare.

We are open Monday to Friday, term time only:

*Please note that the Early Bird & Lunch sessions cannot be booked as stand-alone sessions.

Early Bird* 08:30am – 09:00am

Morning 09:00am-12:00pm

Lunch* 12:00pm-12:30pm

Afternoon 12:30pm-3:30pm

Full Day 08:30am – 3:30pm

Children aged 3-4 in the year before school can also attend the school's wrap around care provision from 7.45am to 5.30pm and further details are available here - wrap around care.

Our Staff

Our staff are dedicated childcare professionals with a range of recognised early years qualifications. All staff hold a valid Enhanced DBS check and are trained in Paediatric First Aid, ensuring children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.

We are committed to continuous professional development and provide regular training opportunities to ensure our team remains up to date with current best practice and legislation. All new staff complete a thorough induction programme to ensure they understand and consistently follow our policies, procedures, and high standards of care.

Pre-School Leader and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Natalie Tucker

Deputy Pre-School Leader, SENCO and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Sophie Saunders

Keyperson

Debbie Cleal

Diane Dawe (also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead)

Laura Griffin

Kelly Reeves

Naomi Wills

Pre-School Administrator

Natalie Phillips

Transition to School

We work hard to ensure that every child has a smooth and positive transition to the next stage of their education.

As part of Herne View Church of England Primary School, many of our children move on to the school's Reception class. We have strong links with the school and work closely with teachers to help children feel confident and prepared for their next step. During the Summer Term, children have opportunities to visit their new school, and Reception staff visit the Pre-School to get to know them.

If your child is moving on to another school, we will work closely with the relevant staff to share information and support a successful transition.

Safeguarding and Promoting Children's Welfare

Keeping children safe is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a secure, caring environment where children can learn, play and thrive.

All staff receive safeguarding training and follow the school's safeguarding and child protection procedures. If we have concerns about a child's welfare, we will take appropriate action in accordance with our responsibilities and statutory guidance.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Natalie Tucker. The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Sophie Saunders and Di Dawe.

All Pre-School policies form part of the school's policies and can be viewed on the school's website.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

We believe that children learn best through a wide range of experiences. To enrich their learning, we enjoy visits within the local community, including the library, church, shops, park and fire station.

Children are always supervised appropriately on outings, with staffing ratios maintained and safety procedures followed at all times.

We also welcome visitors into the Pre-School, helping children learn about the wider world through exciting experiences such as animal visits, musical performances, science activities and talks from people with different careers and backgrounds.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment where every child can reach their full potential.

Staff work closely with families to identify and support children's individual needs as early as possible. We carefully monitor children's progress and provide appropriate support to help them access all areas of learning and development.

We value strong partnerships with parents and carers and, where needed, work alongside other professionals and support services to ensure children receive the help they need.

Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is Sophie Saunders.

For further information about SEND support in Somerset, please visit the Somerset Local Offer website.

Fees and Early Years Funding

As a registered Early Years provider, we offer funded childcare places for eligible children.

Information about available funding and childcare support can be found at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

This includes details of the 15 and 30 hours funded childcare entitlements and other support that may be available to families.