We have over 40 wonderful years of experience and memories.
We pride ourselves on our local reputation for delivering high quality early years education in a child centred, friendly, fun and safe environment.
Small, Friendly & Stimulating
Ladybirds is a small, friendly, stimulating and happy pre-school. We take a maximum of 24 children in our sessions to make sure that each child can have the proper care and attention from our dedicated and qualified staff, and there is plenty of space for everyone to play. We accept children from ages 2.5 - 5yrs old, and prepare them with key skills for school.
We are tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac but still think of ourselves as a bright and lively part of the community. Parents get involved in our events and fundraising and we connect with local charities, businesses and organisations, building our community and accessing grants for events and activities - all providing exciting opportunities for the children.
Our outdoor areas are what make us extra special. Artificial grass in our top garden plus two more covered outdoor areas enables outdoor play throughout the year, be it water, sand, exploring and climbing, construction or imaginative role play with lots of adaptable resources. We are fully accessible with ramps and accessible toilets.
Our Sessions
Morning Session (from ages 2.5 - 5 years) : 9:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon Session (from ages 3 - 5 years): 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Full Day Session (from ages 3 - 5 years): 9:00am - 3:00pm
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The School
The school itself has a large main playroom full of resources, a quieter room for stories and group games, and then a challenge zone room used for targeted group time and enrichment activities like cooking, sensory or messy play and arts or craft projects. The children free-flow through the environment, which means they get to choose and lead their play. With so many varied resources, each session is different, and we can adapt our rooms and environments to ensure we follow their interests and include every child, whatever their needs are.
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Snacks & Lunch
We offer healthy snacks to all children during the morning sessions with plenty of fruit and veg to choose from, such as raisins, bananas and crackers. We have a routine in place for hand washing and helping to set and clear the snack tables. Lunch club runs between 12:00pm - 12:30pm for our full day and afternoon session children. Children bring in their own lunchbox and we encourage healthy and nut free food. We also provide opportunity for children to try new foods - using herbs in our baking or linking snack time to stories like ‘Handa’s surprise’ . Snack and lunch times also provide lots of opportunities for talk about healthy eating, exercise and dental hygiene too!
Our Approach to Learning
At Ladybirds the children lead their play. We develop their skills by encouraging the Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL) in everything we do, providing opportunities for playing and exploring, active learning and critical thinking. We cover all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum in this child led and child centered way, helping all children become confident and independent learners, ready for 'big' school!
