Roborough Pre-School
pre-school and we remain viable in what can be a difficult social and economic climate, still only running in term time.’ Registered as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, Roborough Pre-School ‘It’s like a little family’ currently has 26 children on roll and is registered for 2, 3 and 4 year olds for up to 19 children per session. oborough Pre-School, which runs five days a Currently running at capacity, the pre-school now has a week during term time in the Methodist Church waiting list. Hall in Roborough village, is approaching its 50th The youngsters’ learning is child interest-led but they birthday - and in common with all providers of early study special topics every half term and they go out on years childcare, things have changed a great deal in regular walks and visits. that time. Marie said: ‘Children learn through play, but you need Back in 1972 when the pre-school was formed by to widen their knowledge and experience. They loved the two ladies aiming to provide play facilities for children space topic, and we did one recently on jobs that people of local families, such terms as Ofsted, safeguarding did, so we had visits from a or partnership working hadn’t been heard of. What is completely clear is the genuine fireman, a policeman and paramedic, who were all Now, Roborough Prepassion and enthusiasm for the children, aparents.’ School has a long list the pre-school and the staff displayed by The pre-school has funded of up-to-the-minute improvements to the policies and listening to Marie and Danielle. outside space at the church manager Marie Southern hall, including fencing and re-surfacing so the children and deputy supervisor Danielle Coles talk, you’d be can play in safety outdoors. forgiven for thinking they were discussing a primary What is completely clear is the genuine passion and school. Many pre-school providers are these days run as enthusiasm for the children, the pre-school and the staff businesses - not so Roborough. It was registered as an educational charity in 1993 and its voluntary committee displayed by Marie and Danielle. ‘The relationships the children have with our staff members are responsible for the overall management is heart-warming, it’s like a little family - I think they and organisation of the pre-school, which now has four members of staff, all qualified to NVQ Level 3 or above. believe we live here a lot of the time!’ said Danielle. ‘I Marie described the pre-school as ‘a little gem’ . All four stand back sometimes and watch the children and see how much they love it - it’s a very happy place to work.’ staff members have long links with the organisation, as Marie added: ‘Our staff are so dedicated, they are their own children attended it - and second generations passionate about what they do and they really go above are now coming for sessions too. and beyond for the pre-school.’ n She said: ‘We are quite unusual in that we are non-profit making and committee led - and we are lucky to have a pretty strong committee at the moment, they dedicate a lot Further details: of time to support us and are incredibly good at fundraising. For more information about Roborough Pre-School, go to www. ‘There are constant challenges in the early years sector roboroughpreschool.co.uk or call ✆ 01752 773914/07944 076272. but we are running a warm, kind and caring community
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