Our parents say:

“Thank you for helping her become the confident and kind little girl she has become today. She has absolutely loved coming to preschool since she was 2 and I have seen her confidence grow so much thanks to all the experiences and activities that you do with the children. We will really miss you all.”

“A huge thank you for everything you have done for him in his first year of Preschool. He thoroughly enjoys attending and I’m sure he will have another great year.”

“She loves coming to Preschool and that is mainly down to you all, and the great setting you provide.”

“Thank you for being such a wonderful family. You are a great team and I have always felt so relaxed when leaving him in your care.”

“An amazing preschool experience and lovely library lessons!”

“Thank you all so much for all your help. The boys have loved coming and you have made us feel so welcome.”

“He has loved his time at the preschool. It’s reassuring to know he’s confident to start school.”

“Thank you for always being there for her.”

“She loves coming to Preschool, and settled so quickly. This is thanks to you all!”

“Just to say again, we couldn’t be any happier than we are with Buckden Preschool. You guys are amazing and massively contribute to our child’s happiness.”

Our children say:

“I like coming to playgroup because I love it! I play with playdoh and doctors kits and we go to the library and park.”

“I will miss you my Preschool friends, but I have to go to big school! I loved Preschool so much.”

“I’ve had a brilliant time!”

“I love coming and putting my bag in and playing with the sand and my friends.”

Ofsted says:

“Staff make good use of regular group sessions to support children’s understanding of appropriate behaviour.”

“Staff use age-appropriate methods to support children to manage conflict independently.”

“Staff engage exceptionally well with children’s previous settings. They gather detailed information to enable children to settle swiftly. This supports children to continue making good progress in their learning and development.”

“Staff establish extremely close relationships with the local primary school. They work together to create unique transition plans to meet the specific needs of individual children.”

“Relationships between staff and parents are exceptionally strong. Staff engage well with families to gather detailed knowledge about children’s early experiences. They use this information to provide learning opportunities children may not otherwise receive.”

“Parents are incredibly complimentary about staff and the exceptional support they provide for the whole family. They acknowledge the immensely positive impact this has on children’s well-being.”

“Staff use highly effective methods to support children to identify risks in their play. For example, children nominate a daily ‘safety officer’ who, with the support of staff, completes a visual risk assessment of the preschool.

“Staff place sharp focus on children’s communication and language development. They engage children in meaningful discussions during all activities, role modelling new and descriptive language.”

“The manager and staff work closely with early years professionals within the local primary school. They gather information about the relevant reading schemes and encourage children to discuss and explore the various characters they will learn about at school.”

“Children are excited to arrive at this friendly pre-school. They greet staff enthusiastically and are quick to join their friends and investigate the engaging activities staff skilfully plan. Children enjoy a variety of exciting learning opportunities in the pre-school building and in the extensive community outdoor area.”

“Children demonstrate incredibly high levels of independence. This is supported particularly well during highly sociable meal and snack times.”

“Children enjoy a rich set of experiences, which enhance their understanding and respect of their environment.”

“Children develop an incredibly strong understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe.”

“Children become deeply engaged in the exciting activities staff plan.”

Ofsted, February 2023