About Us
Whiteley Preschool was established over fifteen years ago and has proudly supported the local community ever since, providing affordable and flexible childcare for families.
We are a charity-run, committee-led setting, welcoming up to 42 children per session aged from 2 years and 6 months. Based in the main hall of Whiteley Community Centre, our setting offers a welcoming and familiar environment, with continuous access to a secure outdoor garden throughout the day.
In September 2022, we expanded our provision with the opening of Whiteley Preschool North, located within Cornerstone Church of England Primary School on Bluebell Way. This satellite setting was created to support families in North Whiteley with high-quality early years provision.
Whiteley Preschool North follows the same ethos as our original setting, using natural, open-ended resources to encourage children’s independence, creativity, and learning through play.
Ignite their imagination
Learning Through Play
Whiteley Pre-School prides itself on supporting every child to reach their full potential through learning through play. We believe that children thrive in a stimulating, nurturing environment, supported by both their peers and highly qualified adults.
Play experiences are carefully planned around children’s individual interests, helping to spark curiosity, extend learning, and encourage meaningful engagement. Alongside this, children build friendships, grow in confidence, and most importantly, have fun as they learn.
We place a strong emphasis on the use of natural, open-ended resources, which inspire imagination and support the development of critical thinking skills. By nurturing children’s creativity, we help them develop problem-solving abilities and a lifelong love of discovery. Free play also supports confidence, resilience, social-emotional development, and independence.
Our staff observe, interact, and engage with children in a sensitive and responsive way. Through sustained shared thinking, we encourage children to explore ideas, ask questions, and deepen their understanding, while always supporting their independence and individual learning journey.
Our Motto
Engage me,
Inspire me,
Teach me what to do.
Imagine with me,
Have fun with me,
Teach me something new.
Challenge me,
Trust me,
Give me time to play.
Empower me,
Cuddle me,
Make me smile all day.
Inspire & Encourage
The children are provided with natural, open ended resources which help to stimulate their imagination and encourage problem solving skills.
At Whiteley Preschool the children are provided with space to explore and investigate. The educators use the technique of sustained shared thinking to encourage the children’s critical thinking skills. The Educators ensure each child is reaching their full potential through observing and engaging with your child. They create plans based on your child’s interests and ideas.
Secure Environment
All children are encouraged to feel secure within the preschool environment. Their ideas are listened to and they are supported to feel like active participants within the environment. Safeguarding the children is a priority at all times. All doors to the Preschool have security locks, this include a secure and safe garden to play in. All educators are DBS checked and the setting has a rigours Safeguarding Policy, which can be read under the Parents, policy tab.
Parent Reviews
Sessions and fees
Fees, Funding & Enquiries
Whiteley Preschool aims to offer affordable and flexible childcare for families within the Whiteley community.
Our setting operates during term time only and is closed during school holidays. Once your child becomes eligible for government funding, they can access their funded hours with no additional charge or you can choose to opt in to a voluntary monthly contribution of £10 towards snacks, consumables and additional activities not required as part of the EYFS.
Any additional hours, or hours taken before funding eligibility, are charged at £6 per hour.
We understand that family needs can change, and we are committed to offering flexibility wherever possible. Please get in touch if you require alternative or additional sessions for your child.
We are now registering children for September 2024. If you are considering a place at one of our settings and would like to arrange a visit or request further information, please contact us on 01489 565717 or enquire online via the link below:
