History
Whiteley Preschool was established in September 2002 by a local parent and resident who recognised the need for preschool provision within the growing Whiteley community. Since opening, the setting has remained popular with local families and continues to be a busy, valued part of the community.
We recommend registering your child as early as possible, ideally before they reach 18 months of age, to help secure a place.
In our early years, children aged approximately two years and nine months spent most of their time in the Sweethills room before moving into the Woodlands room for their final year before starting school. In January 2013, these two rooms were brought together, marking an important development in our approach to learning and play.
This change established our mixed-age ethos, bringing children of different ages together in one shared learning environment. We recognise the valuable role that children play in one another’s learning and development. Through everyday interactions, younger children learn by observing and joining in with older peers, while older children develop confidence, independence, empathy and communication skills as they share their knowledge and experiences.
Our mixed-age approach continues to be an important part of who we are, fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging positive relationships and allowing every child to learn and develop at their own pace within a supportive, inclusive environment.
Today
In recent years, Whiteley Pre-School has continued to strengthen its links with the local community. Children enjoy exploring the local area through walks and visits to local businesses, while our relationships with Whiteley Primary School and Cornerstone Church of England Primary School help support smooth transitions into school and build connections within the community. In 2018, the Pre-School underwent a rebrand to better reflect our ethos, values and child-centred approach to learning.
In September 2022, we expanded our provision by opening a second setting at Cornerstone Church of England Primary School. This satellite setting was established to meet the growing demand for early years places in North Whiteley, enabling us to extend our care and education to more local families while maintaining the high standards that underpin our provision.
Looking ahead, Whiteley Pre-School remains committed to evolving in response to the needs of our community. We strive to provide inclusive, high-quality care and education, strengthen our support for families, and make environmentally conscious choices to reduce our environmental impact. As a not-for-profit charity rooted in the local community, we look forward to continuing to grow, develop and make a positive difference to the children and families we serve.
