We are an Outstanding Preschool, we have been on every inspection we have received. You can read our latest inspection report here or here are some of the wonderful comments from our inspector:
“Children settle extremely well in this exceptional, inspiring pre-school. They
develop a thirst for knowledge and display excellent attitudes to learning. Children
lead their own learning and are excited and eager to share their knowledge with
their friends.”
“Staff create an extraordinary environment, where children thrive and experience
‘awe and wonder’. They have high levels of curiosity as they explore the exciting
range of resources and activities provided, inside and outdoors.”
“Children’s behaviour is excellent. They have excellent attitudes to learning.”
Our preschool is term time only and takes children aged three and four years. If we have spaces we may take some two year old children who turn three during the term (rising three).
We do not take babies or children who have just turned two.
We have an admissions policy to follow which is available upon request. Basically we give the first places to three year old siblings of children who attend Parochial Primary, then to children within the catchment of Parochial and Clover Hill. If there are spaces left we give these to three year olds on a first come first served basis and any spaces left at the end will go to children who turn three between September and December (for a September start) and January to Easter (for a January start). We no longer have an Easter intake. We always offer places to the oldest of children in our catchment area to enable more children to experience a quality educational Early Years setting before they start school.
We also run a term time Out of School Club for Whickham Parochial C of E Primary School pupils too, we do not run a holiday club.
Opening Times:
We are open: 7:45am to 6pm Monday to Friday – Term time only.
Preschool Session Times:
7:45am to 12 noon
9am to 12 noon
9am to 3pm,
9am – 4pm, 5pm or 6pm
7:45am to 3pm, 4pm, 5pm or 6pm
You can use your funding any time we are open. If you require additional sessions over your funded entitlement these can also be paid for.
We have 5 occasional or inset days where we close. We keep these days the same as Whickham Parochial Primary School. Details of Gateshead school holidays can be found on the Local Authority website.
We value parents and carers as the first and foremost educators of their children and we strongly believe in parental partnership to gain the best outcomes for children. If ever you are worried about your child or have concerns about their development, we are always available for a chat. We want to sort anything out as quickly as possible, you can speak to us face to face at drop off, ring us or send an email, whatever you are most comfortable with. We try to be as relaxed and informal as possible and end up developing good relationships with our families.
You can share your funding between us and another setting such as a nursery or childminder. This is often useful if you require childcare during school holidays. Both settings will allow you to pay for any extra sessions you might take above your funded sessions.
