Stepping Stones Preschool

Our aim is to nurture your child’s learning by providing the activities and opportunities for your child to learn through exploration, discovery and problem solving. There are quiet times with stories in the comfy corner and opportunities for singing and dancing to gentle music.

The setting has large windows creating a focus on the garden and field creating a bright and airy space with easy access to the outdoors. The indoor environment provides a safe, secure yet challenging space for children. For some children the indoor environment is like a second home providing a place for activity, rest, eating and sleeping.

The Outdoors

Children get to go outside every day if possible. Being outdoors offers children opportunities for doing things in different ways and on a different scale to indoors. It gives children first-hand contact with weather, seasons and the natural world. Outdoor environments offer children freedom to explore, use their senses and be physically active.

Our philosophy of our Outdoor Learning is based upon the desire to provide young children with an education which encourages appreciation of the wide, natural world and which foster empathy for other living creatures and hopefully a sense of responsibility and care for natural world in which we all live.

The children are committed to spending sessions outdoors, regardless of the weather and they explore and use natural materials found within the environment.

The children quickly learn boundaries, both physical and social, within which they must work. They respond to the sense of freedom and adhere to the rules laid down for their safety.

Within this environment it is possible to encourage the children to move supportively away from close adult interaction to become more responsible for each other and for themselves. There is also more emphasis on observation of nature as the children will see their environment in all the seasons. Extended learning indoors includes and using and being creative with collected and treasured items found while exploring, as well as the opportunity for children to take us through their narrative of their adventures.

During school holidays we provide holiday clubs for KS1 & KS2 children at our other sites.

To find out more about our Daycamps click here

Stepping Stones is a friendly Pre-school offering places for children aged 2 to 5 years.

The pre-school is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm for 38 weeks of the year (term-time only)

The nursery is closed on all English Bank Holidays (dates to be advised annually) and between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, inclusive.

Fees are not charged for these days.

Details of our fees are available upon enquiry and we accept the Nursery Education Grant which is currently available to all children during the term after their 3rd birthday.

The best way to really understand our setting and whether we are right for your child and you as a family is to come and visit us. We will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have. This will give you the opportunity to see other children playing, learning and socialising with us and we can talk you through the questions that you will naturally have.

To arrange a visit, call on 07977 808132 or email SteppingStones@ymca-dg.org

The children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is delivered through the medium of play. We will help the children to gain an understanding of their world and what they are able to do. Whilst playing, they can discover how strong they are, how fast they can move, how to coordinate their movements, how to develop their imagination and how loud or quiet they can be!

Feedback for parents

When you collect your child from the pre-school you will be given a summary of your child’s day. This will include; what your child has eaten, and the activities they have been involved in. Staff will be available to discuss any concerns/needs when you drop off or collect your child.

Toddlers

For our youngest children we look to provide a bright and stimulating environment, providing opportunities for children to develop, make their own decisions and choose from a variety of activities. We appreciate that all children are unique, and we are able to provide a flexible approach to their individual needs and developing routines.

Through their play, the children will build upon their confidence, learn about their environment and start to take part in an increasing number of activities outdoors

Pre-schoolers and toddlers will have the opportunity to mix and play together in the setting in a warm and happy environment, where children are encouraged to be independent, care for one another and feel confident to make informed choices.

Toilet training

During this busy developmental period many children begin to toilet train. There are no rules when toilet training your child, but one of the most important points is to make sure both your child and yourself are ready.  We will be able to provide you with support and guidance and answer any questions you may have. However, you decide to toilet train your child we will do our best to follow this, so your child receives clear and consistent messages which build their confidence.

Pre-school

The Pre-School children are divided into groups after morning snack time so that they can play and work in smaller groups, giving them the freedom to explore a variety of projects and activities with their key worker which are considerate of each child’s interests, learning style and developmental stages.

The children can freely access a full range of activities, from construction to small world play, messy play (e.g. gloop, sand, water, play dough or jelly) and role play.

Social skills

The children’s social skills are developed through helping in the nursery and through play. Each day a number of children will help to water plants, prepare snacks and tidy up. We also encourage each child to foster their independence, to work with others to put away things they have been playing with at the end of a session. We encourage the children to be able to manage their coats and shoes independently, as well as using the toilet area on their own. All of which we strongly believe aids preparation and a confident, settled transition to school.

Preparing for school

As your child approaches school age, the pre-school staff will help to prepare them for this next important step in their lives. Teachers are encouraged to visit children in the nursery and there will be a member of our team designated to liaise with each school that children are moving on to and we will always be happy to offer support or advice.

We accept the Nursery Education Grant which is currently available to all children during the term after their 3rd birthday.

Please visit the Ofsted website to access our latest report – www.ofsted.gov.uk

Our Aims and Values

●  To provide high quality care and education for all children.
●  To develop a child’s creativity, individuality and self-confidence through play.
●  To work within the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage and Welfare Requirements which are available on request.
●  To prepare children for transition from Pre-school to Reception class.
●  To work in partnership with parents, carers, head teachers, governors, staff and pupils at local schools.
●  To carry out activities that benefit and contribute to the life and well-being of our local community.

All places offered by YMCA Dulverton Group are subject to our terms and conditions, a copy of which is available on request from the relevant setting.  Please either call or email for a copy to be sent to you.