Tel: 07444 421917
Preschool fees are fixed by the Committee and are subject to change.
It is always great fun for our children to have these enthusiastic, caring young people in the setting. We were thrilled to be presented with this certificate of thanks from Mary Hare School to recognise our contribution to their potential future careers.
Manager Designated safeguarding Lead
I started my career as a professional dancer and performer. I ran my own successful dancing school for many years before changing career totally to work within the automotive industry. My three children attended the Pre-school and I became a committee member before deciding to seek a formal qualification in childcare. The Pre-school has been part of my life for many years and I am proud to now manage our village Pre-school with a commitment to provide young children with the best possible outcomes. I am also part of the governing board for 5 local schools.
I joined the Pre-school in May 2015 having worked with children since qualifying 9 years ago with a Diploma in Childcare and Education. I really enjoy working with children and helping them to develop skills ready for school and later life. In my spare time I enjoy reading, colouring, swimming and walking with my own children and dog Tucker.
I took a break from professional childcare to raise my three children, all of whom have attended the Pre-school. I came back into the sector as bank staff at the Pre-school and I am pleased to now be a permanent member of staff. I enjoy working with the children and watching them grow in their environment.
I joined the pre-school in June 2021 after enrolling my little one. Previously I worked in an educational and residential setting helping young people with additional needs and severe autism. After having my own child with additional needs, my passion was to help others explore the world around them and to grow independently; having access to the resources to live, laugh and learn.
At Hermitage Preschool, our vision is to create a vibrant, joyful, and safe space where children truly thrive.
In our nurturing environment, children are free to play, explore, and grow together, sparking creativity and curiosity while building confidence through hands-on experiences. We believe in the magic of play to unlock new possibilities—helping every child discover their unique potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.
We create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every child feels safe, happy, and excited to learn. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to respond to each child's individual needs—supporting growth in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
Through ongoing observation and assessment, we ensure that each child’s learning journey is guided, celebrated, and supported every step of the way.
Children at Hermitage are grouped into two exciting learning stages:
Explorers(younger children)
Adventurers(pre-schoolers in their final year)
Each group has a special focus, brought to life through a colourful flower diagram to make learning visual and fun.
For Explorers, we focus on:
🌈 Sensory Play: Discovering the world through touch, sight, and sound
🧸 Basic Movement: Crawling, grasping, and climbing
🗣 Early Language: Learning sounds and first words
🤝 Social Play: Making early connections with peers
For Adventurers, we focus on:
🧠 Problem-Solving: Puzzles, memory games, and thinking challenges
🖍 Refined Physical Skills: Drawing, jumping, balancing
🧡 Advanced Social Skills: Sharing, empathy, and teamwork
🔤 Early Literacy & Maths: Letters, numbers, and counting fun
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a robust framework designed to build a strong foundation for future learning.
Prime Areas(the core building blocks):
Communication & Language – Speaking, listening, and understanding
Physical Development – Movement, coordination, and healthy choices
Personal, Social & Emotional Development – Friendships, self-awareness, and independence
Specific Areas(building on the prime areas):
4. Literacy – Storytelling, mark-making, and early reading
5. Mathematics – Numbers, patterns, and problem-solving
6. Understanding the World – Exploring nature, cultures, and communities
7. Expressive Arts & Design – Music, drawing, role play, and creative expression
At Hermitage, we nurture the way children naturally learn:
Playing & Exploring – Curiosity and joy in trying new things
Active Learning – Concentration and perseverance
Creating & Thinking Critically – Independent thinking and problem-solving
Intent(What we aim for)
Support every child to reach their full potential, develop confidence and independence, and embrace kindness, diversity, and British values.
Implementation(How we do it)
Our activities are fun, meaningful, and tailored to each child's interests and stage of development. Through our Key Person system, every child receives personalised attention in a play-rich setting.
Impact(What it achieves)
Children leave Hermitage as confident, curious, and respectful individuals, equipped with resilience, empathy, and a positive, can-do attitude—ready for their next learning adventure.
Joyful Learning – A fun, engaging environment where creativity and curiosity shine
Tailored Growth – A personalised approach to support every child’s journey
Hands-On Discovery – Learning through sensory play, exploration, and problem-solving
Strong Foundation – A solid start built on the trusted EYFS framework
Inclusive & Supportive – Every child is celebrated and valued equally
Holistic Development – Nurturing body, mind, heart, and imagination
At Hermitage Preschool, we believe in a child-centered, inclusive approach where every child is valued and supported. By building trust, encouraging exploration, and fostering a love for learning, we help each child thrive—and prepare them for a bright future.