The main difference between pre-schools and nurseries lies in the age range and session times:

• Pre-schools typically cater to children aged 2 or 3 up to school starting age (usually 4 or 5) and usually operate during school term time with set session hours. They focus on early learning to prepare children for school.

• Nurseries often accept younger babies and toddlers and may offer full-day care year-round, including meals and longer hours to support working parents.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, we focus on term-time early education for preschool-aged children, providing a warm, play-based learning environment.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, we operate during term time only and follow the Essex County Council school term dates. We are closed during school holidays, including half-terms, Christmas, Easter, and summer breaks. Please feel free to contact us for specific term dates or any additional information.

Our session times are Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 11:30pm for the morning session and 12:00pm to 3:00pm for the afternoon session. We also offer a lunch club from 11:30pm to 12:00pm for children staying for the full day. Please get in touch if you'd like more details about session availability.

Yes, occasional late drop-offs and early pick-ups are absolutely fine. We understand that appointments or other commitments sometimes come up. We just ask that you let us know in advance whenever possible, so we can ensure a smooth handover and minimal disruption to the session.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory requirements for staff-to-child ratios to ensure every child receives the attention and care they need. This means:

• 1 adult to 4 children for 2-year-olds

• 1 adult to 8 children for 3- to 5-year-olds

Yes! Every child at Buttsbury Pre-school is assigned a dedicated key person. This special member of staff gets to know your child really well, supporting their individual needs, interests, and development. They build a strong, trusting relationship with your child and work closely with you to share progress and plan next steps. Your key person is your main point of contact for any questions or updates about your child’s time with us.

In addition, all our staff members endeavour to understand and support every child, creating a warm and caring environment where each little one feels valued and secure.

We recommend that children bring:

• A spare change of clothes and shoes for any messes during activities.
• Nappies, nappy bags, and wipes for those who are potty training.
• Risers should have plimsolls for independent changing.

Please dress your child in comfortable, easy-to-clean clothes and Velcro-strapped shoes (no shoelaces please), as they will have access to the mud kitchen, water play, and craft activities. For toilet training children, accessible clothing helps with independent undressing. We also offer pre-school uniforms (t-shirts and jumpers) available to order via the office.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, we value strong partnerships with parents and believe good communication is key to supporting each child’s development. We provide regular updates through face-to-face conversations at drop-off and pick-up times. We also use email and newsletters to share important information, upcoming events, and reminders. Parents are always welcome to speak with staff or arrange a meeting if they have any questions or concerns. Working together helps us provide the best possible experience for your child.

To ensure our focus remains on quality interactions with the children, we limit staff use of technology during the day. However, you are always welcome to contact us for updates. Each parent receives a USB stick containing their child’s learning journey after the first year, with additional updates provided in July of the second year.

If you would like to view your child’s learning journey at any time, please get in touch. We will be happy to invite you to the pre-school to sit and explore their online journal.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, your child will enjoy a wide range of fun and educational activities designed to support their development across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These include:

• Creative arts and crafts

• Storytime and language games

• Outdoor play and nature exploration

• Role-play and imaginative activities

• Music and movement sessions

• Building, puzzles, and problem-solving

• Sensory play and messy activities

• Early maths and literacy through playful learning

Our play is child-led, meaning your child’s interests guide their learning experiences. Our experienced staff tailor activities to each child’s developmental stage, encouraging curiosity, independence, and social skills in a safe and nurturing environment.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, children always have access to our outdoor play areas throughout the day. We believe that outdoor time is essential for healthy growth and learning, so whether it’s free play, group activities, or nature exploration, children can choose to play outside whenever they like. Our outdoor environment is designed to be safe and inviting, encouraging children to develop their physical skills, independence, and curiosity while enjoying fresh air all day long.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, we prioritise healthy, balanced, and nutritious food to support the growth and energy needs of our children. We offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables alongside wholesome options like crackers, breadsticks, and rice cakes. To accommodate dietary needs and promote inclusivity, we provide dairy-free butter and oat milk as alternatives. Our snack time is carefully planned to encourage good eating habits while catering to any dietary requirements or allergies. We avoid processed foods and sugary treats to promote long-lasting health and well-being. 

If you would like to add your child to our waiting list, please click here.

Once your place at the pre-school is confirmed, you will be asked to provide the following documents:

1. Completed Registration Form

2. Child’s Birth Certificate or Passport

3. Proof of Address

4. Funding Forms (if applicable)

We do not offer in-person tours before a place has been accepted. However, we understand how important it is to get a feel for our setting, so we provide a virtual tour and a photo gallery to help you explore the pre-school environment.

Once a place has been offered and accepted, we will arrange a visit for you and your child to come and see the pre-school in person.

Please notify the office by phone at 01277 631816 or email us at admin@buttsburypreschool.org.uk if your child is absent due to illness. If your child is not marked as absent, we will contact you to confirm the reason.

For illnesses like diarrhoea or vomiting, we ask that children remain at home for at least 48 hours after the last episode to prevent spreading illness.

In the event of accidents or incidents, such as bumps to the head, parents are informed promptly via email or in person.

Only prescribed, named medication can be administered. A completed medication form is required, and medication should be delivered to the pre-school office along with the appropriate syringe for accurate dosing.

We will not administer Calpol unless it has been prescribed by a doctor or discussed with parents in exceptional circumstances. If Calpol has been given, children should not return to pre-school for at least 24 hours to ensure they are fully recovered.

At Buttsbury Pre-school, the health and safety of every child is our top priority. We work closely with parents and carers to understand each child’s specific allergies and dietary requirements. Our staff are trained to recognise and manage allergic reactions, and we have clear procedures in place to minimise any risks. We carefully plan snacks and activities to avoid allergens and maintain a safe environment for all children. Please let us know about any allergies your child has when completing their new starter information so we can meet their needs.

Our team undergoes comprehensive training, including paediatric first aid and CPR. We also conduct regular emergency drills for scenarios such as fire evacuations. Staff are trained to assess risks and ensure the safety of all children.

Your child’s safety is our top priority. All staff hold up-to-date Enhanced DBS checks and receive regular safeguarding and first aid training. A Designated Safeguarding Lead is on-site each day to oversee child protection. We follow a clear Safeguarding Policy, and all visitors must sign in and are supervised at all times. Daily health and safety checks are carried out indoors and outdoors to maintain a secure environment. We also have procedures in place to manage allergies, medical needs, and emergency situations.

Conflicts are addressed with care and sensitivity. Our staff work closely with the children to guide them through conflict resolution, helping them develop essential social skills like listening, empathy, and compromise.

We encourage positive behaviour through consistent routines, clear and simple expectations, and plenty of positive reinforcement. Our teachers use praise and encouragement to recognise kind, helpful, and cooperative actions, which helps children feel motivated to continue those behaviours. We also focus on teaching social skills, like sharing, taking turns, and expressing feelings in constructive ways. When challenges arise, we guide children with gentle reminders and help them understand the impact of their actions, promoting empathy and problem-solving. Overall, we aim to build children’s confidence and self-regulation so they can develop positive relationships with their peers and adults.

If your child is having difficulty settling in, please inform their key person immediately. We will work together to find the best support strategies for your child’s needs. Our team understand that starting pre-school is a big step, and we aim to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible. We offer a flexible settling-in process, tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our caring and experienced staff take the time to build trusting relationships with each child, helping them feel safe, secure, and confident in their new environment. We also suggest reading the NHS’s article on Separation Anxiety in Children for helpful tips.

To protect children from sunburn, we ask parents to apply a high-factor, broad-spectrum suncream to their child before arriving at pre-school on sunny days. We also encourage children to wear hats and appropriate clothing outdoors.

If your child needs reapplication during the day, please provide named, child-safe suncream. Our staff will assist with reapplying it as needed, following your instructions. We also have our own Nivea-branded suncream should children not have access to their own.

We take sun safety seriously and ensure children have access to shaded areas and plenty of water during outdoor play.

If someone other than a parent or regular guardian will be collecting your child, please inform us in advance. You can do this by phone, email, or in person. The person collecting must be listed on your child’s authorised collection form, and a photo of them must be provided for verification. They must also be aware of your child's unique password. If we have not been informed or the person is not on the authorised list, we will not release your child to them for your child’s safety.

Our pre-school team are highly qualified and passionate about early childhood education. All our Early Years Educators hold recognised qualifications in early childhood education or a related field, such as a diploma or degree. Many also pursue ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest methods and research. Additionally, all staff undergo thorough background checks and receive training in first aid, child safeguarding, and health and safety. We believe that well-trained and caring educators are essential to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.