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'Children thrive in the small, homely environment ...they are eager to learn and make good progress with plenty of opportunities to problem solve and think critically.’
(Ofsted Inspection Report June 2018)

Background and Location

Established in 1999 and originally situated within the Mawdesley St Peter's C of E School building, Little Acorns Pre-School has grown over the years into a highly regarded and well-attended setting, serving Mawdesley and the surrounding area. As a registered charity, run by management committee, we raise our own funds, claiming grants wherever possible. In December 2019 we moved into a brand new purpose-built modular building within the school grounds, it's been a very exciting time! Little Acorns is a member of the Early Years Alliance and also benefits from strong links with other Early Years professionals and specialists via the LEA.

Ofsted say: “Children's social skills are good...they communicate their views and opinions with confidence to each other and to staff. Children are self-motivated and naturally curious...they form strong bonds with staff and their peers...know what is expected of them and behave well. They are friendly and polite.“
 

Curriculum and Resources

At Little Acorns Pre-school we provide a high-quality EYFS education, offering children a secure and confident start to their school life through a balance of child and adult-initiated play experiences and provocations. Nurturing a lifelong love of learning, we strive for high standards, aiming to consider the development of the whole child to help foster resilience, independence and provide the essential knowledge that children need to prepare them for their future success.

Our physical resources are many and varied and our rural situation is wonderful - visitors are usually wowed by our magical cabin -  but our experienced staff team are definitely our most valued asset: being active playmates, wallowing in the children's interests, sensitively scaffolding their learning and sharing their sense of wonder everyday!  

We aim to be a friendly and inclusive group, welcoming to all, with moral values and a caring disposition deeply embedded in all that we do.  

Our curriculum involves skills progression but is definitely not a printed set of termly ticklists - we feel that would limit its breadth. It is a flexible and responsive creature with a heartbeat because we want it to: broaden minds and the children’s outlook on life; provide experiences of awe and wonder; reduce disadvantage; consider children’s backgrounds and experiences whilst also developing a knowledge and understanding of the community and wider world. 


Ofsted say: “Staff have a very good understanding of how children learn. Regular and precise assessments of children's development help staff to plan exciting and challenging activities. Staff support children to develop the skills they need for the next stage in their learning, including their eventual move on to school. Children are happy and confident in the well-resourced pre-school...they explore freely and take ownership of the environment."

Session Details and Tariff

We run Monday to Friday sessions during term time and can offer childcare from 9am to 3.30pm each day or shorter sessions from 9am to noon or 12.30 to 3.30pm. There is also an opportunity to join St Peter's breakfast and after school clubs (at the age of 4) if needed. We are an eligible provider for the Government's Free Early Education schemes and can help you determine if your child is eligible but otherwise the current session fees are charged at £5 per hour.

If you wish to find out more or want to enquire about reserving a place for your child, please feel free to contact us for further information, and remember…


Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns grow…!