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Our Mission
We aim to provide a happy, caring, and safe environment where children feel valued as individuals and are encouraged to seek, learn and investigate what interests them and those around them.
We do this by:
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Encouraging learning through play
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Providing an environment in which children can thrive
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Working in partnership with parents for the benefit of children
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Valuing equality and diversity
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Putting welfare and safeguarding at the heart of our provision
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Using in-the-moment approach alongside individual planning
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Providing plenty of opportunity for outdoor learning
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Enabling children to master skills in a calming, natural environment
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Adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of each cohort
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Ensuring high quality care and education in line with the EYFS
Our Mission
We aim to provide a happy, caring, and safe environment where children feel valued as individuals and are encouraged and to seek, learn and investigate what interests them and those around them. We do this by:
* Encouraging learning through play
* Providing an environment in which children can thrive
* Working in partnership with parents for the benefit of their children
* Valuing equality and diversity
* Putting welfare and safeguarding at the heart of our provision
* Using in-the-moment approach alongside individual planning
* Providing plenty of opportunity for outdoor learning
* Enabling children to master skills in a calming, natural environment
* Adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of each cohort
* Ensuring high quality care and education in line with the EYFS
Our Pre-School is run by an enthusiastic, dedicated team of fully qualified staff and supported by a committee of parent volunteers who serve as the charity’s trustees.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Dawn Baker, Manager
Dawn joined Charlbury Pre-School in 2022 and holds a 3 BTEC National Diploma in Early Years alongside a B.A. with Honours in Childhood and Youth Studies. She brings over 20 years of experience in Early Years and has recently achieved National Professional Qualification Early Years Leadership (Level 7).
Kerri Slater, Deputy Manager
Kerri has been working in childcare for over 12 years in various settings, as an outdoor activity instructor, and as a nanny. She holds a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce, Early Learning and Childcare Pathway. At Charlbury Pre-School since 2019, Kerri recently received her National Professional Qualification Early Years Leadership (Level 7). She is passionate about improving outcomes for children, especially through outdoor learning.
Amy Silman, SEND Coordinator
Amy has been a staff member at Charlbury Pre-School since 2022 and now serves as our SEND Coordinator, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. In this role, Amy ensures our staff are up-to-date on research and guidance, and that our curriculum is adaptable to all children’s needs. She holds Level 3 Early Years qualification and Level 3 award SEND Coordination.
Sue Shayler
Sue has been with Charlbury Pre-School since 1994, gaining her Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development not long after she started as a volunteer. Her specialist EYFS curriculum areas are personal, social and emotional development, and she takes great joy in helping children assess and understand the world around them.
Daisy Kingston
Daisy has worked in childcare for over 10 years in numerous settings and as a nanny. A mother of three, she decided to pursue a degree, completing her B.A. with Honours in Early Years Education. Daisy is also a prolific baker, and spearheads baking classes at Pre-School, helping children to develop independence and confidence through learning new skills.
Mizue Tams
Mizue joined the team in 2023 but was familiar with Charlbury Pre-School as an active volunteer and Committee member while her three children attended. Mizue spent her early career at a nursery in Japan and has recently completed her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Early Years. She shares some of her own culture with the children through creative crafts, such as making rice balls, allowing them to learn about different cultures, food and traditions.
Chloe Watkins
Chloe joined us in 2024 having completed her Level 3 Early Year Apprenticeship at a local nursery. Chloe has undertaken Makaton (communications) training and is working on integrating this within her day-to-day at the setting.
Our curriculum
Following the Early Years foundation stage we have created a curriculum which is achievable for all children. We then extend this to other areas in accordance to each
child’s needs and interests. Each child will:
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Become independent in self-care and learning
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Discover a love of literature and stories
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Explore their creativity
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Learn the importance of tidying up
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Have the knowledge, care and understanding to form positive relationships
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Respect the environment around them.
Child-led Approach
Underpinning our curriculum is our child-led ethos. We organise our sessions so that each child can choose from a range of activities. Alongside free play, children can take part in adult-led activities that introduce them to new experiences and concepts. We foster and encourage child-initiated learning, so if your child shows a special interest in something, we embrace this and offer them additional experiences to enhance their passion. In addition, we incorporate creative activities such as baking, yoga, gardening, music and song, and crafts into our daily routine.
Lending Library
We have a lending library where parents are encouraged to select share and return books from our Parent board, where you can also find home learning packs, with activities and resources to share the learning at home.
Snacks and Lunch
Lunch and snack times are sociable occasions. We sit and eat together in our key groups. Children help set out the meals – counting out the cups and pouring the water – and clear up afterwards. We sometimes eat things we have grown or cooked, such as fresh veggies, soup, bread or cakes. Children staying after 12pm must bring a packed lunch. We promote healthy eating at the pre-school and ask that you provide a healthy packed lunch.
Proud Cloud
We believe that it is very important to a child’s self-esteem to publicly acknowledge and recognise their achievements. Our Proud Cloud is where staff and parents alike can capture and celebrate milestones, in the setting and at home.
Who runs the Pre-School?
Charlbury Pre-School is a registered charity, run by a dedicated team of fully qualified staff and managed by a committee of parent volunteers. Learn more about our committee and how we support pre-school.