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Our Pre-school offers:-
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Fantastic outdoor learning at Forest School.
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Multi-sports and Yoga. Music and Movement.
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We have kind, attentive staff to encourage the children's learning story.
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We have an online portal, so you can see your child's progress.
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We offer up to 30 hours funding a week (if eligible).
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£16.50 per 3 hour session
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We are open from Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
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We offer breakfast club from 8am and early morning club from 8.30am. Late club 3pm-4pm
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We are signed up to the Tax Free Childcare Scheme
About Us
Meet Our Staff
Claire Gwilliam
PRESCHOOL MANAGER
I have worked in early years for 17 years and still enjoy every minute. I am a level 3 forest school leader and level 3 early years qualified. I like to learn new things and attend relevant courses to help improve the preschool and the children's learning.
Lucy Murray
PRESCHOOL PRACTITIONER
I am a mum of two young boys who loves exploring the outdoors with my family and dog.
I’ve been level 3 qualified for 8 years in childcare, but before that volunteered in orphanages and education whilst travelling in the Philippines which is where my love for children’s learning begun!
My favourite thing to do with the children is anything crafty and anything outdoors. You’ll probably find me either covered in paint or mud!
Bethany Pilkington
PRESCHOOL DEPUTY SENCO
Hi I’m Bethany and I am the Preschool Deputy, I was very lucky to start my career in Early Years with Worstead Preschool as work experience. Since then I have completed my childcare level 3 which has led to my lovely job here. I am the settings SENCO and I have recently signed up for SENCO L4
Melissa Gladden
PRESCHOOL PRACTITIONER
Hi! I first began working in early years in 2007 after completing my level 3. I have completed many training courses to develop my knowledge and I have previously worked as a manager and SENCO. I enjoy forming relationships with children and supporting them them in all aspects of their learning in their early years.
Emma McCrudden
PRESCHOOL PRACTITIONER
My name is Emma. I am NNEB qualified and have worked in Early years for over 20 years. Which shows I have a love for working with children. I love music and movement, and have completed a music and movement course.
I am interested in the Hygge approach. This originated from Denmark and creates spaces for the children to have a sense of cosiness, feeling warm, comfortable and providing a safe environment for them. I am very excited to start this and learn some new ideas for the setting.
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Brooke Englestone
PRESCHOOL APPRENTICE
Hello, I’m Brooke and I’m currently an apprentice at the Pre-School. Since the start of my journey, I have experienced training in many areas. I am also eager to further my learning after I have completed my apprenticeship - I have found interest in working with EAL (English as an Additional Language) Children, helping to support multilingual children in setting and at home. I also enjoy helping prepare the children for their gradual transition into mainstream school, this includes helping with their basic letter sounds and numbers. I really enjoy working at the Pre-School and I’m happy to be part of a great team!​​
Sally Miller
PRESCHOOL PRACTITIONER
Hello, I am Sally. I started at the Preschool in November 2017. My daughter attends here and I'm very happy to be part of the lovely team. I enjoy doing yoga with the children. I also run the Parent, Baby & Toddler Group in the village hall.
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Karis Spencer
PRESCHOOL APPRENTICE
Hi, I'm Karis and I started at the preschool as a work placement student. I enjoyed it so much that I swapped my course to join the preschool on an apprenticeship scheme and now I am working towards my EYE level 3. I enjoy leaning new skills and enjoy every minute of my job.
Ryan Perchard
PRESCHOOL APPRENTICE​
Hello, I’m Ryan and I started volunteering with Worstead Preschool in August 2024 after finishing Carpentry at City College. Whilst looking after my baby cousin and watching him learn and grow, I knew that the early years setting was the place for me. I am happy to now be continuing my journey with Worstead Preschool as an apprentice.
Karen Norfolk
PRESCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
Hello, I am the Preschool Administrator. I joined the team in September 2021. I am an experienced administrator and enjoy working with the team and Committee Members.
Pastoral Care
We were one of the first pre-schools in Norfolk to use a key-person approach to settle and care for the children that attend. The key-person approach has been in use here for over fifteen years. It has now been adopted by nearly all settings as recognised best practice. When each child begins Preschool the staff see which adult he/she ‘warms to’, where possible this will be the child’s key-person. The key-person is specifically responsible for, and close to, a small group of children so each child receives plenty of adult time and attention.
The key-person plans, implements, monitors, evaluates and reviews the children’s time at Preschool. A ‘Learning Story’ is created for each child, which is the family’s when the child leaves Preschool. The journal includes photographs, notes, observations and ‘next steps’ in learning, which most parents keep forever as a keepsake. Staff actively encourage parents to contribute to their child’s Learning story, to give a full picture of the child’s interests, needs and progress.