Our Story
At Thatcham Pre-School, we believe children learn best through play. Every child is unique, and we take time to understand their interests, strengths and individual personalities. By building on what excites and motivates them, we create engaging experiences that support learning, development and wellbeing across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Children enjoy a wide range of experiences each day, including arts and crafts, physical play, sensory activities, small world play, role play, construction, sand and water exploration, along with opportunities to develop their communication, literacy and mathematical skills. Alongside this, children are encouraged to lead their own learning through play, helping them develop confidence, independence and curiosity about the world around them.
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We are fortunate to have a spacious outdoor environment, complete with a large grassed garden, mud kitchen and a variety of outdoor equipment. Through free-flow play, children have daily opportunities to move between our indoor and outdoor learning spaces, allowing them to explore, investigate and discover in ways that reflect their own interests and learning styles.
Above all, our aim is to provide a caring, secure, stimulating and happy environment where every child feels valued and able to flourish. We celebrate diversity, work in partnership with families and strive to ensure that all children have opportunities to develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. By nurturing strong relationships and a love of learning, we help children build the confidence and skills they need for their next steps in education and beyond.
Originally established as Thatcham Playgroup in 1966, we are one of the longest-established early years settings in Thatcham. As a UK registered charity and committee-run pre-school, we are proud to have supported local families for generations. We are regulated by Ofsted and are members of the Early Years Alliance, ensuring we provide high-quality care and education for every child.
Based at The Burdwood Community Centre in Thatcham, our setting is conveniently located close to local bus routes, Thatcham town centre, the train station and nearby primary schools, including Francis Baily and Spurcroft.
Our Values
Everything we do at Thatcham Pre-School is centred around the belief that children learn best when they feel happy, secure and valued. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every child can be themselves, explore their interests and develop at their own pace. We celebrate each child's individuality and work closely with families to ensure they feel supported throughout their early years journey. Through play, positive relationships and meaningful experiences, we encourage children to become confident, independent learners who are ready to embrace new opportunities and challenges.
