at the centre.

the location.

The Childcare Centre consists of two huts, with a bright glass conservatory style corridor linking the pre-school to the Baby and Toddler Unit. The Centre has its own enclosed outdoor play area which can be accessed by all 3 age groups, with another separated discovery garden next to it.

The Centre stands in the spacious and beautiful grounds of Plympton St Maurice Primary School, overlooked by woods; Plympton Castle and Plympton St Maurice Church are close by. Being situated on the primary school site, has enabled us to build strong links with the school.

the pre-school.

The Pre-school was opened in 1996 and is very fortunate to have its own self-contained accommodation, consisting of a large play area, a separate kitchen and toilets. The pre-school is OFSTED (474376) approved and is able to accept 3-5 year old children eligible for grant maintained places. We are registered for 32 children per session.

baby & toddler units.

Our Baby Unit has a large play area, a messy/dining area, sensory area and a sleep room with 9 cots. It is registered to care for 12 babies and offers childcare from 3 months to 2 years old.

The Toddler Unit opened at the same time as the pre-school, and offers childcare for children 2-3 years and is registered to take 20 children at any one time. This room has a separate kitchen, small world area, messy area, book corner and lots of areas to explore!

key persons.

Our setting uses a key person approach. This means that each member of staff has a group of children for whom she/he is particularly responsible. Your child’s key person will be the person who works with you to make sure that what we provide is right for your child’s particular needs and interests. When your child first starts at the setting, she/he will help your child to settle and throughout your child’s time at the setting, she/he will help your child to benefit from the setting’s activities.

timetable and routines.

We believe that care and education are equally important in the experience which we offer children. The routines and activities that make up the day in the setting are provided in ways that:

the session.

Child Led Play – Early Years Practitioners observe and interact with our children as they pursue their own interests. They also assess and move children’s learning in that moment through extending their play.

Adult Led Activity – These are planned activities which are led by adults. They are planned from the children’s interests and offer children opportunities to support their holistic development.

Free Flow – ‘Free Flow’ is offered to our Pre-school children. The children can choose to play in the room or in the garden, with the doors staying open so the children can move freely. Activities are set up in both areas to meet the individual learning styles of all of the children.

Daily Café Style Snack is offered.

Group Time – The children come together as a group and enjoy singing, stories and group activities which vary each day.