About Harrold Pre-School
Established in 1965, Harrold Pre-School is a busy and popular community group in Bedfordshire that provides pre-school education for children prior to them starting at primary school.
We are a non-profit making organisation and a registered charity run by an elected voluntary committee of, in the main, parents and carers of the children currently attending pre-school. Our aims underpin our philosophy of providing a service run by the community for the community
Located in the heart of the village in a permanent position on the same site as Harrold Primary Academy, we have our own outdoor play area and operate full day care. Our session times are are 9:00am until until 3:00pm Monday to Friday, (Morning session 9am until 12am – with an optional lunch club (12noon to 1:00pm) to extend the morning session. Full day session is 9am until 3pm.
We currently charge £21.00 per session (£42.00 per day) and an invoice is raised at the beginning of each term. The Lunch Club is an additional £7.00 when extending a morning only session.
We accept government funding. This is 30 hours for working parents. All children, the term after they turn 3, automatically qualify for at least 15 hours funding regardless of parents work status.
We have spaces for children from the age of two and offer places in line with the funding scheme aimed at low income families and looked-after children.
The Pre-School is divided into three groups (Shrimps for the 2 year olds. Dolphins for two and a half to three and Sea Lions for three to school age). Although all children take part in similar activities, the three groups, enable a gentler settling in approach for the younger ones and allows us to offer more structured activities for the older children, promoting independence and helping to support ‘readiness for school’. The groups regularly separate for outdoor play, special events and outings.
The Pre-School has excellent links with other village amenities, and the children are welcomed by the fire Station, the Harrold Centre, co-op/post office and Local Farmers.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum which continues into the reception year of primary education and have excellent links with local Primary Schools to help provide a good transition for children entering their reception class.
Through monitoring and evaluation, the Pre-School constantly reviews the quality and range of services available to families and staff. We have had a good Ofsted inspection report and are members of the Early Years Foundation Stage Forum which provides advice and guidance on all aspects of the Pre-School.
