About Us

Our preschool is based in a bright, purpose-built building that opened in 2011 and was designed with sustainability in mind. The eco-friendly setting provides a welcoming and stimulating environment where children feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn.

Indoors, the preschool offers a range of carefully planned learning areas, including a cosy story corner, an imaginative home corner, and dedicated spaces for messy play, small world play, and early literacy/numeracy activities. We are well-resourced with high-quality equipment and materials that support children’s development across all areas of learning through play and exploration.

Our outdoor space is just as exciting. Children enjoy daily access to a fantastic covered deck and a secure, enclosed garden featuring a combination of all-weather artificial grass and tarmac, allowing for outdoor play in all seasons. In 2024, thanks to successful fundraising, we were able to develop part of our garden into a thriving allotment. This special area is lovingly cared for by both children and staff, giving children hands-on opportunities to learn about growing, caring for plants, and the natural world.

We do not provide hot meals at preschool: children bring a packed lunch from home each day.

To support healthy choices, we ask families to follow our Healthy Eating Policy, which includes guidance and ideas for balanced and nutritious lunches.

We work closely in partnership with a wide range of professionals and external agencies to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive. These include speech and language therapists, children’s centres, portage services, and SEN advisory teachers. By working collaboratively, we are able to provide consistent, tailored support for each child’s individual needs.

Our experienced and dedicated staff team are committed to creating a fully inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and confident. All staff have extensive experience working with children with a wide range of additional needs, from speech and language delays to more complex conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy.

We also have experience supporting children and families where English is an additional language. We work sensitively with families to celebrate cultural diversity and ensure that all children feel included and able to fully participate in preschool life.

In England, families can access various childcare support entitlements including 15 and 30 hours of government-funded childcare, depending on eligibility criteria.

Universal 15 Hours Entitlement
All children aged 3 and 4 are entitled to 15 hours of government-funded childcare per week, for 38 weeks a year; regardless of family income or circumstances.

30 Hours Funded Childcare for Working Parents
Eligible working families can receive 30 hours of funded childcare per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years. This entitlement is available from the term after their child turns 9 months old until they start school. To qualify, parents must earn between the equivalent of 16 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage and £100,000 adjusted net income per year.

Two Year Old Disadvantaged Entitlement
Some two year olds may qualify for 15 hours of funded childcare if their parents receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

For more information and guidance regarding funded hours and entitlements please refer to the government website linked below.

https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/childcare-early-years-education/

Sessions required in addition to and or outside of funded hours are charged as per the following:

	Morning session 9.15 – 12.15	Afternoon session 12.15 – 3.15	Full day
Cost for 2 year olds (Taken from 2yr 8m)	£25.50	£25.50	£51.00
Cost for 3 – 5 year olds	£19.50	£19.50	£39.00

Fees are payable half termly in advance and invoices are sent out at the beginning of each term, if applicable.

Our preschool was established in 1975 and has a long-standing reputation within the community. We are a registered charity, dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and thrive.

Our sessions are run by a team of caring, qualified staff, led by the Preschool Manager, who are responsible for the day to day care, learning & development of the children.

The preschool is governed by a committee of parents who oversee finance, administration and fundraising, with the support of our administrator. Committee members are appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). For more information about our committee and how you can get involved, please click here.

We aim to give children a smooth transition to whichever primary school they go to. Although we have close links with Clyst St Mary Primary School with whom we share a site, and provide occasional shared sessions with children in the foundation stage at the school, we are not affiliated with the school.

Children from our preschool move on to a range of local primary schools, please note that attendance at Clyst Valley Preschool does not influence or guarantee a place at Clyst St Mary Primary School.

We enjoy a wide range of special events throughout the year, including our annual nativity, sports day and graduation performances, as well as fun fundraising events to which all families are warmly invited.

We also celebrate a variety of special days linked to our topics, national occasions, and visits from guests – helping to enrich the children’s learning experiences.

We hold parents’ evenings each year to discuss your child’s progress, however, parents are always welcome to speak with staff members if they have a question or wish to discuss their child’s development.

Please keep an eye on our social media pages and ‘What’s On’ for information on upcoming events you won’t want to miss!