Welcome to HEDCA Preschool                                        

Our Vision and Values

At HEDCA Preschool, we believe that every child’s early years are a unique and precious time, full of curiosity and potential. Our mission is to provide a caring, stimulating environment where children can flourish, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We are committed to fostering a sense of wonder, independence, and respect in each child, valuing inclusivity, creativity, and the holistic development of every learner. By ensuring all children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them, we help nurture confident, resilient individuals prepared for the journey of lifelong learning.

 

Opening Hours

HEDCA Preschool is open from Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1530 during term time. We understand the importance of flexibility for busy families, so our sessions are designed to accommodate a variety of schedules. You can choose from full-day or half-day sessions taken across the week. Morning sessions are 0900-1200. Afternoon sessions are 1230-1530.   

 

Admissions and Fees

HEDCA Preschool welcomes children aged 2 to 4 years. Admissions are open throughout the year, subject to availability. There is a £25 registration fee payable upon enrolment,  which will be refunded after your child completes their first term. Fees for non-funded children are charged at £6.00 per hour payable in advance. Late fees are charged at £6 per 15 minutes. All absences must be paid for except when we have been notified of a full week’s absence due to illness or holiday, when half fees will be charged. The preschool must be notified at the start of the absence. Parents and carers are required to provide nappies/nappy sacks/wipes for their child. In the summer term there is a small charge for sunscreen. We ask for a voluntary donation to help cover the cost of the fruit, vegetables, and cereal we offer the children at snack time.  

 

Funding

HEDCA Preschool participates in Hampshire’s early years childcare funding schemes, which help families with the cost of preschool education. Eligible children aged 2, 3, and 4 may access funded places under the government’s Early Years Education and Childcare entitlements. This funding can be used towards both full-day and half-day sessions, subject to availability at the preschool.

Early years funding starts the term after the child’s birthday.

Child’s birthday               Earliest start

1 Jan – 31 March              1 April

1 April – 31 August         1 September

1 Sept – 31 Dec                1 January

To find out more about your eligibility and how to apply for funding, please visit https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/

 

Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring a balanced approach to early education. We focus on the following key areas:

• Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: Helping children develop confidence, resilience, and social skills.
• Communication and Language: Encouraging active listening, speaking, and understanding through stories, songs, and conversation.
• Physical Development: Promoting healthy lifestyles through movement, play, and outdoor activities.
• Literacy and Numeracy: Introducing early reading, writing, and number concepts in fun, engaging ways.
• Understanding the World: Exploring nature, technology, and cultural diversity.
• Expressive Arts and Design: Inspiring creativity through music, art, and imaginative play.

 

Our Approach

Learning at HEDCA Preschool is child-centred and play-based. We believe children learn best when they are engaged in hands-on activities that reflect their interests and needs. Our experienced practitioners carefully observe and support each child, extending their learning through thoughtful questions and meaningful experiences. We operate a key person system, whereby each child is assigned a specific member of staff who takes a special interest in their individual care and learning. This approach helps to build strong and trusting relationships, providing children with a consistent point of contact and reassurance throughout their time at preschool. The key person works closely with families, sharing observations and supporting each child’s unique development and needs.

 

Staff and Partnerships

Our dedicated team of qualified early years practitioners are passionate about children’s development and wellbeing. We work in partnership with families, recognising the importance of home-preschool collaboration. Parents are encouraged to participate in preschool life through regular communication, events, and workshops.

 

Inclusivity and Additional Needs

At HEDCA Preschool, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. Our team is experienced in working with children who have additional needs. We work closely with families and external professionals to ensure that every child receives the individual support and adaptations they need to thrive within our setting. Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) oversees and supports the inclusion of all children with additional needs, providing tailored strategies and resources to create an inclusive environment where all children can fully participate and achieve their potential.

 

Settling In and Daily Routine

We understand starting preschool is a big step. Our settling-in process is flexible and tailored to each child’s needs, ensuring a smooth transition. A typical day at HEDCA Preschool includes a mix of structured activities and free play, snack and lunch time, outdoor exploration, and quiet time for rest or stories. Outdoor activities are an important part of our daily routine, whatever the weather. Therefore, we kindly ask that all children come to preschool each day with welly boots and waterproof clothing. These items should be kept at preschool so your child is always prepared for outdoor play, rain or shine.  

We recommend that children wear clothing that can withstand stains, as play often involves messy activities such as painting, gluing, water play, and outdoor adventures in the digging area and mud kitchen.

Please name all clothing, coats, jumpers, wellies, and bags as some children have similar items. No jewellery should be worn apart from small stud earrings. We also ask parents to provide a named water bottle for their child. Staying hydrated is important for young children, and having their own bottle on site ensures easy access to water throughout the day.

 

OFSTED

HEDCA Preschool’s OFSTED registration number is 2713722. Our latest report can be found by visiting  https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

 

HEDCA Preschool Staff

Alison Wagstaff              Manager/Designated Safeguarding Lead

Tina Warner                    SENCO/Deputy Manager/Backup Designated Safeguarding Lead

Tamara Williamson       Practitioner

Emma White                   Practitioner

Skye Atkins                      Practitioner

Stacey Wykes                  Practitioner

 

All staff are DBS checked and are trained in Paediatric First Aid. Staff attend regular training in Safeguarding Children and follow the policies and procedures in place.

Preschool policies can be viewed on request.

 

Contact Us

We invite you to visit HEDCA Preschool, meet our team, and see our preschool in action. For further information or to arrange a look around, please call 02392 588023 or email hedca.preschool@googlemail.com