Days Open
We are open Monday to Thursdays and Friday morning (8.30am to 5.30pm) to ALL children aged 2 years old and upwards, term time only.
Wednesdays we also offer a regular weekly session in the forest. We still provide childcare on the premises for children who are either not ready for the forest, or for parents who do not wish their child to go to the forest.
Friday afternoon is dedicated to our Rising Stars. This is a fantastic session for children going to any primary school the following September.
More information about these sessions can be found further down.
Our Pre-school calendar is available here or find it on the Downloads section of our website. Please note that whilst we endeavour not to make changes to the calendar we reserve the right to do so and will provide parents at least 6 weeks notice.
Opening times
We are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm. We currently offer a choice of afternoon collection times; 3pm; 4pm; 5pm and 5.30pm.
Our core sessions are:
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9am to 12pm
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12pm to 3pm
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9am to 3pm
If you require a morning session to include lunch, that is 9am to 1pm, please speak with our Manager as we may be able to accommodate your request.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in our fees and a pack lunch will need to be provided.
Rising Stars - getting ready for school
Our Rising Stars session has been developed for children who will be starting school the following September to help prepare them for their transition to primary school. Whilst we have close links with Derry Hill, children who have attended this session have gone on to many other primary schools in the area of Calne & Chippenham and we are closely involved with all local primary schools to our support children. Previous parents have really valued having a specialist session, regardless of which school their child has gone on, as our focus is on activities that help them prepare for the move to primary school.
"Children learn different skills, which prepare them well for the next stage in their learning, including going to school. They are independent and take pride in managing tasks for themselves. For example, young children enjoy selecting what they wish to play with from the resources available and getting them out for themselves.." Source: www.ofsted.gov.uk
Forest Rangers - Wednesday morning
Wednesdays is when we truly go outdoors! We have access to part of the Bowood Estate, a short walking distance, where we are able to take the children. being a Forest Ranger is all about providing our children with further opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands on learning in a natural environment. There is lots of fun in all kinds of weather probably getting muddy!
Forest Rangers is open to our older children, (3 years old and over) and because of our emphasis on using the outdoors by time your child is due to start this session, they should no longer be using nappies and ideally be able to use a potty or toilet, or working towards this with support, e.g. with pull ups. There are limited spaces available for Forest Rangers.
Our session times at a glance:
Open from 8.30 to 5.30pm
5 days a week
Core sessions:
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9am to 12pm
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12pm to 3pm
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9am to 3pm
and
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Friday 9am to 12pm for all children, 12pm to 3pm Rising Stars.
Specialist sessions
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Forest Rangers- Wednesday mornings from 9am to 12pm
Held every week this session is in the forest no matter the weather and is open to older children aged 3 years old and over.
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Risings Stars - exclusive session on Fridays 12pm to 3pm
This session is open to children who will be attending primary school the following September.