Stepping Stones Preschool Playgroup is a friendly community preschool based in the heart of Fordingbridge at the Avonway Community Centre Annexe. All Children are eligible for 15 hours free funding from the start of the term after their third birthday, this is claimed through us from the local authority. We also accept 2 year old and 30 hour funding for those who are eligible. We are a team of 9
staff members, 6 hold a Level 3 qualification. We have a lot of experience working with children and we work with the parents/carers to provide a safe, happy, caring and stimulating environment to meet every child's needs. Our curriculum is developed around the Early Years Foundation Stage and we are supported by our local authority as well as being Ofsted registered. We have an outdoor learning programme which the children greatly enjoy. This is held on the grounds of the junior school in Fordingbridge. Our sessions are as follows:
Morning session: 8.30-12.00
Lunch Club: 12.00-13:00
Afternoon Session: 13:00-15:30. All sessions are flexible to suit the hours that you require. Stepping Stones consists of three main areas. Our main room, which is the largest room has a reading corner where we also have our daily circle time, role play with extended role play that is changed weekly, self selection area, mark making, investigation and exploration table, mathematical area, construction carpet and a malleable area. We also have a snack area at our community table. The second room is slightly smaller where we have lunch. The third area is outside which has our playhouse where the children role play. There is plenty of room for physical activities and we also have small bikes and scooters to play on following the road that has been painted onto the playground. Sand and water is available outside and we also have a mud kitchen which we are currently expanding. There is an area where artificial grass can be laid and plant pots for children to plant flowers. The playground is set up everyday with different activities that help build the children's confidence and interests supporting their fine and gross motor skills. Every child that attends will be assigned a keyperson who will follow and record their journey while at Stepping Stones using Tapestry. Please feel free to call us and arrange a time where you can visit with your child(ren) and get to know the staff and preschool, we offer settling in sessions for children due to start with us ensuring that the child and parents are both happy.
