About Us

Milverton Pre‑school provides a safe, caring and stimulating environment where children are supported to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.

We welcome children from the age of 2 until they start school, offering high‑quality early education in partnership with parents and carers.

Opening Times

Milverton Pre‑school is open Monday to Friday during school term times.

Opening hours:
8:00am – 4:30pm

The Pre‑school is closed for five INSET days per year for staff training. These dates are the same as those held by Milverton Primary School.

Pre‑school Sessions

Sessions available are:

  • Early Session: 8:00am – 9:00am
  • Morning Session: 9:00am – 12:30pm
  • Afternoon Session: 12:30pm – 3:00pm
  • Late Session: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Children may attend a combination of sessions, subject to availability.

For current availability or to discuss session options, please contact:

📧 preschool@milvertonprimary.co.uk
📞 01823 400243

Settling In

We understand that starting Pre‑school is a significant step. Our settling‑in process is personalised to meet the individual needs of each child, allowing them to feel secure and confident.

Parents and carers are invited to attend ‘stay and play’ sessions, which give children the opportunity to explore the setting alongside a familiar adult while building relationships with staff.

Sharing information about your child’s routines, interests and preferences will help us to support them during this transition.

Key Worker

Each child is assigned a key worker who is responsible for:

  • Supporting your child’s wellbeing and development
  • Building a secure and trusting relationship
  • Planning learning opportunities based on your child’s interests
  • Monitoring progress and supporting next steps

We value the role of parents as a child’s first educators and encourage regular communication. Parents are welcome to share ‘WOW’ moments from home via email:

📧 preschool@milvertonprimary.co.uk

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Milverton Pre‑school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.

Children learn through play across the three prime areas:

  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Alongside the four specific areas:

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

Observations are used to support each child’s individual learning and development.

Forest School

Outdoor learning is an integral part of Pre‑school life. Our Forest School sessions enable children to explore the natural environment in all seasons.

Forest School supports the development of:

  • Confidence and independence
  • Physical development
  • Social skills and teamwork
  • Curiosity and resilience

Children should attend dressed appropriately for outdoor learning in all weathers.

What to Bring

We encourage outdoor play throughout the year. Please ensure all items are clearly named.

  • Warm layers
  • Waterproof coat and wellington boots
  • Waterproofs or all‑in‑one suit for Forest School
  • Sun cream and sun hat (when appropriate)
  • Nappies and wipes, if required
  • Spare change of clothes

Lunch and Snacks

For children attending morning or full‑day sessions, please provide a named healthy lunch and drink.

Snacks and milk are provided by the Pre‑school.

Safeguarding and Welfare

The safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority.

Milverton Pre‑school follows the safeguarding policies of Milverton Primary School and works in line with statutory guidance. All staff are trained in safeguarding and hold appropriate DBS checks.

Any concerns are taken seriously and managed in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

Admissions

Milverton Pre‑school offers places for children from the age of 2 until they start school, subject to availability.

Places are allocated in line with the Pre‑school’s admissions arrangements, taking into account:

  • The age of the child
  • Session availability
  • The needs of the child and family

We encourage parents and carers to register interest as early as possible, particularly for funded places and popular sessions.

To enquire about admissions, availability or to arrange a visit, please contact:

📧 preschool@milvertonprimary.co.uk
📞 01823 400243

Fees and Finance

Information about fees, funded childcare and payment arrangements is available in our Fees and Finance policy. 

Funding Eligibility

Milverton Pre‑school offers government‑funded early education places, in line with national and local authority guidance.

Universal 15‑Hour Funding

All children are entitled to 15 hours of funded early education from the term after their third birthday.

Extended 30‑Hour Funding

Some families may be eligible for 30 hours of funded childcare for children aged 3 and 4, subject to meeting government criteria. Parents must apply for this funding and reconfirm eligibility every three months.

Funded 2‑Year‑Old Places

A limited number of funded places for eligible 2‑year‑olds are available, subject to funding criteria set by Somerset Council.

Additional Information

  • Funding can be used flexibly across available sessions
  • Funding does not cover additional hours outside entitlement or optional extras
  • Parents are responsible for ensuring eligibility codes remain valid where applicable

Further details about funding, fees for additional hours and payment arrangements can be found in our Fees and Finance policy.

If you would like support with checking eligibility or applying for funding, please contact the Pre‑school team or the school office, who will be happy to help.

 

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At Milverton Pre‑school, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children are supported to achieve their best.

We welcome applications from children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Admissions for children with SEND are considered in line with the Pre‑school’s admissions arrangements and the individual needs of the child.

Supporting Children with SEND

We work closely with parents and carers to:

  • Gain a clear understanding of each child’s individual needs
  • Plan appropriate support and reasonable adjustments
  • Ensure children are able to access learning and play alongside their peers

Where appropriate, we also work with external professionals, such as:

  • The Early Years SEND Inclusion Team
  • Health visitors and therapists
  • Other specialist agencies, with parental consent

SENDCo Support

Milverton Pre‑school works in partnership with Milverton Primary School, including access to SEND leadership and guidance where required. This helps ensure continuity of support and a smooth transition into school.

Parents and carers are encouraged to share any additional needs or concerns as early as possible so that we can work together to support a successful start to Pre‑school.

For further information or to discuss SEND provision, please contact:

  • 📧 preschool@milvertonprimary.co.uk
  • 📞 01823 400243