About Us
Bishopsteignton Preschool first began in 1981. It was set up by members of the community and sessions were run in the village hall followed by the Methodist church hall and then the scout hut.
In 1994, the chairperson of the committee applied for a national lottery grant and various rural grants towards building a permanent site. These grants were awarded and a mobile classroom unit was bought from Teignmouth Community College. The property was assembled and then completed in 1995.
The preschool is well resourced for both and indoor and outdoor play and has experienced and well qualified staff to support the children who attend.
The position of the preschool is in a quiet corner of the village yet close to the centre. This offers the opportunity for visits to explore and forge closer links with the community.
Bishopsteignton Preschool is inspected and approved by OFSTED and at the last inspection in November 2015 was awarded “good” in all areas.
In September 2020 our Preschool became a governor run setting, working closely with Bishopsteignton Primary School.
Our Aims
- To create a secure, friendly and stimulating atmosphere for all children, enabling them to develop at their own pace and learning through play.
- To work within a framework that ensures equality of opportunity for all families, whatever their needs.
- To enhance the development and care of children between the ages of 2 and 5 years in a parent involving, community based group.
We work within the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS). This encompasses seven areas of learning which fall into two categories:
Prime Areas:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
A Preschool Day
CLICK and THUD goes the Preschool gate,
Always early, never late.
Chatting carers sharing news,
Children showing a toy, or a bruise.
Jiggling about or clutching a hand,
Two plan a trip to dinosaur land.
It’s nine o’clock—It’s time to begin
Orderly queues as we all go in.
Drawing, painting and planting flowers,
Imaginary games using Spiderman Powers.
Sitting under the shady trees
Feeling the breath of the cooling breeze.
Chanting rhymes or singing a song
Learning what’s right and what is wrong.
Counting, sorting learning a sound,
Finding facts of the world around.
Knowing the names of the days of the week
And when to listen and when to speak.
Know when to lead and when to share
And to understand the need to care.
There’s quiet time at the end of play,
The carers come back to take children away.
Gather the bags, go out of the door
Shoes, jumpers and artwork litter the floor.
Down the path goes the human train
The staff draw a breath...then start again.
By Barbara Whitton