Pre-school (2 Years Old)

Pre-School at Goresbrook

Our Pre-school provides a calm, nurturing environment where our youngest children feel safe, valued, and confident to explore. At two years old, children learn best through hands-on experiences, meaningful relationships, and repetition. We place a strong emphasis on emotional security, communication, and independence, ensuring each child feels supported as they take their first steps into early learning.

Inspired by a Reggio Emilia approach, our environment is thoughtfully designed using natural resources and open-ended materials that encourage curiosity and sensory exploration. Children are given time and space to investigate, play, and make sense of the world around them, both indoors and outdoors. Learning is led by the child, with adults carefully observing, responding, and extending play through sensitive interaction.

A consistent routine and a dedicated key person help children settle quickly and build strong attachments. We work closely with parents, sharing daily information and celebrating each child’s individual progress as they grow in confidence, language, and independence.
 

What does a day in pre-school look like?

Our Pre-school Day runs from 8.30am to 3.20pm and follows a calm, predictable routine that helps children feel safe, settled, and confident. While the structure of the day remains consistent, learning is flexible and responsive, shaped by the children’s interests, ideas, and needs.

8.30am – Welcome and Settling In

Children are warmly welcomed into Pre-school and supported to settle in at their own pace. This is an important time for building secure relationships and emotional wellbeing. Adults spend time observing children as they play, listening to their communication and responding sensitively to support confidence and belonging.

Morning Play and Learning

Children learn primarily through play in a carefully prepared environment using natural and open-ended resources. Adults observe closely, noticing children’s fascinations, emerging skills, and ideas, and use these observations to gently extend learning through conversation, modelling, and shared play. A strong focus is placed on personal, social and emotional development and communication and language, supporting children to express themselves, build relationships, and develop independence.

Snack Time

Healthy snacks are provided each day. Snack time is a social experience where children practise independence, turn-taking, and communication, supported by familiar adults who encourage conversation and positive relationships.

11.30am – Lunchtime

Children bring a packed lunch from home and enjoy eating alongside our Nursery and Reception children. Lunchtime is a calm, shared experience that supports routines, social skills, and a sense of belonging within the wider school community.

Afternoon Play and Exploration

 The afternoon continues with child-led play, outdoor learning, stories, songs, and small-group experiences. Adults remain attentive and responsive, valuing children’s choices and voices while supporting early language development, emotional regulation, and cooperative play.

3.20pm – Home Time

 The day ends with a gentle transition as children are collected. Staff share key information with parents, celebrating children’s achievements and experiences from the day.

We primarily offer full-time places in Pre-school. A limited number of part-time places are available on a first come, first served basis.
 

How to apply?

We welcome applications for our Pre-school throughout the year, subject to availability.

Funded places

To check if your child is eligible for free early learning for 2-year-olds, please visit: Free early learning | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Once on the website, select the “See if you’re eligible” box on the 2-year-olds page. This will take you to the online portal where you can make an application.

Paying for a place

If you wish to pay for a Pre-school place, the current fee is £6.50 per hour. Please be aware this is subject to change. 

Parents who choose a paid place are asked to provide:

• A packed lunch
• Nappies
• Wipes and creams
• Spare clothes

Enrolment Form

Once eligibility has been confirmed or if you are applying for a paid place, please complete our school enrolment form. A member of staff will then contact you to discuss availability and next steps.