A pre-school with traditional values in a rural setting

The Suckley & Alfrick Pre-School is set in the “Hop Kilns” in Suckley Village. The school welcomes children from 2 years of age and is set in a ground floor wing of the impressive Hop Kilns private home. We aim to provide a modern approach to the Early Years curriculum in a home from home environment.

There is a beautiful garden outside with a selection of ride-on toys and a special sand and water play area. The school neighbours two local farms and has access to beautiful orchards and open countryside enabling us to go on nature walks, hunt for mini-beasts, experience Woodland Challenge, learn about pollination at blossom time and take an active interest in the harvest. We also have our own kitchen garden where we cultivate our own plants and vegetables.

On warm days the classroom moves outside and children can play with the water and sand, paint outside or sit in the shade and listen to stories. Each child is treated as an individual and is given the opportunity to learn and develop at their own pace. Traditional values are at the heart of our approach and we aim to develop self-confidence and good manners in every child.

The Pre-School is independently run as a registered charity (no. 1136309) and is managed by a volunteer board of Charity Trustees. Suckley & Alfrick Pre-School is affiliated to Suckley Primary School within the village and is managed by Joanna Hall and her team of fully qualified staff.

The Early Years teacher at Suckley Primary School takes an active role in the Pre-School curriculum ensuring that there is consistency of approach. For example, the Pre-School uses the same methods to teach children their phonic letter sounds and has adopted the same reading schemes as the Primary School. Both settings teach the children Spanish.

The Pre-School Committee holds a meeting every half term. Parents, guardians and carers are encouraged to attend these meetings and take an active role in the care and education we deliver. We are always keen to welcome new members to the Committee so if this is of interest please get in touch. The Committee plays an active role in fund-raising and decision-making.