About St. Mary’s Playschool
About St. Mary’s Playschool
Playschool Rooms
The children are grouped according to age
Ladybird Room (from 2 years)
Our ethos is learning through play. In the early years children learn and make sense of the world around them through active participation and involvement.
With this at the forefront of our practise, children in Ladybird room have a fluid routine with much of the session spent engaging in free flow/ self-chosen play. Our dedicated and caring team support learning through using language and asking questions to evoke thoughts beyond the child’s current knowledge- further developing their inquisitive young minds.
We have a passion for sensory experiences, offering many opportunities including soil, sand, water, gloop, shredded paper, shaving foam, table painting and more.
Throughout their time in Ladybird room we help the children develop basic concepts and key early skills, initially focusing in the prime developmental areas of personal, social & emotional, Communication & language and physical, developing firm foundations upon which they can build their future learning.
A typical morning routine in Ladybird room
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Soft start - children arrive and get busy playing |
| 9:15 | Welcome time - singing welcome song / counting children / playing memory game or dough disco |
| 9:20 | Free flow play and adult led activity of the week |
| 10:00 | Tidy up time |
| 10:15 | Snack / story time |
| 10:30 | Free flow play |
| 11:00 | Outdoor play |
| 11:40 | Song time / circle games |
| 11:55 | Getting ready to go home / hand washing for lunch |
Butterfly Room (pre-school)
Butterfly Group dedicates itself in preparing children for ‘school readiness’ by ensuring that the transition between pre and primary school is as smooth and accommodating for every individual child.
St Mary’s mission is to promote a safe, secure and warm environment where children are encouraged to express, communicate and immerse themselves through play. This results in children becoming familiar with and being able to adapt to playschool routines, their growing abilities to socialise, self-regulate, explore, learn and problem solve without them even realising it!
Children’s personal, social and emotional wellbeing is paramount at our setting. These integral learning experiences equip children to positively embrace and immerse themselves into primary school life with confidence, independence, autonomy, and self-belief.
We have forged excellent working relationships with our our local primary schools where we meet and formatively plan for your children’s EYFS steps towards the end of their pre-school year. Before children begin their new venture, we ensure that the handover of every child is both personal and tailored so that your little ones can continue to shine and experience the best possible start in life.
A typical Butterfly Group morning session
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Arrival - Large group circle time activity |
| 9:15 | Welcome, Values, Phonics, How many friends today? - (Counting), Weather and Shape Fun |
| 9:30 | Free flow, physical and adult led play |
| 10:15 | Tidy up |
| 10:30 | Various large group experiences covering song / dance / story / role play / games and snack |
| 11:00 | Outdoor explorations |
| 12noon | Morning session ends & Lunch Club! |
Playschool Staff
Meet the team
Mandy Wanless
Playschool Manager, SENCO &
Deputy to Safeguarding Lead
More information
I Joined St Marys playschool as a parent volunteer when my daughter was 2, she is now 26. I undertook my L3 diploma whilst volunteering. Over my time at St Mary’s I have been a practitioner, deputy, supervisor, deputy manager and in 2020 took over as manager. I am also the SENCO and safeguarding deputy. St Mary’s playschool is like home from home to me and my colleagues are my playschool family.
Working in playschool is the most rewarding job, being around the children with their inquisitive natures, their excitement and their eagerness to learn means no two days are ever the same.
In my free time I like to spend time with my family, go for walks with my fur babies and run, I often enter charitable events and have done the London virtual marathon and Moon Walk several times. I would love to do the London marathon but still haven’t go a place.
I love being by the coast.
Qualifications
D.P.P. Cache Level 3, Paediatric First Aid and Senco
Tracey Sizer
Deputy Manager & Safeguarding Lead
Supervisor in Butterfly Group
More information
Before having my three children I worked in the asset management sector training, coaching and developing advisers. When my second son Jake turned three, I thought it would be a good idea to join St Mary’s because of my love of children and to, of course, remain in the ‘development’ arena to future proof my previous career. Almost sixteen years later I am still at this wonderful setting where your children continue to melt my heart.
Qualifications
D.P.P. Level 3 and Paediatric First Aid & Safeguarding Lead
Julie Bignell
Pre-school Practitioner
More information
I have been part of St Mary’s playschool 2000, mostly with the 3-4 year olds, I enjoy it enormously; I live in Great Baddow with my husband. I have three grown up sons and six young grandchildren.
I have a level 3 early years qualification and I am paediatric first aid trained.
Qualifications
D.P.P. Level 3 and Paediatric First Aid
Amy Bedwell
Early Years Practitioner
More information
My name is Amy Bedwell and I have been at St. Mary’s playschool since January 2014. I have a level 3 in childcare and am first aid trained. I have been working with children for 15 years, starting from when I just turned 17, and I enjoy helping the children learn and grow. One of my favourite things is seeing them develop in independence and self-confidence, and enjoying playing and team-working with others.
During my time off, I go to St. Mary’s Church and I enjoy photography, creating art, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Qualifications
D.P.P. Cache Level 3 in Childcare and Paediatric First Aid
Emma Townsend
Classroom Supervisor
Supervisor in Ladybird Group
More information
Hello, I’m Emma Townsend, I have worked at St Mary’s playschool since 2017, I have a BA degree in education, QTS early years specialism. I have over 27 years childcare experience. I have a husband and two daughters, together we enjoy days out at the beach and going geocaching, it’s a real-life treasure hunt!
I have a real-life ball python snake called Luna and a bearded dragon called Pumpkin; I love Disney.
As a child I was in the newspaper holding a piglet!
Qualifications
BA Hons degree, NVQ Level 3 childcare
Sally Johnson
Pre-school Practitioner
More information
I’m the mother of 2 grown up children and love spending time with my 3 grandsons. Hobbies include badminton, wildlife and cribbage.
I’ve worked in Early years education for over 30 years, gaining my level 3 Diploma in pre-school practice in 1998. Working at my previous setting for majority of my career until it’s closure from loss of premises. I’m paediatric first aid qualified and have completed various relevant training including Safeguarding and Autism. I still enjoy helping children have fun and develop. I joined St Mary’s team Easter 2021 and enjoy working in this happy community based setting.
Qualifications
D.P.P. Level 3
Susan Shaylor
Pre-school Practitioner
More information
My name is Susan Shaylor and I joined St Mary’s playschool as Deputy in Ladybird room in January 2024. I have a level 3 diploma in pre-school practice and have been working with children for 18 years.
I am paediatric first aid trained.
I enjoy helping the children explore and learn through play; I love listening to their stories, joining in their role play, reading, singing and building with them.
I attend St Mary’s church and in my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends, going to the theatre, walking in the countryside and dancing.
Qualifications
Level 3 in Pre-school practice and
Paediatric First Aid
Jo Williams
Pre-school Practitioner
More information
My name is Jo Williams, and I have been a part of St. Mary’s Playschool since April 2022. I initially started as a parent volunteer and became a staff member in September 2022. During my time here, I have completed my Level 3 Early Years Educator diploma and a Level 2 certification in Understanding Children’s Mental Health. I’m also trained in paediatric first aid.
I’m passionate about supporting children in their learning and development. I particularly enjoy planning craft activities, doing puzzles, reading stories, and working with construction toys.
I have two children, who are my world, and my family mean everything to me, so I always make sure we spend time together. We also have two bunnies, Bonnie and Jack.
Outside of work, I enjoy music, going to theatre shows, being by the sea, exploring castles, and learning about Tudor history. I also love designing and baking cakes and I have recently learned how to crochet.
I’ve always wanted to work with children and feel privileged to be a part of the wonderful team at St. Mary’s.
Qualifications
Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, Level 2 Certification in Understanding Children’s Mental Health
and Paediatric First Aid
Leanne Rolfe
Pre-school Practitioner
More information
I started at St Mary’s Playschool in April 2023. I have achieved my Level 2 in Early Years Practitioner and am working towards my level 3. I have three children who all attended St Mary’s and when the last one left I decided it was my turn!
In my spare time I love to read, watch ice hockey (especially when my son is playing), spend time with my family and my mini zoo, consisting of 2 dogs, 2 cats, 6 guinea pigs and a tortoise!
My favourite thing about working with children is seeing how they develop and grow and their excitement in learning something new.
Qualifications
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Helen Horscroft
Office Administrator
More information
My name is Helen Horscroft and I joined St Mary’s playschool in June 2024 as an office administrator. This is my first time working within a preschool environment and I am really enjoying it.
In my spare time enjoy looking after my grandsons, reading, swimming and socialising with family and friends.
Our Management Committee
Responsibility for the day to day running of the Playschool lies with Mandy Wanless, the Playschool Leader.
Sue Cilvert
Chair
Jeremy Budd
Treasurer
Mandy Wanless
Playschool Leader
Sue Cilvert
Secretary
Emma Townsend
Staff representative
vacant
Parent representative
Susan Shaylor
Church representative
Peter Patient
Kelly Garner
Christine Smith
We are thrilled that you are considering St Mary’s Playschool for your child’s early years education.
We are here to help you learn as much as possible about our playschool.
Our website and prospectus will provide you with well-informed information to help you make the right choice. We strongly suggest that you book you and your child in for a ‘playschool playdate’ and/or tour, enabling you both to fully enjoy and see for yourselves how we ‘learn through play’
Book a Playdate Form
Please use this form to book a taster session (playdate).
Book a Tour Form
Please use this form to book a tour or make an appointment to visit us
Fundraising & Social Events
St Mary’s Helping Hands
With strong and enthusiastic parental support we have previously organised and fundraised social events throughout the year. Amongst others, regular events include Quiz Nights, Christmas Fayre and Summer Fete.
Funds raised have helped with the costs of purchasing a mud kitchen, furniture, playground shelter and many other resources. Not only have these purchases created more fun, they continue to help support personal and social skills.
The management committee welcomes any help and ideas which can make a positive contribution to the playschool and improve the facilities for every child to enjoy.
Local Community
School and Local Community Links
At St Mary’s Playschool we are very proud of the excellent relationships and the liaison programme we have built with local primary schools. We enjoy taking the children to the local school to watch the reception children in their Christmas and end of year performances.
Throughout the final preschool year, our staff will liaise with the local primary schools, welcoming the teachers into the setting to enable us to share information and discuss the children’s individual needs.
These visits help the children to familiarise themselves with others, easing anxieties and ensuring a smooth transition from St Mary’s Butterfly group to primary school.
We also welcome regular visits from local dance schools and other registered organisations where our playschool children can embrace additional play and learning experiences. We welcome Roger, from the church, as he dresses up and acts out familiar bible stories for the children.
Playschool Times
Sessions Available
Morning
Monday – Friday
9:00am - 12 noon
Morning + Lunch
Monday – Thursday
9:00am – 1:00pm
Full Day
Monday – Thursday
9:00am – 3:30pm
Lunch + Afternoon
Monday – Thursday
12 noon – 3:30pm
Afternoon
Monday – Thursday
1:00pm – 3:30pm
Please also note the above sessions can be combined to enhance your child's learning, development and needs.
Fees are charged on a termly basis and are payable on the first day of term. Government funding is available for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds
Testimonials
Testimonials
What our parents say
Please send us your testimonials to help new parents in making their decisions. These can be sent either in writing, via email, ClassDojo or through our Facebook page.
This is a beautiful nursery school with lovely Staff, they are very good with our son
We love the friendly/family atmosphere, and the large well-equipped garden has been loved by all of my boys over the years
I highly recommend St Marys for its knowledgeable and supportive staff who are dedicated to providing the best care and education for all children. The range of fun and engaging activities ensures that every child enjoys their time and learns through play. The setting is lovely, offering a warm and welcoming environment that both children and parents appreciate.