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Next Steps Preschool of Elms Vale, Dover, Kent

Dover Preschool art & craftNext Steps Pre-school is situated in St Martin’s Church Hall, Church Road, Dover. We provide childcare for children aged from 2 years old, up until they’re ready to start at Primary School.

This website is designed to give you information about the pre-school, including all of our policies and should answer many of your questions. For all enquiries please get in touch via our contact page and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

To ensure the safeguarding of your child we carry out enhanced disclosures (DBS’s)  on all of our staff members and volunteers.  The safety of your child is of paramount importance to us.

We believe that learning should be a fun and enjoyable experience for your child.  If you click on any of the small photos on the right-hand side of this page you will be able to click through a photo gallery which will show you our setting and facilities.

Next Steps Pre-school Aims & Objectives

  • To provide high-quality care & education for children aged 2 to school age
  • To work in partnership with parents to help children to learn and develop; add to the life and well-being of its local community
  • To offer children & their parents a service that promotes equality and values diversity
  • To follow the Early Years Foundation Stage  Sept 2021 prime areas and specific areas:
    • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
    • Communication and Language
    • Physical Development
    • Literacy
    • Mathematics
    • Understanding the World
    • Expressive Arts & Design
  • To adhere to the procedures & policies outlined within the Early Years Foundation Stage 2023

As a member of Next Steps Pre-school your child will benefit from:

  • A happy, safe, stable and caring environment
  • A stimulating & challenging environment, with opportunities for exploration & discovery
  • Encouraging recognition & acceptance of different cultures in a multi-cultural society
  • Preparation for a smooth transition to school
  • Encouraging parental involvement by building on children’s experiences in the home with the close collaboration of parents
  • Activities reflecting positive linguistic, religious & cultural diversity
  • An environment free from stereotypical images and discriminatory practice
  • Teaching accepted norms of behaviour, also good involvement & well being
  • Having the chance to establish the basis of early literacy and numeracy through well-chosen stories, songs, rhymes & games
  • Having a personal key person who will observe your child & assess their progress

Additional needs

It’s our policy to make sure that our provision meets the needs of each individual child, we take account of any additional needs which a child may have. The pre-school works to the requirements of the  Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 0-25 years Jan 2015.

The pre-school’s named person Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) is Gaynor Hammond.