About Us
The Village PreschoolsAt The Village Preschool, we don’t just look after children — we nurture curious, confident little people who are ready to take on the world.
Our Story
How we started
The Village Preschools were born from a simple belief: every child deserves an early years experience that puts their happiness, wellbeing and individual development at the very heart of everything.
With years of experience in early years education, we set out to create preschools that truly feel like a home away from home — warm, welcoming spaces where children are known, valued and gently guided to reach their full potential.
Today, we’re proud to run two Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ preschools in North Weald and Shenfield, with a shared ethos and consistent quality that families can trust — wherever they are in Essex.
Our Values
What we believe
Happiness Comes First
We know that children learn best when they feel happy and emotionally secure. That’s why settling your child in gently and building trusting relationships is always our priority. Comforters from home are welcome. Cuddles are unlimited.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our staff use observations, parental insights and initial assessments to understand each child’s interests, strengths and next steps — then plan activities tailored specifically to them.
Learning Through Play
From messy dough-making to imaginative tea parties in the garden playhouse, children learn powerful skills through purposeful play. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, delivered through activities children genuinely enjoy.
Independence & Confidence
We gently encourage children to do things for themselves — hanging up their coats, serving their own snacks, choosing their own activities. These small moments build big confidence.
Partnership With Parents
You know your child better than anyone. We work closely with families, sharing daily updates, progress discussions and an open-door approach so you always feel connected to your child’s learning journey.
Our approach
How we teach
Our curriculum is broad, ambitious and built around three core principles:
In-the-Moment Planning — When a child shows fascination with something, we follow their lead. If they’re captivated by aeroplanes overhead, that becomes a learning opportunity right there and then.
Seasonal & Interest-Based Topics — Our activities evolve with the seasons and with what children are excited about, keeping learning fresh and engaging all year round.
Communication & Language Focus — Staff actively engage children in rich conversations, introduce new vocabulary and encourage storytelling. From singing nursery rhymes to reading favourite books, language development runs through everything we do.
A Message From
Our Team
Our preschools are staffed by dedicated, qualified early years professionals — many holding Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. Every member of our team shares a genuine passion for early childhood development and a commitment to creating the best possible experience for your child.
All staff hold current DBS checks, Paediatric First Aid and complete regular safeguarding training. They also participate in ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standards of care and education.
Testimonials
What Parents are Saying
Our daughter loved it there, and it was a sad day when she left for school. I would absolutely recommend this nursery to anyone considering it!
The activities and learning journal were brilliant and kept me updated daily with pictures and comments. Couldn't recommend this nursery enough.
Absolutely fantastic pre school, my daughter spent her early years there she started when she was two. Her key worker was fantastic they treat them as their own and all love the children so much.