Graven Hill Preschool offers a warm, nurturing and thoughtfully designed early learning environment for children aged 2 to 4 years. Our Preschool is an integral part of Graven Hill Primary and Preschool, situated at the heart of the developing Graven Hill community. It forms a key part of our vision to ensure every child belongs, achieves and thrives from their very first steps in education.

Our purpose‑built Preschool provision opened in September 2023, alongside the main school, and is designed to meet the needs of modern early learners. The setting includes high‑quality indoor learning spaces and extensive outdoor areas that enable children to explore, play and develop independence in a safe, stimulating environment.

We pride ourselves on providing an environment where children feel valued, supported and inspired to discover the world around them. Our experienced staff team creates rich, hands‑on learning experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity and early critical‑thinking skills — all of which lay a strong foundation for future learning and wellbeing.

A Nurturing and Inclusive Setting

Our Preschool is committed to inclusion and meets a wide range of needs within the early years. The setting offers:

• Wheelchair access
• Provision for special educational needs
• Support for special dietary needs
• The ability to accommodate cultural or individual requirements
  These inclusive features ensure every child is fully supported and welcomed within our community.

Hours, Funding and Availability

We offer flexible, term‑time provision that supports families and ensures children have a consistent early learning routine. Our Preschool currently provides:

• Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 08:30–15:00
• Funded 2‑year‑old places
• Universal 15‑hour funding for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds
• Extended 30‑hour funding for eligible families
• No mandatory charges for parents accessing funded hours

Families may also split funding with other providers, offering greater flexibility for childcare arrangements.

Our Curriculum and Approach

Our early years curriculum is designed to give children the strongest possible start. We believe young children learn best through purposeful play, exploration, conversation and positive relationships. As part of Graven Hill Primary and Preschool, our Preschool shares the school’s wider vision of fostering curiosity, creativity and resilience. Children experience hands‑on activities, problem‑solving opportunities and meaningful interactions that build confidence and a love of learning from the outset.

Being part of The Warriner Multi Academy Trust means our Preschool benefits from a strong foundation of expertise, high expectations and a collaborative culture across early years practitioners in multiple schools. This ensures that our practice remains ambitious, reflective and grounded in what works best for children.

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe that young children thrive when families and educators work hand in hand. From the beginning, we have created opportunities for parents and carers to visit, meet the team and contribute to their child’s learning journey. Strong communication, warm relationships and a shared sense of purpose ensure that every child feels deeply connected, supported and ready to thrive.

A Strong Foundation for School Readiness

Our Preschool team is dedicated to ensuring that every child is well‑prepared — socially, emotionally and academically — for the transition into Reception and beyond. We focus on developing early communication skills, self‑confidence, independence and a positive approach to learning. These early foundations help children flourish as they move into the primary phase of their education.