We are a small, friendly, village pre-school. Initially children from Castlethorpe attended Hanslope playgroup. In September 1972, with the encouragement of the leader of the Hanslope Group, Rosemary Otter (the Vicar’s wife), Margaret Wilson, Gill Wilson (Sibthorne) and 15 children moved into the Village Hall. The Playgroup opened on two mornings each week.
Over the years thanks to many village residents, the Playgroup, later Pre-School, developed to be a very successful village provision. Numbers vary according to the birth rate. At present the Pre-School is registered for a maximum of 26 children at any one time.
The Pre-School is administered by a committee of volunteers who are responsible for the management of the provision. In recent years as a result of government initiatives, the Management’s role has grown considerably. The Pre-School manager has responsibility for day to day running.
We meet at Castlethorpe Village Hall Monday to Friday 9.30am – 12 noon during term time. All children between 2½ and 5 years of age are welcome and funding is available for all children over the age of 3.
The children have an opportunity to participate in a variety of educational, social and physical activities. All aspects of the OFSTED requirements are covered to ensure a rounded curriculum. We are fortunate to have an excellent outdoor garden and play area made possible by the joint efforts of a parish councillor, parents and villagers.
We also run a Summer Club for between 4 and six days depending on demand catering for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years.
All staff are well qualified and have considerable experience. The adult to child ratio is well above statutory requirements. Parents are encouraged to become involved and visitors are welcome.
The Pre-school is OFSTED regulated and we were inspected by OFSTED during January 2008 and everyone was delighted with the glowing report. The full report can be found on the OFSTED web site
Contact Jacquie Ladyman (Chair) Telephone 01908 337989 and 07803195772 or Cathy Walters (Manager during pre-school hours only) on 07749 999361.
The children’s day nursery in Castlethorpe is situated in a converted Wesleyan Chapel in South Street, backing onto the school and with access into the school playground. It was established in 1989 and caters for up to 36 babies and children from 4 months to 4 years. Catering for working parents, the nursery is open for 52 weeks of the year from 7.30am to 6.15pm.
The nursery is one of six run by Acorn Childcare, whose head office is situated on the first floor. The aim of the nursery is to offer the flexibility and individuality of a small, homely nursery combined with the professionalism and facilities you’d expect from a larger one. The nursery also provides before and after-school care and a holiday play scheme for children aged 4 – 7. The nursery cooks healthy meals on site and also provides cooked lunches for children attending Castlethorpe school.
The nursery is developing its range of activities and facilities and is planning to train a member of staff as a Forest School Leader. The children already have weekly trips to Salcey Forest and it is hoped that this will lead to establishing our own Forest School there in the future. The nursery is also linked to Tall Oaks Training, based in Hanslope, which offers training for Early Years staff on a smallholding and which is developing a field centre which the nursery will also be able to access to extend its outdoor activities.
The nursery is also hoping to develop its links with the local community, building on the links already in place through nursery families and staff who are also village residents.
Contact Zoe Raven Telephone 510309
More information at Acorn Childcare
At Castlethorpe First School we aim to:
- provide a caring and stimulating environment where all children feel safe, secure and happy.
- inspire children in their learning and celebrate their achievements.
- have high expectations in all aspects of learning whilst helping our children to develop into people of the future.
- encourage children to embrace change with confidence and enthusiasm.
Castlethorpe School is very much an integral part of the local community.
We are privileged to have strong links with the Church of SS Simon and Jude sharing the beautiful building for occasions such as our annual Harvest Festival and Christmas celebrations. Fr Gary is also a regular visitor in school.
We are very fortunate to be able to use the village shop, the children enjoy walking there for provisions and Dina has visited school to talk to the children. It is a delight to walk through the village with the children.
We are always pleased to help with photocopying or faxing and welcome visitors. Our building is historical and as such needs a lot of care, we are indebted to so many local people for their help. It seems that help is just a phone call away!
The support from the village is tremendous. Past pupils, parents and members of the local community come into school to help regularly. Children are always delighted to welcome visitors.
We have strong links with the local nursery and playgroup. The nursery provides excellent freshly cooked meals for us and help with after school care. They use our playground to give extra outdoor provision for their children. Sunday school also use the school building.
Children stay with us for 3 school years. Our numbers are stable and our expected intake is 15 children per year. Strangely 2009 intake numbers are down, it appears that not many children were born locally in 2002!! However the numbers are back up for the following year.
We are very pleased to be able to use the village sports pavilion for our annual sports day and the village hall for indoor PE most Friday afternoons.
In July 2008, we said goodbye to Mrs. Steel as she moved on to become a Head Teacher at a larger school in Milton Keynes. We welcomed to the school Mrs. Parsons who has joined us to teach in Class 2 for 2 days each week.
Contact Marian Christie Telephone 510342
More information at Castlethorpe First School
