Abacus @ Baileys Court Activity Centre

About this day nursery

Abacus Preschool is an early years setting with over two decades of experience, committed to providing high-quality and accessible childcare in South Gloucestershire. The preschool focuses on learning through play, offering a curriculum based on the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance for children aged two to five years.

This curriculum covers seven key areas of development: personal, social, and emotional development; communication and language; literacy; mathematics; understanding of the world; physical development; and expressive arts and design. The approach emphasises active learning, encouraging children to explore, investigate, and develop critical thinking skills in a safe and stimulating environment.

The preschool operates during term-time, aligning with South Gloucestershire school dates, and dedicates itself to inclusive care with trained Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and Designated Safeguarding Leads at each of its locations. Abacus also offers Forest School sessions, enhancing children’s learning experiences with outdoor exploration.

The team is well-qualified, with ongoing training in areas such as safeguarding, food hygiene, health and safety, and paediatric first aid, ensuring a comprehensive and secure foundation for every child's development. The preschool accepts various government funding options to support families with childcare costs.

Our ethos

Abacus Preschool is committed to high-quality, accessible childcare, focusing on learning through play and an active learning approach based on the Early Years Foundation Stage. They emphasise exploration, investigation, and critical thinking, alongside offering Forest School sessions for outdoor exploration. Abacus is dedicated to inclusive care with trained SEND coordinators and safeguarding leads.

What it's like

Staff build positive relationships with children and their families before they start, getting to know what children can already do so they plan successfully to meet their care and development needs. Leaders plan a good curriculum focusing on prime areas; staff encourage children's independence, language skills, relationships and active learning, and children relish being outdoors where they practise physical abilities and learn to make safe choices.

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged hourly based on age bands and are billed monthly in advance. An optional enhanced provision package is available to cover additional activities and care, which is invoiced separately. Funding covers core childcare hours only.