Allendale Pre-School

About this day nursery

Allendale Pre-School is a small, community-focused early years setting located in Hexham, dedicated to providing a nurturing and personal introduction to education for local families. The preschool prioritises care, play, and early learning over a highly commercial approach, attracting parents who value a familiar and supportive atmosphere for their children.

Housed at Happy Days in Allendale Town, it concentrates on the crucial developmental years preceding primary school. The staff at Allendale Pre-School are described as friendly, approachable, and attentive, aiming to build strong individual relationships with each child, fostering confidence during their initial experiences away from home.

The educational programme adheres to the Early Years Foundation Stage, emphasising play-based learning through activities like story time, role play, creative tasks, and outdoor exploration. This approach supports the development of social, emotional, and communication skills, gently preparing children for more structured learning environments.

The preschool fosters a strong sense of community among families, staff, and children, offering a close-knit network where parents feel known and supported. While it provides practical learning spaces and outdoor areas, it does not aim for the extensive facilities of larger institutions, appealing to those who appreciate a down-to-earth environment.

Allendale Pre-School operates term-time sessions, aligning with the school calendar, making it suitable for parents whose work patterns match these hours. Communication with parents is direct and accessible, with staff providing informal updates and being readily available for discussions.

The preschool places a high value on children's emotional well-being, offering gradual settling-in processes and a focus on kindness and consistent adult support to build resilience. It prepares children for reception by encouraging early literacy and numeracy through engaging activities, rather than formal academic pressure.

The setting is inclusive, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and collaborates with local education networks to ensure a smooth transition to primary school. Ultimately, Allendale Pre-School is designed for families seeking a friendly, local, and supportive environment where children can develop confidence, social skills, and foundational learning.

Our ethos

Allendale Pre-School is committed to providing a nurturing and personal introduction to education, prioritising care, play, and early learning. Their approach is play-based, following the Early Years Foundation Stage, with an emphasis on developing social, emotional, and communication skills. They focus on building strong individual relationships with each child, fostering confidence and emotional well-being through kindness and consistent support, preparing them for primary school without formal academic pressure.

What it's like

Children are happy and settled at the pre-school and have formed strong bonds with staff. The learning environment enables children to access a variety of resources, which supports a well-planned and sequenced curriculum. Children learn to respect their toys, for example, by using china cups and plates in the home corner.