Opening hours
Monday to Friday, between 8.30am and 4pm, with a lunch club operating between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Clapham Pre-School
Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2025)
Number of places
59 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2025
Local authority
Bedford
About this day nursery
Clapham Pre-School is a well-established, charitable organisation that has been an integral part of the local community since 1971, providing early years care and education in a stimulating and inclusive environment. They are committed to fostering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where diversity is valued, and parents are seen as key partners in their child's development.
The preschool emphasises high-quality care and education, aiming to create a secure, happy setting where children can explore, make choices, and learn new skills through play. They focus on promoting independence and co-operation, with practitioners dedicated to supporting children's ideas and interests, building their self-esteem, and encouraging independent thinking.
The curriculum follows the EYFS framework, recognising children as active learners who thrive in positive relationships and enabling environments. The preschool is managed by a committee of parent volunteers and operates from a purpose-built facility in the heart of Clapham village.
Our ethos
Clapham Pre-School is committed to fostering independence, co-operation, and independent thinking in children. They view children as active learners who thrive in positive relationships and enabling environments, following the EYFS framework and supporting children's ideas and interests through play-based learning. Parents are considered key partners in their child's development.
What it's like
Management and staff warmly greet children on their arrival at the pre-school. Staff offer children daily opportunities to practise the skills and knowledge they have been learning and to recall previous experiences. Children demonstrate that they are happy, display confidence and show a positive attitude to their learning.
Charitable OrganisationParent Volunteer-led CommitteeEstablished since 1971Inclusive Practice
Pricing & funding
This nursery offers morning, afternoon, full-day, and extended sessions for children aged two to four years. Fees are charged at an hourly rate for hours exceeding funded entitlement, with optional hot lunches available. Billing is monthly in advance, and fees remain payable during sickness or holidays.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
- Standard hourly rate£6.00 / hour
- Hot lunch£3.00 / session
- Early drop off / Late collection admin fee£5.00 / session
- Early drop off / Late collection hourly fee£2 / hour
Good to know
- Invoices are issued monthly on the 1st, payable within 14 days, with weekly payment options available on request.
- Fees remain payable for child sickness or holidays, and missed sessions cannot be swapped.
- Unpaid fees within the first two weeks of the month will result in temporary suspension of attendance.
- Unagreed early drop-off or late collection incurs an additional administration and hourly penalty fee.
- Offers 15 and 30 hours funding for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds with flexible session options.
- Lunch club sessions require a packed lunch unless a hot lunch is purchased separately.
Key facts
Age range
2 to 4 plus
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Clapham Pre-School
Last inspected 16 January 2025 · Ann Austen
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Management and staff warmly greet children on their arrival at the pre-school. Staff offer children daily opportunities to practise the skills and knowledge they have been learning and to recall previous experiences. Children demonstrate that they are happy, display confidence and show a positive attitude to their learning.
Inspector highlights
- Management and staff are committed to providing good-quality childcare and providing every opportunity for all children to thrive.
- Children form close bonds with the staff, who know them well and support their emotional well-being.
- Management and staff proactively support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Staff place high priority on developing children's confidence and independence.
- Staff provide daily opportunities for children to be physically active in the fresh air.
Areas to develop
- 1use every opportunity to extend children's learning during planned and spontaneous activities
- 2review the organisation of group activities, including transitions, to better meet children's individual needs and learning outcomes.
Inspection #10377367 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Management and staff proactively support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including children in receipt of early years pupil premium. They are alert to emerging difficulties, respond swiftly to concerns about a child's development and successfully work with other professionals. Staff use funding to provide one-to-one support and involve parents in discussions about their child. This ensures all children are included, make good progress and have fun alongside their peers.
Outdoor space
Staff provide daily opportunities for children to be physically active in the fresh air. They encourage children to take managed risks in their play as they practise new skills, such as balancing on the beam, and climbing and swinging their bodies on the apparatus.
Parent Reviews of Clapham Pre-School
5.0
(4)
Leah Hudson
8 years ago
I have 2 children one currently at preschool and one that left in September. Clapham preschool ROCKS!!! We love it, the staff are kind and friendly and they will always try to help you with any situation. They can play outdoors whenever they chose as its easily accessible and secure. The staff are always looking for new projects to get the kids involved in all kinds of learning through play. Both my children have been and still are very happy going to preschool and that's all I can ask for. If I could give it more stars I would!
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Neetu Thapar
8 years ago
All three of my children have been to Clapham Preschool, and the staff have been amazing in helping shape them into the individuals they have become. The staff are always supportive of whatever the needs the children have had. I love that I am able to talk to any of the staff and feel they have always been welcoming.
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Marie Donnell
8 years ago
Lovely Preschool. Staff are very friendly and do a great job, they helped my son settle in very quickly and he loves going. He loves that it is free flow so he can spend lots of time outside and playing with the older children as well. I asked him what he likes about preschool and he said "my friends, toys and superheros." - Connor 3yrs ☺
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Zeus Talks
2 years ago
Great staff, welcoming facilities, all around lovely people.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Clapham Pre-School. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: March 2011
- January 2025Good
- June 2019Good
- September 2018Good
- May 2015Good
- March 2011Good
Frequently asked about Clapham Pre-School
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