Plaistow Pre-School

About this day nursery

Plaistow Preschool, established in 1966, is a highly-rated, charity-operated preschool providing accessible care and education for children aged 2 to 5 years. Situated in the heart of Plaistow, it serves the local community including Ifold, Kirdford, and surrounding rural West Sussex areas.

The preschool promotes a stimulating outdoor learning atmosphere, centred on the "learning through play" philosophy within its enhanced garden setting. This nature-focused provision supports children in developing crucial prime areas of learning such as communication, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional growth.

These foundational skills then aid in their progression to literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts, ensuring a confident transition to their next educational stage. The preschool is inclusive, working closely with families to identify and support any special educational needs through trained staff and collaboration with external agencies.

A parent-led management committee actively supports the preschool, organising fundraising events and upholding its enduring commitment to high-quality care and early years education.

Our ethos

The Preschool’s stimulating outdoor learning environment is centred around the ethos of ‘learning through play’ in it’s wonderfully upgraded outdoor garden setting. The learning through play ethos and mostly outdoors provision assists the children to de­velop prime areas of learning; communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development in natural surroundings with freedom to explore. As children grow, these prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas: literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design so that all children can confidently progress to the next stage of education.

What it's like

The friendly staff at Plaistow Pre-School ensure children receive a warm welcome and feel happy and settled, developing a strong sense of belonging. The pre-school provides a hive of activity with carefully planned experiences, including weekly dance classes and football coaching, to develop children's physical skills. Staff use outdoor spaces for learning in all weathers, allowing children to enjoy activities like splashing in puddles and making creations with natural materials.

Pricing & funding

Fees are billed at an hourly rate for preschool sessions. Stated prices are correct as of July 2025.