Preschool

Welcome to Devonshire Primary Academy Preschool

Our Ethos

Here at Devonshire Primary Academy we believe that all children deserve an education rich in wonder and memorable experiences, alongside the purposeful acquisition of skills and knowledge. We believe that an education that does all of this gives children the best chance to become well-rounded, happy individuals, ready to succeed in an ever-changing world. Our ethos is that no child is left behind and, in Preschool, experienced early years practitioners work tirelessly to identify and address barriers to learning.

Environment 

At Devonshire Preschool, you will notice a calm environment and a neutral space, accented with well thought out resources that are purposely placed to support and extend children’s learning. We enhance our play spaces regularly by reflecting on the children’s progress, skills and their specific interests.

An enabling environment provides children with the space and resources to play, explore and learn. The environment is a crucial aspect of our offering at Devonshire Preschool and is widely evidenced within the Early Years as being a key factor in supporting children’s learning and development.

Outdoors

Our outdoor learning is a unique and a completely different experience from what children already have access to indoors. Open-ended resources offer a wider variety of opportunities. They allow children to exercise their creative and critical thought process, encourage discovery, collaboration, risk taking and movement. However, most importantly, they give children time to revel in the simplicities and delight of the everyday. What may look like a pile of scrap and loose parts to some, is a fabulous treasure chest of possibilities to a child.

Sessions

We offer a choice of sessions for our children:

 

 

 

 

Lower Preschool – Jungle Cubs Class

Children begin Lower Preschool the term after their 3^rd Birthday.

They will then continue their learning journey through to our upper Preschool. Lower Preschool have access to our extensive environment as well as the school trim trail, sensory room and regular balance bike practise.

Upper Preschool – Jungle Class

Children begin Upper Preschool the September before they are due to start school.

In addition to the lower Preschool activities, upper Preschool also take part in the Blackpool tooth brushing scheme and Preschool library. Upper Preschool may also take part in the Preschool Council where they are given the responsibility to make decisions about their learning and environment.

Children can begin their journey in our wonderful Preschool the term following their 3rd birthday.  For example:

• Turning 3 in Autumn 2026 term - Begin in Spring 2027 term (if spaces are available)
• Turning 3 in Spring 2027 term - Begin in Summer 2027 term (if spaces are available)
• Turning 3 in Summer 2027 term - Begin in Autumn 2027 term (if spaces are available)

Preschool All-Inclusive Fee

Attendance Type	Weekly Fee	Included
Morning and Afternoon	£2.50	Snacks, consumables and sundries
Sunlight	£15.00	5 meals, lunchtime cover, snacks, consumables and sundries
Dawn and Dusk	£6.50	2 meals, lunchtime cover, snacks, consumables and sundries

The weekly fee includes the subsidy towards consumables and sundries such as snacks, juice, sun cream and baby wipes and special occasions, trips and events. This subsidy is charged at 50p per session.

Preschool’s all-inclusive fee will be charged per half term; payment must be made in full via ParentPay or a PayPoint shop before the start of each half term in order to secure your child’s place for that period.  Unfortunately, unpaid fees will result in the full-day attendance option being withdrawn from your child.

Please note, if you are paying in a PayPoint shop, the transaction will take 24 hours to show as a credit on your child’s account.  Therefore, if you have made PayPoint payment on the day the fee is due, we will require evidence of the receipt by 8:30am.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please speak to the school office team as soon as possible.  We are here to help and can discuss your situation and potential options in confidence.

Applying for a Place in Our Preschool

If you wish to discuss our Preschool or applying for a place, please send an email to preschool@devonshire.svt.org.uk.  Please include your child’s name and date of birth in the content of the email.

Alternatively, you can can click below to complete an application form or collect a paper copy from the school office.

Click to Apply for a Place

*Please note, if your child does not attend Preschool for a continuous period of 4 school weeks and the setting is not aware of the reason for the absence, your child will be removed from roll. Any fees related to this period will still be chargeable.

Useful Links

• Government Grant
• Hungry Little Minds Website