About
How we work
Policies
At Ditton Church Pre School, we prioritise creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children. Our policies are designed to protect the welfare of your child and ensure a positive learning experience. We invite you to review our policies and see how we uphold our commitment to early childhood education and development.
Ethos
Ditton Church Pre-School was opened in January 2001 and is run by a Management Committee. It was originally set up by St Peter’s Church, Ditton and a small committee of parents. The Pre-School started with six children, has grown considerably over the years and continues to thrive.
All our staff hold, or are working towards a Pre-School qualification and staff and regular volunteers are checked by the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).
The Pre-School is registered with the KCC and offers funding for three and four year olds and also for some two year olds subject to eligibility.
The Pre-School is also registered with the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). Our last Ofsted inspection took place in May 2022 and we were rated as a Good setting.
Charitable Status
The Pre-School has charitable status (charity registration no: 1139117) and our charitable objectives are:
To enhance the development and education of children primarily under statutory school age by encouraging parents to understand and provide for the needs of their children through community groups and by:
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Offering appropriate play facilities and training courses, together with the right of parents to take responsibility for and to become involved in the activities of such groups, ensuring that such groups offer opportunities for all children whatever their race, culture, religion, means or ability;
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Encouraging the study of the needs of such children and their families and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs in the local areas;
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Instigating and adhering to and furthering the aims of the Pre-School.
Our Committee
Keeping us Going
The Committee is made up of parent and church representatives and is chaired by the Rector of St Peter’s Ditton. The Committee is responsible for the overall management and smooth running of the setting.
Committee Roles
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Social Secretary
Fundraising Secretary
Garden Maintenance
Curriculum
Inclusion
Health and Safety
Safeguarding
PCC member
If you are interested in joining our Committee please contact Jane, our Pre-School Administrator.
The Team
Meet the Staff
Discover the heart of Ditton Church Pre-School through our amazing and dedicated staff. Each member of our team plays a crucial role in creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere for your children. We invite you to meet the talented individuals who passionately support our mission of fostering young minds.
Pre School Manager & Safeguarding Lead (DSL) First Aid Trained
My family consists of my husband, my two grown-up children and their partners and our much loved dog! I have worked at Ditton Church Pre-School since January 2004 and love working with a team who are passionate about the work they do and supporting children and families.
I have early years qualifications at Levels 2, 3 and 4 and have undertaken leadership and management training, amongst many other courses. After working as Deputy Supervisor for many years, I took on the role of Supervisor in May 2011 with a diverse role of both working with the children and managing the day to day running of the setting. I now continue to work as Manager, focusing on business management and staff training while my Deputy, Bev oversees the curriculum and play room. I am also the named Safeguarding representative for the Pre-School.
Deputy Manager, Leader of Learning & Deputy DSL, Key Person , First Aider
It is a pleasure to be Deputy Manager for Ditton Church Pre School. I am Level 3 qualified in Early Years and have trained in management and leadership courses. I am a mum to 4 children, including twins. I love being a mum and believe this is where my passion for working with chidren comes from.
Ditton Church Pre School is a lovely setting and I am honoured to be a part of the team.
Pre School Practitioner & Key person First Aid trained
I
Pre School Practitioner & key person First Aid trained
I was new to the area, moving locally in March 2019, so working at Ditton Church Pre-School has helped me to feel part of the community. I am married with three children and two grandchildren, who are my absolute world. I have been a qualified Pre-School Practitioner since 2005 when I achieved my Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice. I am the Health and Safety representative for the setting.
Pre School Practitioner, SenCo & Key Person First Aid trained
My first contact with DCPS was as a parent, as both of my children attended and loved their time at Pre School. In 2015 I joined the staff team as Bank Staff covering staff training and sick days. Over the years I have learnt so much about child development and care and I am thrilled to have joined the permanent staff team as a Preschool Preschool Practitioner having achieved a Level 3 qualification in Early Years. I am the Special Educational Needs Coordinator for the setting.
Pre School Practitioner
My passion for early years education began through my personal experience as a parent when my son attended this pre-school . I was so inspired by the care and dedication of the team that I decided to pursue a career in early childhood education. I began working towards my Level 3 qualification, determined to one day become part of this wonderful setting. In 2024, I joined as bank staff, gaining hands-on experience and further developing my skills. In 2025, I was thrilled to officially become a full-time member of the team. I am dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
Pre School Bank Staff First Aid trained
Pre School Administrator
My three children all started their education at Ditton Church Pre-School and I had the privilege of being a member of the Management Committee whilst they attended. I enjoyed it so much that I then joined the team as Administrator. I love being part of the lively, happy Pre-School team.
Bank Staff
We have bank staff who cover for practitioners when they are sick, at meetings or on training courses.
Shannon
Jane
Testimonials
Your thoughts
Please pass on my many thanks to all the staff for providing such a warm and nurturing environment. I really appreciate your hard work. It never goes unnoticed.
Parent
Thank you so much for making Alexander's pre-school experience such a happy and exciting one. He has learnt so much and grown socially and academically. We recognise this is down to the hard work and dedication of all the staff at pre-school.
Parent
I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you and your staff for the hard work that you put into transition this year. Your staff passed on some really useful information and tips to help the children settle into Year R.
Headteacher, Ditton Infants
Treasurer
Mike Stevens
I am a retired lecturer in Bookkeeping and Accounting and I believe passionately in the need to educate young children. Although I don't get too involved in the actual mentoring of our young guests at pre-school I can sometimes be seen fixing things around the grounds. I also spend quite a lot of time moving numbers around, trying to make ends meet and keeping the books in order.
Vice Chair
Caroline Gibbons
During the early part of the year 2000 when my youngest daughter was nearly 2 years old myself and some friends discussed the pre- school options in the local area for our children. Several of us were members of the church and discussed the possibility of a church community pre-school. Ross was totally in favour of the idea and as I had worked in childcare all my life I had the relevant qualifications to lead the Pre-School. After an intensive 9 months of preparation and funding Ditton Church Pre School opened on 9 January 2001 with about 12 children on our register. By the time I left 6 years later we had established ourselves as a popular pre-school. 20 years on the Pre-School has gone from strength to strength and I have always kept in touch with staff and committee. I still work in the Early Years sector and it has been a privilege to sit on the committee for the last 8 years or more. I am Vice Chair and meet with Wendy for her appraisal. I am also the Committee Curriculum Rep.
