Learning through play
Play is how young children make sense of the world, so we plan rich, hands-on experiences every day.
About us
A village pre-school started by parents in 1970, with its own purpose-built home in the grounds of Great Bardfield Primary School.
Our history
Started by parents, still at the heart of the village
Great Bardfield Pre-School was founded in 1970 by local parents who wanted somewhere warm and welcoming for the village’s youngest children to play and learn together.
In 1997, thanks to National Lottery funding, we moved into our own purpose-built building in the grounds of Great Bardfield Primary School, with an enclosed outdoor play area of our own. Today we are an Ofsted-registered setting and a registered charity, caring for children aged 2 to 5.
We are still run by a voluntary committee of parents and supporters. The committee meets every term (visitors welcome), holds an AGM each year to elect members and adopt our policies, and organises fundraising that benefits the children. Parents of current children can join the committee, and anyone can help out as a “Friend” of the pre-school. Just let our Supervisor or a committee member know.
Our ethos
Four ideas guide everything we do, from how we set up the room to how we say goodbye at the gate.
Every child an individual
Each child has a key person who gets to know them, their family and what makes them tick.
Safe and nurturing
A calm, caring setting with clear routines, where children feel secure enough to try new things.
Ready for big school
Close links with the primary school help children move on to Reception with confidence.
The building
A home built just for little ones
Our building was designed for pre-school children, with everything at their height and space to move freely between indoors and out.
- Purpose-built for the pre-school in 1997
- Our own enclosed, secure outdoor play area
- In the grounds of Great Bardfield Primary School
Next door to “big school”
Because we share a site with Great Bardfield Primary School, children grow up knowing the buildings, the playground and many of the faces. We keep close links with the school so that the move into Reception feels like a small, exciting step rather than a big leap.
- 1Familiar site and faces from day one
- 2Key people share each child’s story with Reception
Ofsted
We are registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register.
Unique reference number 203620. Our most recent inspection was on 17 September 2025. Judged Good.
Come and see us
The best way to get a feel for pre-school is to visit. Book a time to look around, meet the team and ask us anything.