A beautiful place for your child to learn, play and grow.
Chicksand Preschool
In the heart to Tower Hamlets, supporting children’s independence and confidence
The Chicksand Preschool was launched in October 2016 as part of the Women’s Inclusive Team’s wider strategy to improve educational and health outcomes for local children and their families.
Our aims
We aim to create an encouraging and nurturing environment that allows every child to thrive in an environment that puts their needs first. We aim to provide a child-centred learning environment, a fun creative space that allows every child to reach their full potential at their own pace and in their own way.
Spaces are now available. We take children from the ages of 2 to 4 years old.
Our service times
Opening times have been revised to reflect the current capacity and are subject to change.
Monday 9am-3pm
Tuesday 9am-3pm
Wednesday 9am-3pm
Thursday closed until further notice
Friday closed until further notice
Children can attend the preschool for full-day sessions from 9 am to 3 pm or half-day sessions depending on their age.
We offer healthy snacks and refreshments to the children free of charge. If your child attends for the full day, parents are required to provide a packed lunch.
You can contact us at Chicksandmanager@wit.org.uk or call us on 0207 3750488 / 07305081250 to arrange a visit to the Preschool.
The four principles of the early years foundation stage
The EYFS principles are at the centre of what we do at Chicksand.
Learning and Development
We believe children are individuals, and work closely with parents to support their children’s independence and confidence. We offer a balance of child-led activities where we plan according to the child’s interest, as well as adult-led activities.
Chicksand is a spacious setting with a large indoor playroom, as well as a spacious outdoor play area.
The room is defined by the learning areas of the EYFS (early years foundation stage). We ensure that all activities are accessible to all children taking into consideration their age and stage of development.
The outdoor space also reflects the indoor activities set up daily. As well as giving the children the opportunity to explore the environment, and develop their curiosity and confidence.
Unique child
Children are encouraged and supported to express themselves through play, embracing their own individuality as well as that of their peers and others. We celebrate our similarities and differences and this supports the children’s self confidence, self awareness and develops respect for each other.
Each child is allocated a key worker to meet the children’s individual needs and support their learning and development. We also ensure that all staff are aware of your child’s needs.
We have a buddy key worker system. This means in the absence of your child’s key worker the buddy key worker will take care of your child’s needs.
We record the children’s learning progress and development using a software programme called Tapestry. This helps us to track the children’s learning and development according to the EYFS.
This also gives parents access to observations made by the key worker and add any observations or pictures to their child’s profile.
Positive relationships
We are based within a diverse community in the London borough of Tower Hamlets.
Over the years we have built positive relationships with the children and families that use our services. Many parents choose to use our services through recommendations from friends and family that have used our services. Building on this foundation children become confident independent learners.
Enabling environments
We have a spacious outdoor play area, with ample space for children to explore the natural environment.
Children enjoy hands on experiences to stimulate their learning and development in all areas of the learning areas of the EYFS
Funded places available
Funding for 2-year-old is available to eligible 2-year-old children the term after their 2nd birthday. Parents are required to complete an eligibility form. We can provide you with the forms, or you can complete the form online at the Tower Hamlets early learning and childcare funding page. This funding is usually 15 hours per week. Check if you’re eligible at the above link.
Funding for all 3-year-olds: universal funding gives children 15 hours of free childcare from the term after their 3rd birthday.
Working parents: for eligible working families in England
Currently available for children aged 2-4 years
- Up to 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for 2-year-olds.
- Up to 30 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for 3-4-year-olds.
- Can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers.
Apply here to find out if you are eligible- https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
OFSTED Inspection
The Chicksand Preschool had an Ofsted inspection in November 2018 and has achieved a ‘GOOD‘ rating in all areas. The report can be viewed on the Ofsted website here;