Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Quernmore valley our brand new preschool is based at Quernmore C of E Primary School providing high quality education and care for children from 3 years old from the term after they turn 3.
We are a small, cosy setting surrounded by glorious countryside and fresh open space, while enjoying all the benefits and facilities of being part of our caring primary school family. Grounded in our Christian values, Quernmore Pre-School offers a nurturing, community-based approach to learning and development.
Find out more about our approach or see if our setting is the right fit for your family, by contacting us to arrange a tour 01524 66628.
Aims
Our primary focus is to provide high-quality pre-school education for children aged 3–4 within our EYFS unit at Quernmore C of E Primary School. Guided by our Christian ethos, we serve local families and the wider community. We achieve this by:
Creating a happy, secure, and child-centred environment
Building strong partnerships with parents and carers
Planning fun, inspiring, and age-appropriate experiences
Safeguarding
To ensure all children are protected from abuse and harm, and to promote their right to feel safe, valued, and heard, we are committed to responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns or incidents of abuse in close partnership with statutory agencies.
As part of Quernmore C of E Primary School, we follow the local authority and Safeguarding Partnership procedures for referrals, and all concerns are recorded strictly in line with our school’s Child Protection policy.
Our full Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are readily available on our website or on request.
Location
We are based on Postern Gate Road in Quernmore, Lancaster, LA2 9EL right next to St Peter's Church.
Staff
To offer the best care and education for your child, we believe it is vital to employ staff with a strong balance of skills, experience, and specialist knowledge in early childhood development.
Our pre-school team consists of fully qualified Early Years professionals and experienced teaching assistants who work closely together within the EYFS unit. To ensure the safety and well-being of all our children, all our staff are trained in paediatric first aid.
All preschool children will be allocated a Key Worker to help your child settle in. This dedicated staff member acts as the main point of contact for both you and your child. While they will closely follow your child's progress, please feel free to approach any member of our Foundation Stage team at any time to discuss your child's education or wellbeing.
Curriculum
At Quernmore Pre-School, we follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to age 5. The EYFS encompasses seven key areas of learning and development.
Our pre-school team plans together each half-term to deliver rich, purposeful activities tailored around each child’s individual needs, curiosity, and interests. Through regular observation and gentle encouragement, staff identify each child's achievements and carefully plan the next steps in their unique learning journey.
Grounded in our Christian ethos and taking full advantage of our beautiful countryside surroundings, our curriculum ensures that learning is engaging, joyful, and tailored to give your child the best possible start to their school life.
Prime areas of learning cover
communication and language
physical development
personal, social and emotional development
Specific areas of learning include
literacy
mathematics
understanding the world
expressive arts and design
School Facilities & Key Information
Children at Quernmore Pre-School have full access to our primary school's facilities, including the main hall, outdoor play areas, and PE equipment.
Outdoor Learning Everyday
Outdoor play is an integral part of our routine. Children spend time outside every day, so we ask parents to provide a pair of wellies and waterproofs to keep at pre-school.
School Community Integration
To help smooth the transition into primary education, pre-school children participate in special assemblies, school performances, and Sports Day alongside the main school, with an extra focus on integration during the two terms before starting Reception.
Please Note: Parents must apply for a primary school place through the local authority by the national deadline in the January before their child starts school. Please be aware that securing a place at Quernmore Pre-School does not guarantee admission into Quernmore C of E Primary School's Reception class.
Food, Snacks & Drinks
Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day, and children are encouraged to stay well-hydrated, particularly in warm weather. Children should bring a named water bottle each day. Milk is also offered during snack time and lunchtime.
To support children's health and dental care, we limit sugar intake by providing fresh fruit and vegetables for daily snacks. Sweets and chocolate are not permitted as snacks at pre-school (though small treats like biscuits may be included as part of a balanced packed lunch).
Dietary Needs & Special Events
Please inform us of any allergies, intolerances, or dietary requirements your child has so we can cater to them safely. On special occasions, we may sample traditional foods to celebrate cultural events, parents will always be notified in advance.
Lunchtimes
Children staying for the full day or lunch session have two options for mid-day dining at 12:00 pm:
Packed Lunch: Children can bring a healthy packed lunch from home, which is eaten alongside their peers in a familiar, supportive setting with our Early Years staff.
Hot School Meals: Freshly prepared hot school lunches are available directly from the school kitchen (currently £3.10 per day)
Security & Child Safety
For the safety of all children in our care, the main school gates are open until 9:00 am each morning and are then securely locked by a member of staff.
Parents collecting children after the morning session or dropping off for the afternoon session must use the main school entrance.
The school gates are unlocked at 3:20 pm for parents picking up children at the end of the school day.
Under no circumstances will a child be released to anyone who has not been explicitly authorized by a parent or carer. Please inform staff in advance of any changes to your usual collection routine.
For safety and safeguarding reasons, no individual under the age of 16 is permitted to collect a child from pre-school.
Clothing and Toilet Training
Most children are using the toilet by age 3. Our Early Years setting features child-sized toilets and handwashing facilities to support independence, and children are encouraged to attempt wiping themselves. If your child is still in nappies, please let us know before they start so we can work together with you on a supportive toilet training routine.
Please provide a named bag with a full change of clothes to keep on your child's peg in case of messy outdoor play or minor accidents. Staff will always sensitively assist children with changing when needed.
We encourage children to wear practical clothing and footwear that they can easily take off and put on themselves, including shoes and socks. Children must bring a suitable coat every day.
During warmer months, please provide a named sun hat to leave at pre-school. If you have signed the sun safety consent form, staff will support children in applying sun cream to their face, arms, and legs on sunny days.
To help us return misplaced items, please ensure all clothing, footwear, and personal belongings are clearly named.
Illness and Infection
To prevent cross-infection in our Early Years setting, children suffering from contagious conditions, such as Measles, Chickenpox, Impetigo, Scarlet Fever, or other infectious illnesses must stay at home until the infection has fully cleared. Please consult UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) or NHS guidance for specific exclusion periods.
In line with NHS and public health guidelines, children who experience vomiting or diarrhoea must remain at home for 48 hours after their last episode before returning to pre-school.
Please ensure all emergency contact numbers and medical details held by the school office remain up to date, so we can contact you quickly in the event of illness or an accident.
Prescribed Medication
We will only administer medication that has been specifically prescribed for your child by a doctor or GP.
If your child requires prescribed medication including inhalers or long-term treatments during the school day, parents must complete a medication consent form available from the school office.
All medicines must be provided in their original container, clearly labelled with the child’s name, dosage instructions, and current expiry date.
First Aid and Emergency Treatment
When your child starts at Quernmore Pre-School, we will ask you to complete a consent form granting permission for qualified staff to administer necessary first aid treatment.
In the event of a medical emergency, the consent form also provides authorisation for staff to seek urgent medical attention or transport your child to the hospital via ambulance or car, while immediately contacting parents/carers. Our staff hold current Paediatric First Aid qualifications to ensure child safety at all times.
Access to Records & Learning Journeys
Parents are always welcome to view any written records, assessments, or documentation we hold regarding their child’s progress and development.
We use See Saw to share daily learning experiences with parents and carers, alongside maintaining paper-based developmental tracking, including progress grids, speech and language monitoring, and early phonics assessments.