Happy Children & Staff
Let’s be happy and smile together
Southgate Pre-School has been established since 1971, we offer a wide range of learning activities for children aged between two and five years. We are currently open for five morning & afternoon sessions and five lunch club sessions Monday to Friday. Our premises are within the grounds of Hardwick Primary School (Steward Road) in Bury St Edmunds IP33 2PW with whom we work closely, please visit their website for more information as Hardwick Primary School will be the next step in your child’s education in most cases, http://www.hardwickprimarysuffolk.co.uk . Our Morning sessions currently run from 8:45am-11:45am, Lunchclub 11:45-12:30, and Afternoon 12:30-3:30pm. We are introducing our B & A Club (Before and After Pre-School) from September ’23. The club will run 07.45 – 08.45 (including breakfast) and 15.30 – 17.30 (including a snack), the price is £6 per hour (£6 before & £12 after).
- We offer a full range of services.
- We are open to every family in the community.
- Children can start from as young as two years old.
- Pre-School recognises a wide range of special needs, and will aim to meet these needs where possible.
- Free places for three* and four year olds (Early Education Grant Funding).
- Before & After Pre-School Club
Meet Our Expert Staff
Our staff are first aid trained. All of our staff help the children to learn through play. Safeguarding is their top priority.
Sharon
Pre-School Leader
Hi, I’m Sharon, I am a mum and a grandmother. I have worked at Pre-School for 16 years. I started off as a volunteer and went on to complete my qualifications in Early Years. My role is Room Leader and Senco. As the Senco, I support children with special educational needs and disabilities. I find it so rewarding and I especially enjoy helping the children to learn and develop through play whilst preparing them for “Big school”. I also enjoy reading stories and singing with the children.
Ellie
Pre-School Deputy
Hi I’m Ellie. I have a level three childcare qualification and prior to Southgate PreSchool I worked in a nursery for 3 years. I love spending time with all the children at Southgate and seeing them develop their skills. I enjoy singing songs with the children at circle times and playing games with them outside in the garden.
Claire
Pre-School Assistant & SENCO
Hi, I’m Claire, I’ve been working with children for the last 20 years. I previously worked in a small rural school as a teaching assistant . I enjoy sensory play and reading stories. I am Level 3 Qualified in Early Years Childcare and I am currently working towards my Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification.
Lucy
Pre-School Room Leader
Hi, I’m Lucy, a mum of 2 I’ve worked for Southgate Pre-School for 10 years. I enjoy walking my dog and days out with my family. I love working at Southgate Pre-School, my favourite area is the craft area. we always have lots of fun while learning.
Kate
Pre-School Assistant
Hi, I’m Kate, a mum of 3. I’ve worked for Southgate Pre-School for 9 years. I like gardening and being outside. My favourite activity at Pre-School is messy play. I love helping children develop while they learn through play
Ellie H
Pre-School Assistant
Hi, I’m Ellie, I am a mum of three. I have worked in childcare now for 5 years, working with a range of Pre-School and children with additional needs. I thoroughly enjoy helping children grow and develop their skills. I am currently working towards my NVQ 3 in Early Years Childcare. I enjoy doing arts and crafts within the setting and also storytime.
Louise
Pre-School Assistant
My Name is Louise. I have worked in childcare since I was 18 years old. I have a Level 3 in childcare. My favourite part of the day is getting messy with the children. I have an interest in SEN, and would like to work towards getting a SENCO qualification soon
Sofia
Pre-School Apprentice
Hi, I’m Sofia, I have an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care and have previously worked at a breakfast and after school club. I enjoy playing and doing activities with the children. I am currently working towards my NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Childcare
Christine
Pre-School Volunteer
Hi, I’m Chris, I am a volunteer at Southgate Pre-School. I volunteered while my granddaughter attended and have been here ever since, over 11 years. I help to look after the children, prepare snack and tidy up. I like art and craft and enjoy time away in my caravan on the coast.
Donna
Finance & Administration Officer
Hi, I’m Donna. I’m the Finance & Administration Officer for Southgate Pre-School. I’m a Mum of 2 with a Labrador as my 3rd child! I was Treasurer at the Pre-School for 9 years before becoming a staff member 5 years ago. I love my role and enjoy emailing parents new and existing keeping them up to date with activities and events. I make sure Pre-School is run as effectively as possible. I love helping to raise funds for new resources I’m the face behind the emails as my office is at home.
