Family Reviews - Borden Village Pre-school

Borden Village Pre-school

Family Reviews

"We are so grateful for having found your warm, friendly, inclusive pre-school after our first experience in lockdown. Never stop doing what you do, the way you do it! You offered our boys such an individualised care where they felt so at home as they skipped in for another day.
All of you embody the core values that are so obviously modelled from Helen & Sharon and it makes for a really great parent experience- our boys were safe to flourish here."

"Thank you all so much for making ...'s time at Borden so special! We can't believe the difference, compared to when he started with you and know how much his confidence has grown. Thank you all for supporting him throughout his Pre-school journey and for always making his day so full of fun! You're all doing an amazing job and I'm so glad we chose Borden to start ...'s school journey. He will miss you all lots!"

"Thank you all for being truly amazing over the years helping our boys in their development and growth. You are an amazing bunch and we were extremely lucky to have you all in their lives. We will always look back fondly on these years. We wish you all the best."

"…has come on in leaps and bounds since joining Borden Pre-school and the support every member of staff has to offer not only to the child but parent too; is above and beyond and made the whole process easy and calm.”

“…has come on in leaps and bounds since joining Borden Pre-school and the support every member of staff has to offer not only to the child but parent too; is above and beyond and made the whole process easy and calm.”

“We are so proud of … for everything she has achieved this year at Borden Pre-school. She has had an amazing year with you all. From all the reports we have read, we can see that you know our little girl very well. We have enjoyed hearing about her achievements. Thank you for all your hard work and support and for providing so many opportunities from school trips, Boogie Tots, Rugby Tots to Phonics. You are an outstanding Pre-school and we will miss you!”

“All I can say is keep doing what you are doing, always doing right by the children. They’re all lucky to have such brilliant, supportive teachers.”

“I would highly recommend this Pre-school to other families. I feel … needs are met with a fantastic selection of activities. We loved the healthy eating week, … especially loved to prepare her own lunch.”

“…has loved his time at Borden Pre-school and that is all down to the wonderful staff and the opportunities and activities they provide. …has grown in all areas of his development due to the continuous communication between myself and his Key Worker. Thank you all.”

“… loves Pre-school and we are so pleased with the care and support … has had from everyone. They love Pre-school and always looks forward to coming here.”

“Thank you to you all you for all the hard work, time and care you have poured into my children, I’m full of praise for Borden preschool and think whatever your recipe is, you need to bottle it and spread it to other nursery’s! You’re all amazing and its credit to you that my children embark on their primary education journey to face the challenges. What a privileged beginning you have gifted my children”.

“Thank you all for making my daughters time at nursery so enjoyable. I will miss hearing the many stories about her day and how much fun she had with all her friends and teachers. Thank you for always looking after her in such a wonderful way and making her so happy at nursery. I will be forever grateful”.

“Thank you so much for everything you have done for our daughter she has grown in confidence so much since starting with you, and you have given her a great start to her school life, we couldn’t have asked for anyone better to take care of her, if only we had known about Borden Preschool years ago”.

“Thank you so much for settling our son into nursery this year, he tells me he loves school which is so wonderful to hear”.

“Thank you for all the valuable experiences and activities you have provided for our daughter during her time at Preschool, she has loved every minute and learnt so much, your hard work and commitment has never gone unnoticed”.

“Thank you so much for giving … such a wonderful start in his Pre-school adventure. He clearly loves it and squeezes the most out of his one day each week. We can’t wait for him to gain in confidence over the next year with you!”

“Thank you so much for helping … to grow into the sassy little lady she is today. We really appreciate everything you have done. Such a fantastic Pre-school you will be truly missed but I know that … is so ready for school in September and that’s thanks to you all.”

“… loves Pre-school and we are so pleased with the care and support … has had from everyone. They love Pre-school and always looks forward to coming here.”

“I would 100% recommend Borden Pre-school, it’s fun, friendly little family. Staff are always smiling, welcoming and approachable.”

“All I can say is keep doing what you are doing, always doing right by the children. They’re all lucky to have such brilliant, supportive teachers.”

Pre-school Report

I have been visiting the pre-school over the last year in my role as the local Curate within the parish of St Peter and St Paul Borden.

I first got to know Sharon and Helen when I needed to borrow a children’s book for a church service and was told that the school would be happy to lend me a copy. After a conversation they told me I would be welcome to visit the school.

Sharon and Helen made me feel a part of the community straight away.

I started to visit the children and staff at the pre-school on a monthly basis and lead them in worship at our church last Christmas. Sharon and Helen along with the staff brought all the children to enjoy some carols, and the nativity story.

Parents and carers came along to enjoy the advent service and watch the children enjoying the songs and as Storytime whilst also engaging in some craft activities which helped to teach the children about the Christmas story.

I have been going into the pre-school roughly once a month on Thursdays.

Helping and being alongside the staff and children by reading to the children, painting, crafts, outdoor play, talking to the staff and to the children in a pastoral role which has been a joy and a real delight.

On one particular occasion we took the children on a ‘Bear hunt’ across the fields (Mountains!) to the rear of the pre-school. Again, it was great to spend time with the children and staff getting to know each child individually and taking the time as the staff do to adjust to each child’s specific educational needs.

As a church we try to get out and about in the local community to get to know people. I believe it’s an important element for a child’s development to know that the church is not just a ‘big building’ but its members are there to help, nurture and care for them and for the community.

As a new member of the clergy coming into school for the first time was somewhat nerve racking, however, Sharon, Helen and all their staff made me feel very welcome and the warmth and the care of the pre-school was evident from day one.

I have witnessed such great pastoral work with the children and the care all the staff place on treating each child and their own specific needs with the utmost dedication has already inspired my own ministry with young children and has lead me to realise the importance of the role of the priest in the pastoral and spiritual development of children.

Its busy, lively and the children clearly enjoy being at the preschool.

Sharon and Helen work incredibly well with all their staff to ensure the highest level of safeguarding and care.

Every time I have gone into the school, a new activity has been on the agenda so its never stale and the children are stimulated and engaged with the activities provided.

No child is excluded, every child matters, every child is an individual to Sharon Helen and their staff.

The emphasis on both physical wellbeing and education whilst allowing the children the freedom to explore their own interests has for me been delightful to see.

I feel that all the staff and the managers work very hard to create the best possible environment to ensure the children are happy.

I look forward to my continued involvement in the preschool as a member of the local church caring for the staff and children on a pastoral level and I hope as someone considered to be a friend.

Ofsted Parent Feedback

As a family we have chosen Borden Pre-school for our four children. We have a child leaving in July, and our youngest has recently joined. Over the past 8 years, we have been immensely impressed by their open communication, evident care for the children, promoting independence and communication through both structured and free play.

We do not live in the immediate locality, and therefore chose Borden Preschool amongst the numerous other Early Years settings. Placing trust in your children’s childcare provider is essential, and we have this wholeheartedly with the entire team.

Notices are shared in a timely manner, and opportunities to enrich the curriculum are always provided – such as Boogie Tots, the Rare Breeds Centre and guest speakers amongst others.

The children have opportunities to meet the local priest, one of whom has been reading to the children helping to build links within the community.

New starters meet their key worker at the family home, ensuring a seamless link between home and preschool. Our children feel safe and valued. This enables them to express themselves and share their natural highs and friendship concerns as their social communication develops.

Assessment is thorough and meaningful. The use of the LearningBook app highlights golden moments for parents, and provides us with discussion points with our children to build upon what they have done. It’s really well utilised, with specific learning points identified. The blend of images and video provides reassurance that activities are frequent – and the state of clothes proves this!

Transitions for the older children into primary schools are thoughtfully prepared, with uniforms being displayed. Our eldest at preschool is looking forward to primary, but also reluctant to leave due to the amazing rapport she has with her teachers. She is fortunate that many of her peers are transitioning with her.