Latest news & info
Funded and self-paying spaces
We have spaces for the academic year 2025 - please email the manager on manager@littledovescp.org.uk for further information or if you would like to add your child to the waiting list.
September 25 Newsletter is now available here
Cost-of-living advice:
Information for families - Reducing food costs.
Free and low-cost fun activities for children - guidance for families.
5 Top tips to keep children safe from button batteries
Little Doves Christian Pre-School t-shirts, polo t-shirts and sweatshirts are now available to order. Please see Pam for more details.
Is your child too unwell to attend today? Visit Our Illness Policy to find out what to do.
Immunisation schedule for under 5’s available here
Please note the new telephone numbers for Ofsted
- To report a concern, call 0300 123 4666
- For enquiries, call 0300 123 1231
Welcome to Little Doves Christian Pre-School
My name is Pam Biddulph and I am the manager and trustee of Little Doves Christian Pre-school. I have had many years of experience running a day nursery and then a pre-school in the local area. I have a passion for seeing young children grow, learn and succeed and look forward to continuing to support families within the community. I am a member of St Paul’s Church Bentley Common and the church has pastoral links with Little Doves Pre-school. The pre-school meets at Navestock Village Hall Location here
At our latest Ofsted Inspection in June 2025 we have been awarded Outstanding. We are especially pleased that the inspector highlighted how “exceptionally happy” our children are and how their behaviour was “exemplary”.
The Ofsted report says:
“The key-person system is highly effective. Practitioners are carefully matched to children based on natural attachments, resulting in remarkably strong relationships that underpin children's confidence and emotional well-being. Practitioners demonstrate an outstanding knowledge of their key children. They skilfully use assessment to plan experiences that spark curiosity and foster growth. Every child receives personalised care which helps them to make excellent progress in their development.”
“Practitioners create an environment that is warm, calm, and highly conducive to learning.”
Charitable status
The pre-school is a limited company with charitable status, managed by a team of trustees, two of which are appointed by St Paul’s Parish Church Council. My deputy manager, Emma Lambri, and I have worked together for the last 18 years and have been awarded one 'Outstanding' and five ‘Good’ Ofsted reports.
Early Years Foundation Stage Themes
The pre-school aims to provide high quality child care in a welcoming, caring, calm, child orientated environment where the curriculum is based around promoting the new 2024 Early Years Foundation Stage including the Early Years Foundation Stage Themes and British values set by the Department for Education. The children will explore topic related projects which will increase their awareness of the world around them, making learning an enjoyable experience whilst ensuring that the individual needs and development of every child is met. The safety of the children is paramount and therefore good staff to child ratios are always a priority. More information for parents/carers can be found on Birth to 5 Matters. Please also read our 09.01a About our childcare and early education and Explaining your child's "Big book of me" learning journal.
Our Ofsted report says:
“Leaders deliver a highly differentiated curriculum which ensures that the needs of both younger and older children are meticulously met. Practitioners expertly plan and deliver a range of learning opportunities. These are responsive, ambitious and rooted in children's interests and experiences, while promoting a deep love for learning… Practitioners introduce descriptive words, such as 'smooth' and 'soft', to support children's language development.”
“Practitioner's interactions are of high quality. They are enthusiastic, use questioning effectively, and are highly attuned to the children's responses.”
“Leaders go above and beyond to support a highly skilled team to deliver outstanding quality care and education…. The team is reflective and continuously reviews the provision to identify further ways of improving it, to ensure that children have the very best outcomes.”
“… Children become immersed in rich, hands-on learning experiences… Mathematical development is woven seamlessly into the activity….”
“Transitions are meticulously planned to ensure children feel confident and prepared for the next stage of their education. Transition passports are prepared, containing detailed information about children's strengths, needs, and preferences. Practitioners liaise closely with schools and teachers are invited in, allowing children to build relationships ahead of time. Children are supported to develop skills they will need at school, from managing their belongings to changing clothes independently.”
“The outdoor provision is rich and stimulating. Children enthusiastically engage in a wide variety of experiences that promote curiosity and physical development. In the mud kitchen, they mix petals, mud, and sand, describing the textures and creating imaginative recipes. Large physical play is promoted through obstacle courses, bikes, and balancing activities, building children's core strength and coordination.”
Mission Statement
Little Doves aims to provide a first-class pre-school service, in a safe and caring environment, where the children's welfare is treated as the highest priority.
Christian ethos
The pre-school offers places to all members of the community irrespective of colour, race or religion. However, parents/carers are made aware that the pre-school is run with a Christian ethos and co-operation on that basis is requested.
Our Ofsted report says:
“… Practitioners act as positive role models and provide children with a clear understanding of expectations. Children's achievements are widely celebrated with regular certificates awarded to help build children's confidence and self-esteem.”
Inclusive
Little Doves Christian Pre-School is an inclusive pre-school where children with special educational needs are welcomed. Staff work closely with the child and their parents/carers and childcare professionals to ensure that all the additional needs of the child are met. Read our SEND policy for further details.
Our Ofsted report says:
“Provision for children with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND) is excellent. Practitioners work in close partnership with a range of external professionals and create support plans that are sharply focused to meet the individual learning requirements of each child. Practitioners are highly attuned to the children's needs, adapting and refining their teaching to ensure that children with SEND are included and can fully participate in pre-school life, giving them the very best start.”
Partnership with parents and carers
The staff at Little Doves work very hard to ensure there is effective and regular communication with the parents/carers.
Our Ofsted report says:
“Partnerships with parents are a significant strength. Parents feel fully included in their child's development and hold the pre-school in high regard. Communication is highly effective with systems in place, such as contact books and secure parent chat groups. These provide regular updates and allow parents to share children's achievements both at home and in the pre-school.”
Ordinarily Available
This sets out a common set of expectations about the provision and practice that is expected in all Early Years settings, mainstream schools and Post 16 providers for children and young people with SEND. It is what a young person, parent/carer or family can expect to be “normally” or “ordinarily” available to their child without the need for involving specialist support. For more info please visit here
Sessions and fees
Session times can be found here. Fees on enquiry.
Government/Essex childcare funding is explained in our 09.01h ECC Funding procedure
The Best Start in Life parent hub (previously Childcare Choices)
FAQ's on new funding entitlements for 2 year olds
Working Parents Funding Entitlements FEEE2 versus FEEE2W
Tax-free childcare info
code validation FAQ for parents accessing the new childcare entitlements.
