Latest news & info
Funded and self-paying spaces
We have limited spaces for the academic year 2024/2025 - 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.
We have spaces for the academic year 2025/2026
September 2024 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.
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
Ofsted Parent Poster 2023
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
We had our first Ofsted Inspection in October 2019 and were awarded ‘Good’ in our overall effectiveness in all areas. The report says:
” The manager and staff provide a warm and welcoming environment for children and their families. Children are happy and form secure attachments with their key person and other staff caring for them.”
“Children behave well and remain safe. They understand key safety rules and know it is safer to walk than run while indoors. Children develop skills in sharing toys.”
“Staff are calm role models and offer constant praise and encouragement. Children are kind and caring individuals and form good relationships with each other.”
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 17 years and have been awarded four ‘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 2021 Early Years Foundation Stage (What-to-expect-in-the-EYFS-complete-FINAL-16.09-compressed.pdf (foundationyears.org.uk)) including the Early Years Foundation Stage Themes 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. Please also read our Guide to Early Years Education for Parents/Carers
Our Ofsted report says:
“They (the children) are motivated and enthusiastic to learn. Children confidently make choices from the wide range of play materials available to them indoors and outside. They are inquisitive as they investigate and explore sensory and messy materials.”
“They (the staff) work as a team to provide activities that capture children's curiosity and imagination. Staff take account of children's interests and next steps in learning and use these to inform the planning of activities.”
“Children develop early reading and mathematical skills through the interesting ways that staff have woven opportunities into different activities.”
“The manager purchases additional resources and arranges for music teachers and football instructors to visit and deliver extra activities. This helps to encourage children to follow their interests further and develop their confidence and self-esteem.”
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.
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:
“The manager and staff are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all children. They work very closely with other agencies and outside professionals to ensure that all children, including those with SEND, receive the individualised support and equipment they need to make good progress.”
“The manager and staff have high expectations for every child, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”
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:
“Staff build excellent partnerships with parents and carers. They work extremely hard to ensure that all parents are fully involved in their children's learning. Parents are overwhelmingly positive when they talk about the pre-school. They say staff go 'above and beyond' to help their children. Parents also praise the staff for the extra support they give families when they are experiencing difficulties in their lives.”
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 https://eycp.essex.gov.uk/ordinarily-available/
Sessions and fees
Session times can be found here. Fees on enquiry.
Government/Essex childcare funding explained in section 4 of our parent/carer contract here
Upcoming changes to childcare support | Childcare choices
FAQ's on new funding entitlements for 2 year olds
Working Parents Funding Entitlements FEEE2 versus FEEE2W
Tax-free childcare info
FEEE Guide for Parents April 24- March 25.
