Acorn Class (Pre-School)

Acorn Class is our wonderful, fun, nurturing Pre-School. The Pre-School is run by Becs Wallis and Charlotte Jones. Becs and Charlotte are fully qualified with many years of experience in creating a diverse, engaging and educational environment where fun and learning are one.

About Us

We are a cosy, close and well-established setting, accepting up to 16 children. We are happy to welcome children from two years old, and we care for them until they join Hazel (Reception) Class. Though we are the primary feeder Pre-School for St Mary's School, we are happy to care for children who will be joining other primary schools.

We are open 9:00am to 3:00pm, Wednesday - Friday (during term time only). We have two sessions a day, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Children can attend either the AM or PM sessions, or both!

Lunchtime is 12:00-12:30pm. Children are welcome to bring a packed lunch with them, or they are able to order lunch from the school kitchen.

Links to St Mary's C of E Primary School, Fownhope

We are proud of our strong relationship with St Mary's school, which we have been fully integrated with since 2015. Children in the Early Years Foundation stage in Pre-School and school regularly share activities like special theatre visits and story sessions. Joint sessions with wheeled toys are very popular. In preparation for moving into Reception, sessions are offered in the second half of the summer term for pre-school children to spend afternoons in Reception. Liaison between staff in the two settings helps ensure children and families make a smooth transition into full time school.

Fees

We believe in being transparent about our fees. We offer both funded (NEF) and non-funded places, with parents being billed twice termly. We are happy to accept payments via salary sacrifice schemes, please speak with the School Office if you would like more information on this.

Our hourly fee for non-funded hours is £5.50 per hour.

For more information on Nursery Education Funding in Herefordshire, please click here.

What our parents say about us

"An absolutely fantastic pre-school. The staff are fab, so warm and welcoming and brilliant with the kids. My little one has already learnt so much and had so many adventures in their first term. I can't recommend it enough!" - Becca

"Wonderful pre-school. A warm and welcoming atmosphere and the staff are fantastic! My son loves going and enjoys every second that he's there. The daily updates are fab and it's lovely to see all of the wonderful things the children get up to! Thank you Jackie and team" - Nicola

"Jackie and her team are by far the best teachers for engaging with children, bringing the best out of them and caring for them I've ever seen at any level. Eddie was very scared and nervous when he started almost 12 months ago but Jackie took him under her wing and within a few hours of going he loved it and couldnt get enough of it. He does so many different activities during his day and it is remarkable how they keep coming up with great new ideas each week. i wish i had teachers when i was growing up like you!! we are very lucky to have Jackie and her team and are very thankful for everything you do." - Jason

"Such a fabulous Preschool. My son can’t wait to get there in the mornings. They get to do such fun activities. My son’s favourites are PE on the school field, Forest school, yoga, walks in the woods and walks to the local park. We are kept well informed with daily updates on tapestry, and my little boy always look forward to explaining the photos and videos of his day to us. Jackie and her team are fantastic with the children. So enthusiastic, caring and so much fun. I wouldn’t send my son anywhere else" - Nikki

"Fantastic Pre-School!! Excellent, approachable and caring Staff, always lots of fun things going on, both our girls have loved Fownhope Pre-School and it’s reassuring to know they have been in such good hands!" - Hannah

Pre-School Blog

We would love to invite you to join us on our learning journey this year. For more information on what we're up to, please click below to view our class blog!