About Us

St. Margaret’s Pre-School

St. Margaret’s Pre-School is an Ofsted registered childcare located in the village of Doddinghurst, Essex. We offer education and care for children aged from 2 years of age until the start of school. The Pre-School has been operating within the St. Margaret’s Catholic Church Hall premises since it opened in 1969.

Our children participate in various imaginative and creative activities that effectively support their learning and development.

Our children are confident, self-assured, highly motivated, eager to learn and well-behaved.

Our team of warm and friendly staff ensure children feel welcome, comfortable and safe in their learning environment.


Our aim is to:

Provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for every child.

Enhance the development and education of the children under statutory school age in a parent-involving, community based group.

Work within a framework that ensures equality of opportunity for all children and families.


We offer your child:

A specially tailored Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum helping children attain the early learning goals

Individual care and attention made possible by high ratio of adults to children

Positive relationships working with parents and carers

Opportunities for you and your family to be directly involved in the activities of the group and in your child’s progress

Our Team

Our team of professional, trained and highly experienced Pre-School practitioners led by the Pre-School Manager would allow each child to develop and learn at his or her own pace to achieve their full potential.

All members of staff have excellent knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Children are well supported by members of staff which is attributable to their understanding of child development. We are aware that children develop at different pace and in their own time.

All members of staff hold appropriate Early Years qualifications as well as Paediatric First Aid, Food Health and Hygiene, Safeguarding Children and Health and Safety qualifications. All members of staff have enhanced DBS.


Anthonia Fasae . | . Operations Manager (Tender Tots Childcare)

Anthonia has over 10 years experience working in the early years education as nursery nurse, pre-school supervisor, reception class teacher and education advisor with local authority. She is passionate about children and the quality of childcare provision.

She has a Bachelors degree (Honours) in Microbiology and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Sheffield. She is a qualified Early Years Practitioner (EYPS).

She carries out oversight functions working with the Pre-School Manager and Practitioners to ensure the delivery of high quality care.

Wendy Prout . | . Pre-School Manager

Wendy has over 35 years experience in early years education. She has worked at St. Margaret’s Pre-School for over 25 years. She worked with the Pre-School Alliance for a while before returning to manage St. Margaret’s Pre-School.

She has Level 3 in Early Years and Level 4 Diploma in Early Years Education. She has completed various short courses including Musical Communication, Speech and Language and Promoting Positive Behaviour. She is the Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator (SENDCo)

Wendy is highly experienced and she is responsible for the day to day management of the Pre-School.

Yasmin Farmer . | . Deputy Manager

Yasmin has worked at St. Margaret's Pre-School for over 4 years. She has Level 2 in Early Years and childcare and currently training for her Level 3. Yasmin is the Deputy Manager.

Kimberley Giddens . | . Practitioner

Kimberley has been working at St. Margaret’s Pre-School since 2015. She has a Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.

Natalie Shepherd . | . Practitioner

Natalie has worked at St. Margaret's Pre-School since 2018. She initially joined the pre-school as a volunteer before proceeding to complete her Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People's Workforce. She is currently in training for Level 3.

Jodie Allister . | . Practitioner

Jodie joined St. Margaret's Pre-School in 2019. She has worked with children at a local infant school in several capacities including mid-day assistants and Special Education Needs support staff. She is currently in training for Level 2 in Early Years and Childcare.

Cathy Smith . | . Practitioner

Cathy has worked at St. Margaret’s Pre-School for over 16 years. She has level 2 Certificate in Pre-School Practice and a Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice. She has completed various short courses including planning and assessment course.

Our Local Offer

St. Margaret’s Pre-School aims to meet the needs of children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We are supported by the local authority to ensure all children, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in the pre-school.

We work with all professionals as required for each child and encourage them to visit the setting. If required, we will contact and work with the Essex County Council Early Years Support team. We will always obtain parental consent before doing so and we will include parents in all decisions made and meetings held.

Our staff continue to receive and refresh their training as part of their continuous professional development. All staff have Early Years Qualifications or are working towards them and attend on-going training in SEND, promoting positive behaviour and English as an additional language.

For more information on our local offer, please speak to us or you can request for a copy of our policy.
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