Established for over thirty years and based at the Sports Pavilion in Knebworth, Stepping Stone is known locally as the Pre-School in the park!
We are Ofsted registered and were awarded a ‘GOOD’ rating following our last inspection in 2019.
We offer a high standard of flexible care and education for children aged two and a half to rising five.
The school is run by a team of dedicated early years practitioners who are trained to deliver education and care according to the guidance laid down by the qualification and curriculum authority the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is especially geared toward the development of young children.
We are an inclusive pre-school aiming to provide equality and accessibility to children and families by building a positive relationship and partnership with parents whilst creating an enabling environment that makes for easy learning.
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- Morning Session:
- Lunch Club:
- Afternoon Session:
- Morning Session:
08:30 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 15:30
It is our intention to make our setting accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community. We aim to ensure that all sections of our community have access to the setting through open, fair and clearly communicated procedures.
We welcome visits from prospective families, please contact us if you wish to come and view the setting or have any queries.
Stepping Stone Pre-school have developed a ‘local offer’ for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Meet the Team!
Stepping Stone Pre-school is run by an elected Management Committee and a team of Teaching Staff. The Committee is a team of people made up of parents, past and present, and dedicated individuals who give of their time and skills to help manage the preschool, manage the finances and make sure the staff and pre-school follow procedures laid down by the relevant bodies.
Terri Williams
Early Years Manager
Designated Safeguarding Officer
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
I have worked at Stepping Stone for 10 years, before this my 3 children attended the setting. I’ve always loved Stepping Stone and feel it is like a family, where everybody is welcome.
My favourite book is ‘Spider Sandwiches’ by Claire Freedman and Sue Hendra. I love all the yucky snacks Max eats.
One of my favourite things to do at school is read stories and act them out. The happiness on the children’s faces makes me smile.
Jodie Green
Deputy Manager
SENCo
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
I have worked at Stepping Stone for 6 years. My daughter attended Stepping Stone and she loved it.
My favourite book is ‘The Gruffalo’ by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Hearing the children join in with the story is amazing.
My favourite activity with the children is messy play, from painting to jelly to shaving foam. I usually go home with something in my hair or on my clothes.
Billie-May Williams
Level 3 Early Years Apprentice
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
I have worked at Stepping Stone for 2 years and I am a level 3 apprentice.
My favourite story is Albert Le Blanc by Nick Butterworth because I love the ending when Sally accidentally gets lipstick on Albert, it’s very funny.
My favourite activity to do with the children is playing chase around the playground because I love it when they laugh at my monster impressions.
Liz Carter
Level 3 Practitioner
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
I have worked at Stepping Stone for 3 years. Before Stepping Stone I was a childminder and decided I would like a change and chose to enter an education setting.
My favourite story is ‘The Snail and the Whale’ by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. I like it because of the pictures and that they go around the world exploring.
My favourite activity at school is messy play. I enjoy seeing the children be creative.
FAQ
Did you know we are a committee run pre-school?
The committee manage the school and are trustees of the charity – essentially we fundraise to maintain the school and deliver all those extras you may not find in pre-schools elsewhere, such as HartBeeps, Dance etc.
Being on the committee allows you to gain a real insight into the day to day running of the pre-school. When parents are actively involved in their children’s learning and development, children achieve more. Volunteering offers parents the opportunity to meet other parents, get more involved in the community and learn new skills. This has valuable long term benefits when applying for jobs or undertaking further training.
Without a committee we have no school.
We’d love more parents to be involved in the committee. No qualifications necessary and we will pay for the DBS required for the role. Just a few online committee meetings each year and if time allows you, helping to organise or run our fundraising events.
If you’d like some more information in joining then contact Terri or email the committee