The Under Fives Project

The Under 5's Project is a registered charity that has been providing high-quality childcare and early childhood education for over 35 years. Based in St Mary's Church, St Mary's Park, our project is rooted in the local community and is committed to supporting the needs of young children and their families.

Our Story

The project was established in 1983 by Mrs. Jenny Wolf, who identified a need for a childcare facility in the area that provided a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. Since then, the project has been governed by a management committee comprised of parents and carers who are passionate about providing the best possible start in life for their children. Over the years, the project has undergone significant changes, with Mrs. Ella Carr taking over as coordinator in 1995 and Sarah Carr taking over as manager in 2016. Today, the project is proud to be a full-time, Ofsted-registered setting that provides childcare services to children from birth to five years old.

Our Philosophy

At the Under 5's Project, we believe that every child is unique and special, and we strive to create an environment that allows them to flourish and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of community and partnership between parents, carers, and staff, and we actively encourage parental involvement and participation in the project. Our experienced and caring staff are dedicated to providing a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment that meets the individual needs of each child.

Our Services

We offer a range of services that cater to the needs of young children and their families. Our facilities include:

• Full-day care and morning/afternoon sessions
• 15-hour and 30-hour places through the government entitlement scheme
• Two-year-old entitlement scheme
• Private places available
• Half-term play schemes during holidays

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is guided by the Revised Early Years Foundation Stage (2012), which focuses on four themes:

• A Unique Child: Every child is a unique individual who is constantly learning and growing.
• Positive Relationships: Children learn and develop through positive experiences and relationships.
• Enabling Environments: Children learn and develop well in environments that are responsive to their individual needs and preferences.
• Learning and Development: Children develop and learn in different ways, and our curriculum is designed to support this.

Our curriculum is divided into three prime areas of learning:

1. Communication and Language

2. Physical Development

3. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

And four specific areas:

1. Literacy

2. Mathematics

3. Understanding the World

4. Expressive Arts and Design

Our Philosophy in Action

We believe in promoting positive role models for our children, so we invite regular visitors to our project, including:

1. Community dentist

2. Speech and language activity groups

3. Road safety team

We also provide a wide range of resources and activities that encourage children to explore, create, and learn through:

1. Water and sand play

2. Mark making and art

3. Role-play and imaginative play

4. Storytelling and bookmaking

5. Construction and building

Join our Community

We warmly invite you to join our community and become part of the Under 5's Project family. Whether you are a parent, carer, or simply interested in learning more about our services, we welcome your involvement and input.