Our Pre-School offers education and care for children aged from 3 to 5 years.

We are currently registered to accept 25 children at each session and we employ thirteen highly experienced staff.

In 2004 we received an excellent Ofsted Report, and became the first Pre-School to gain an accreditation from Kent.

We maintain a high ratio of adults to children - one adult to five children at each session.

We hope that your child's time with us will be a happy one and that learning through play will begin the groundwork for their future education which will be carried all through their school life.

The Pre-School was founded on 12th January 1976 by the Head Teacher of Shears Green Infants and Junior Schools and a group of parents. Our first home was in the Junior School and after many happy years we moved to a classroom in the Infants School. Due to the Infants School expanding the Pre-School had to find a new home and after many months of hard work by parents and friends, on the 14th December 1991 we were able to move into our own purpose built building, named 'The John Hale Building' in memory of the Junior School Head Teacher who had helped found the Pre-School.

The Pre-School is run by an elected committee. The committee is responsible for reviewing both policy and practice, and for the employment and appraisal of members of staff. Our annual general meeting, at which the committee for the following year is elected, is held in October. We are registered to receive government funding for eligible 3 and 4 year old children.

Mrs Marion Wessel - Manager

Mrs Jean Scarff - Supervisor

Mrs Pat Stevens - Supervisor

Mrs Nicola Mason - Deputy Supervisor

Ms Elizabeth Layton - Deputy Supervisor

Ms Kacey Blake - Key Worker

Mrs Anita Ellis - Key Worker

Mrs Aysel Erbas - Key Worker

Mrs Joanne Fryer - Key Worker

Mrs Karen Howell - Key Worker

Mrs Amanda Lacey - Key Worker

Mrs Lisa Nelson - Key Worker

Mrs Diane Debnam - Financial Administrator

Jane Gooch - Chair

Wendy Percival - Company Secretary

Diane Debnam- Treasurer

Claire Taylor -

Natalie Wyatt -

Sukhvinder Kaur -

Emma Brent -

Katie Hickmott -

Nicola Barnes -

Joanne Roland -

Chloe Spilstead -

Michelle Ponter -

Claire Wenman -

Sheena Money -

Christine Wenban -

Danny Mordew -

Parents are young children's first educators and it is important they should be involved in all aspects of their child's education. We aim to work with parents to ensure that the time their child spends with us is not just a means of preparing for the future stages of their lives, but to recognise it is a unique and precious time to be experienced and valued for itself.

Our keyworker system ensures each child has one designated member of staff, who not only supports each child but works closely with the parents, carers and families. The keyworker works with the parents to ensure that all children are supported in reaching their full potential. Our Pre-School plans the curriculum for each child according to the stage of development that they have reached.

The adult/child ratio present in our Pre-School enables us to provide individual attention for each child. Each child is able to progress at her/his own rate in all areas of development. We are experienced in working in close liaison with professionals across the range of special educational needs.

If you would like to discuss your own child's special needs, please talk to the Pre-School supervisors or your child's keyworker.

The fees may be paid in cash each session, weekly in advance. The fees may also be paid by cheque, (made out to 'The Owl Pre-School') but please write the cheque guarantee number on the back.

The fees are subject to change but at least a half term's notice will be given.

The Owl Pre-School always aims to give children and parents the highest quality possible. In October 2004, we proved this.

The Owl Pre-School was awarded an accreditation certificate by Kent County Council. The accreditation certificate was awarded to settings who achieved the high standards, set by the quality assurance scheme developed by the then Early Years development and childcare partnership (EYDCP).  

After an excellent Ofsted Report we decided to go ahead with the award which took 15 months to complete. The Pre-School is the only one in Kent to have achieved this very prestigious award.

250 people attended the award ceremony at Ashford International Hotel on October 15th 2004. The Presentation was made by Dr Ian Craig. Assistant Director KCC Education and Libraries.

Reflecting on what the award means to them, Marion Wessel from the Pre-School said:

" Children are at the heart of this. Every member of the team has given their all and we are very proud of what we have achieved and the difference we are making to our children and their families."

Click here to download our Spring 2009 Newsletter

Come to the summer Disco

July 11th 4.30 - 6.30pm in Junior School Hall.
Tickets: Children £1, Adult £3, Under 2's Free.

Tickets are available in Pre-School NOW.

Bring your own food & drink. Dress code: Beach ware.

To apply for a place at The Owl Pre-School, please contact us on 01474 331777 or complete an application form, available from the Owl Pre-School.

If you would prefer to print off , fill out and return an application form, Get a printable application form here.

The Pre-School has 25 places per session and is open 5 mornings and 4 afternoons.

It is important to note that attendance at the Owl Pre-School does not guarantee a place at Shears Green Infant School or Junior School.

We always welcome parents to visit us, before, or after putting their childs name down for admission.

If you would like to arrange a visit, please give us a call on:

01474 331777