We are a preschool in Castle Gardens Primary school in Newtownards Co. Down. The Preschool was established over 20 years ago and has had a few different locations until finding our permanent home within Castle Gardens Primary school several years ago.

In 2020 - 2021 the preschool had some major changes we changed the name from Chuckles Preschool centre to Castle Gardens Preschool and it now has a new staff team.

At Castle Gardens we are funded by the EA and governed by Social Services and ETI. All reports from both agencies can be viewed online. We are also registered with CAPS (Curriculum and Programme Support) and we have our own independent Early Years Specialist, Mrs Janice Mawhinney, who provides us with advice, training and support, at any time, if required. In addition, we have a Registered Social Worker, Ms Madeline Maxwell, from our local HSS trust who visits the centre.

At Castle Gardens Preschool we offer one preschool class (fully funded by EA) and over the next few years we are hoping to develop a separate PrePre class.

We operate out of two bright and very spacious classrooms which are both accessible throughout the day. The outdoor facilities we avail of include a large Playground, a private closed in courtyard right outside our doors, we are also able to use the school’s nature area and their grassy/woodland areas.

Begin within a primary school allows us the use of other wonderful resources, including the PE hall which we are able to use once a week throughout the year this also allows us to arrange physical development classes such as fitness Freddy, Yoga classes and many more. There is also the school library which we visit once a week for a story telling session.

All of these wonderful resources allow us to provide every child with a wealth of learning opportunities and experiences every day. We have 5 fully qualified members of staff and one volunteer who are all extremely passionate about childhood care and education.

As a preschool we are hoping to complete our forest school NI training this year and how future hopes is to become an Eco preschool this means keeping our area clean and hopefully move to paper free.

Our Aims and Objectives

• To provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment which enhances child development and education.
• Act as positive role models
• Through the preschool curriculum NI guidance plan effectively for the needs of each individual child
• To promote the way in which children learn through play and first-hand experiences.
• Encourage children’s confidence and self-esteem and prepare them for the next step in their school career.
• To see each child as an individual and to value the qualities they bring to the preschool
• To build positive relationships with parents/carers and to work in partnership with them to get the best for their child.
• To ensure continual improvement by continually reflecting on our practice as a setting and as a staff team.
• Ensure that we continually implementing our policies and procedures reviewing them regularly to ensure they are up to date.