Choosing a preschool is not easy, but at Play B C Butter Hill and Mill Lane, there is peace of mind for you and the very best start for your child. Good preschools and nurseries have a lasting positive impact in all areas, particularly where a trained teacher is present and that’s one of the differences you will find at our settings.

The Play B C story

Ten years ago we began as a pack away setting with just five children registered. Five became ten, then ten became twenty as the family steadily grew and outgrew our church hall. We extensively remodelled Elm Grove Hall and relocated in 2017, developing a fantastic learning environment. Then expanded again in 2020 with another super site in Carshalton. The latest development is the opening of our under twos room. An intimate but light and airy space for our youngest learners, with their own dedicated outdoor space.

At both settings, we offer fun yet challenging learning and enrichment activities, such as weekly yoga, mini first aid and visits to our grandfriends in a local care home with our eldest children. We prioritise relationships with our wonderfully diverse cohort, which has included children with diabetes, autistic spectrum disorders and Down’s syndrome.

We are thrilled to have attained ‘excellent’ scores for interaction in external assessments by the borough Early Years advisers, good OFSTED ratings and to have secured Early Years Quality Marks.

The team continues to grow to accommodate continually expanding numbers and offer favourable ratios and now includes four qualified teachers. Our leadership team has nearly 100 years experience working with children so we have sound knowledge of child development and what is needed to give your the best start at school.

Looking for great early education and childcare? Simple as Play B C!

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Our Core Values

• Respect: We will respect and value your child and the abilities and skills they have.
• Relationships: We will establish positive relationships with you and your child.
• Responsibility: We believe your child can drive and influence their own learning.

Under twos

We provide exceptional care for our youngest learners in the Under Two Room at Carshalton. We recognise their unique needs and support them in achieving developmental milestones. The room is led by a qualified teacher who has experience of both school settings and day nurseries, so she has a clear understanding of progression throughout the early years. The team is experienced and committed to creating a nurturing and secure environment. We focus on building strong bonds with each child, offering personalised attention, and fostering early socialisation skills. Our under two curriculum is highly individualised to cater to the specific needs of each infant, including age-appropriate activities, sensory exploration, and a safe space for crawling and first steps. With a warm and responsive approach, your little one will receive the love, care, and attention they need during this crucial stage of early development.

Two year olds

In the mixed-age main preschool our two year olds will get play and language modelled for them during their interactions with older children. The adults focus on nurturing your child’s skills in the prime areas of communication and language skills, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional well-being. Our skilled and caring team understands the importance of this foundational stage and is committed to providing a stimulating and supportive setting where your child can flourish. Through engaging activities, such as small group story sharing; responsive adult interaction and a rich learning environment, our curriculum fosters language proficiency, enhance motor skills, and promote a strong sense of self and positive relationships.

Three and four year olds

Your three or four year old will develop their empathy and leadership skills supporting the younger ones in the mixed-age preschool. Our play-based curriculum emphasises developing key skills which will ensure your child is well-prepared and eager to embrace the exciting challenge of primary school. In our fun but challenging learning environment, we introduce your child to the foundations of phonics, empowering them to embark on their reading journey with confidence. Through engaging activities, we foster a love for mark-making, honing fine motor skills and encouraging creative expression. Additionally, our maths mastery approach introduces basic numeracy concepts, laying a solid foundation for numerical understanding.

Holiday clubs

We are now running holiday clubs during the February, May, and October half-term breaks, as well as a one-week programme during Easter and a two-week programme in the summer. These clubs will offer a mix of engaging activities and themed learning experiences, ensuring a fun and enriching time for your child during the school breaks.

To find out more, fill out a contact form, send an email or get in touch through Facebook.