Great Tey Preschool named Early Years Provision of the Year

Great Tey Preschool has been named the Early Years Provision of the Year at this year's Nasen Awards.

The provision was rated “outstanding” by Ofsted earlier this year, and it provides early years care to children attending a variety of local schools.

Location - Great Tey Preschool at the Village Hall (Image: Great Tey Preschool)

The National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) is a chartable membership organisation that supports and champions those working with and for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Great Tey Preschool is a charity, committee run, preschool set up in Great Tey Village Hall and runs every day during term time, providing Early Years care for children attending a variety of local schools.

It also runs a baby and toddler group every Wednesday during term time.

Nasen said the preschool was nominated by a parent of an autistic child who attended the setting for two-and-a-half-year.

The parent said: “The staff, including the SENCo and the child’s key person, Truly Bruce, have been exceptional in documenting the evidence required as part of a diagnostic assessment. The preschool’s comprehensive support has led to a better understanding of the child’s needs, helping support behaviour both at home and at school.

"The preschool’s planning is thorough, and the family is very involved. The staff coordinate with external professionals, ensuring advice is followed and in-person meetings are held when necessary.”’

Inside - a look at Great Tey Preschool (Image: Great Tey Preschool)

Preschool manager Truly Bruce, 39, of Stanway, Colchester, has been managing the provision for the last nine years.

She attended the awards ceremony alongside the preschool's senior practitioner Emma Rowland, and has been left delighted with the win.

She said: “The team and I work to achieve the best outcomes for the children at the pre-school.

Playtime - the preschool's garden space (Image: Great Tey Preschool) Outstanding - staff and children celebrating the Ofsted rating earlier this year (Image: Great Tey Preschool)

“We quickly identify needs that the children have, and put the correct support and provision in place to help those children to develop in our setting.

“We are extremely proud to have won this award, and grateful for the recognition.”

Great Tey Preschool has recently opened an area for one-year-olds due to additional funding being available, meaning they now support children aged between one to four-years-old.

To find out more about Great Tey Preschool, visit greatteypreschool.co.uk.