Kidzone set to welcome more pre-schoolers at Westbank

The expanding pre-school within Westbank’s centre at Exminster has recently developed its facilities with a view to providing high quality, individually tailored education to more 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds in the area. 

The ‘Kidzone’ at Farmhouse Rise in Exminster offers a large, bright room with an amazing view over the Exminster marshes towards Woodbury. The outdoor space has recently been extended to give the children plenty of room to ride bikes and scooters and run around and will have free-flow play inside and out.

An OFSTED registered pre-school, Kidzone encourages 2- to 4-year-olds to learn through play, develop their interests, be inquisitive and adventurous and have fun! 

With five permanent staff members, supported by a further five ‘bank’ staff, the team has a wide range of experience working with children in different settings.  Kidzone uses the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure that its staff, ratios, and setting are safe for the children and meet the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five years, set out by OFSTED.

Alongside this, the team of highly trained staff is able to offer opportunities and activities unique to Westbank. These include linking in with elderly day care at the centre. Research has shown that regular interaction with older people through activities like singing or arts and crafts is beneficial to both generations. 

The number of preschool children is limited to a maximum of 32 to allow staff to focus on getting to know each child and build on their knowledge, strengths and skills by playing alongside them. 

Westbank's Preschool  accepts Government funding for free childcare for 2-year-olds and 3- to 4-year-olds. Currently 2-year-olds can only attend during term-time but over 3s are welcome to attend Holiday Club which caters for children up to 11 years of age. The Holiday Club is open from 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday, only shutting for a week between Christmas and New Year and on Bank Holidays. Children can start attending Kidzone at any point in the year.