The History of Downhall Under Fives
In April 1987 a group of mothers living in the local community got together to discuss a way of providing their children with pre-school education and play. Few had easy means of transporting their children to the existing groups near the town centre.
The local Scout hall was available during the day and discussions took place between the parents, the Scout Association, the local Social Services and Rochford District Council with the objective of establishing a playgroup in the hall which is off Ferndale Road.
Initially, the group rented the hall for two mornings a week and opened with 10 children. Over the years it has grown and the number of sessions increased.
In 1993 the group became a registered charity
We have had annual Social Services inspections, 5 OFSTED inspections and in 1998 achieved Pre-school Learning Alliance accreditation.
The group is run by an elected parent committee who work closely with the staff helping and encouraging them to enhance their qualifications and performance.
In 2005 the pre-school had to vacate the Scout Hall and for 3 years we have been in temporary accommodation in Hullbridge.
In April 2008 we were granted planning permission to return to our home site off Ferndale Road in Rayleigh.
Tina Frye stepped down from her role as Pre-School Leader at the end of the Summer Term 2008, she had been working at Downhall Under Fives for 19 years!
Elaine Crust and Denise Linton were appointed joint Managers of our Pre-School from September 2008.
September 2008 we have adopted our new Hedgehog Logo
February 2009
We are continuing to take steps towards our goal of raising enough funds to enable us to return to Ferndale Road Open Space.
Fingers crossed that 2009 will be the year (sooner rather than later) that our very own building, designed and built to fulfil the needs of our children and their families,
opens its doors for the very first time.
June 2009
Our grant application was successful and we were granted money from Essex County Council and Sure Start to build our new Pre School building back at Ferndale Open Space.
We held 2 Special General Meetings in June (24th & 30th) for parents to vote and to agree to take the steps necessary to fulfil the requirements of the grant.
July 2009
Work has begun on site, getting it ready for our new home.
5th January 2010
We opened the doors to our new purpose built Pre-School Building. Having secured a thirty year Lease with Rochford District Council we now look forward to many more years of Downhall Under Fives
The local Scout hall was available during the day and discussions took place between the parents, the Scout Association, the local Social Services and Rochford District Council with the objective of establishing a playgroup in the hall which is off Ferndale Road.
Initially, the group rented the hall for two mornings a week and opened with 10 children. Over the years it has grown and the number of sessions increased.
In 1993 the group became a registered charity
We have had annual Social Services inspections, 5 OFSTED inspections and in 1998 achieved Pre-school Learning Alliance accreditation.
The group is run by an elected parent committee who work closely with the staff helping and encouraging them to enhance their qualifications and performance.
In 2005 the pre-school had to vacate the Scout Hall and for 3 years we have been in temporary accommodation in Hullbridge.
In April 2008 we were granted planning permission to return to our home site off Ferndale Road in Rayleigh.
Tina Frye stepped down from her role as Pre-School Leader at the end of the Summer Term 2008, she had been working at Downhall Under Fives for 19 years!
Elaine Crust and Denise Linton were appointed joint Managers of our Pre-School from September 2008.
September 2008 we have adopted our new Hedgehog Logo
February 2009
We are continuing to take steps towards our goal of raising enough funds to enable us to return to Ferndale Road Open Space.
Fingers crossed that 2009 will be the year (sooner rather than later) that our very own building, designed and built to fulfil the needs of our children and their families,
opens its doors for the very first time.
June 2009
Our grant application was successful and we were granted money from Essex County Council and Sure Start to build our new Pre School building back at Ferndale Open Space.
We held 2 Special General Meetings in June (24th & 30th) for parents to vote and to agree to take the steps necessary to fulfil the requirements of the grant.
July 2009
Work has begun on site, getting it ready for our new home.
5th January 2010
We opened the doors to our new purpose built Pre-School Building. Having secured a thirty year Lease with Rochford District Council we now look forward to many more years of Downhall Under Fives
