Up Up and Away Preschool

Great waltham
chelmsford, essex

Registered charity number: 1137026

About Us

Up Up and Away is a charity-run preschool located in the charming village of Great Waltham, Chelmsford. We are passionate about providing children with a nurturing, stimulating environment where they can grow, learn, and play freely.

Space to learn and play

Our preschool features a spacious indoor learning area designed to inspire creativity and curiosity, alongside a large, well-equipped garden that offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. With the guidance of our experienced and friendly staff, children engage in a wide range of activities that encourage their development, from imaginative play and arts & crafts to problem-solving and team-building.

freedom to explore

We believe in the power of play-based learning, where children can explore the world around them at their own pace, supported by a curriculum that promotes independence, confidence, and a love of discovery. We encourage free-flow play, giving children the freedom to choose their activities and follow their interests, both indoors and outdoors.

Connecting with our community

As a community-focused preschool, we love to explore the village with the children, often going on walks to local spots such as the park, the church, the stream, and even the local coffee shop. These outings help children connect with their environment and learn about the world around them in a fun and meaningful way.

Skills for life

Our preschool is a warm, welcoming space where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive. We aim to provide each child with a strong foundation for their future learning and development, all while having fun and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Dress for Mess

At Up Up and Away, we embrace the messiness of childhood! Whether it's painting, digging, splashing, or exploring sensory play, we encourage children to dive into every experience. Just a heads-up – your little one will get messy, so be sure to send them in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities

At Up Up and Away, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and caring environment where every child, regardless of their individual needs, can thrive. We understand that each child is unique, and our approach to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is centred around offering the right support for each child’s development and well-being.

Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) works closely with you, your child’s key person, and any relevant outside professionals to create a tailored support plan that meets your child’s specific needs. Whether it’s collaborating with Speech and Language Therapists, Health Visitors, or other specialists, we are here to ensure that your child feels supported, understood, and included in all aspects of preschool life.

We believe that strong partnerships with parents and carers are key to providing the best care and support. If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s development, we are always here to listen, offer guidance, and work together to ensure your child has everything they need to grow and succeed.

For more information about local SEND services and resources in Essex, please visit the Essex Local Offer.

Term Dates

Autumn Term 2024/25

Thursday 5th September- Tuesday 17th December 2024

HALF TERM 28th October - 1st November

Spring Term 2024/25

Wednesday 8th January - Tuesday 1st April 2025

HALF TERM 17th - 21st February

Summer term 2024/25

Tuesday 22nd April- Friday 18th July 2025

HALF TERM 26th - 30th May

Session Details

Early Bird Session

Monday - Friday
8.30 to 9am
£3

For parents who need an earlier drop-off, our Early Bird session offers a great start to the day. Children can dive straight into fun and educational activities, giving them a head start on their learning and play.

Morning Session

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
9am to 12pm
£18

Afternoon Session

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
12.30 to 3.30pm
£18

Both our Morning and Afternoon Sessions offer a rich and engaging environment where children learn through play, with plenty of opportunities to explore both indoors and outdoors. Our sessions are designed to encourage children’s curiosity and support their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Children enjoy a mix of structured activities, such as group games, art, and storytelling, alongside independent play where they can explore their interests. Our spacious indoor area is perfect for creative play and hands-on learning, while our outdoor space provides the freedom to run, explore nature, and develop physical skills. Through this balance of indoor and outdoor play, children build confidence, develop problem-solving abilities, and form lasting friendships, all while having fun in a safe, nurturing environment.

Lunch Club

Monday - Friday
12 to 12.30pm
£3

Our Lunch Club offers a relaxed yet social time for children to enjoy their packed lunch in a safe and friendly environment. Children bring their own lunch, which they can eat at their own pace while socialising with friends and staff.

During Lunch Club, children are encouraged to practice good table manners, share conversations, and enjoy a sense of independence. After lunch, they can take part in light activities like quiet games, mark-making activities and stories, making it a smooth transition back into the afternoon session.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to develop self-care skills, build social connections, and enjoy a well-deserved break in a calm and supportive atmosphere.

‘Welly Wednesday’

Wednesday Morning
9am to 12pm
£18

Our Welly Wednesday is a special outdoor learning session designed for children who will be starting school in the upcoming academic year. Held in the grounds of our local Primary School, this session offers children the chance to explore nature, engage in creative outdoor activities, and build key school-readiness skills in a fun, hands-on environment. From treasure hunts and team-building games to gardening and nature walks, Welly Wednesday helps children become familiar with the school setting, fostering confidence, independence, and social connections. It’s the perfect way to ease the transition to primary school while enjoying the great outdoors!

Additional Childcare

Sometimes life requires a little extra flexibility – whether it’s for a doctor's appointment, a work meeting, a haircut, or just some time to yourself.

We offer additional childcare for our current preschool children, available at short notice (subject to availability). These sessions are charged at the usual session rates, giving you the convenience and peace of mind you need.

Funding

Funding for 2-4 Year Olds

At Up Up and Away Preschool, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality early education, regardless of family circumstances. To support this, we accept a range of government funding options to help with the cost of childcare for your child, and allow you to spread your funding across any of our term-time sessions.

15 Hours Free Childcare for 3-4 Year Olds

All children are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare the term after their third birthday. This funding is available for up to 570 hours per year, spread over 38 weeks (term time). It’s a great way to support your child’s early learning and development.

30 Hours Free Childcare for 3-4 Year Olds (for eligible working families)

For working parents or carers, you may be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week. This funding is available for children aged 3-4, provided both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent household) are working and meet the income requirements. The funding is available for up to 1,140 hours per year, spread over 38 weeks (term time), helping to drastically reduce your childcare costs.

2-Year-Old Funding for Working Families

If you're a working parent or carer, your 2-year-old may also be eligible for 15 hours of free childcare under the government’s Free Early Education Entitlement for 2-Year-Olds scheme. To qualify, you must meet certain income and work-related criteria.

How to Apply

To check your eligibility and apply for funding, visit the government’s official website here: Apply for 2-Year-Old and 3-4 Year-Old Funding.

If you're unsure about whether you qualify for funding or need help with your application, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help you access the best possible childcare and early education options for your family.

Meet the Team

At Up Up and Away, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated and passionate team. Each member plays a vital role in providing a warm, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Together, we create a space where children feel supported, inspired, and loved.

Our team is made up of experienced early years educators, each committed to giving children the best possible start in life. We believe in continuous professional development and work closely together to ensure we provide high-quality care and education.

Key Person Approach

At Up Up and Away, we follow the Key Person Approach, which means that each child is assigned a dedicated staff member who will be their main point of contact throughout their time with us. This staff member, known as the "key person," is responsible for building a close, supportive relationship with the child and their family, helping to ensure that the child feels secure, valued, and understood.

The key person gets to know each child’s individual needs, preferences, and developmental milestones, and they tailor activities and support to suit the child's unique interests and learning style. This approach helps foster a sense of trust and continuity, as children develop a strong bond with their key person, making transitions between home and preschool feel smooth and reassuring.

The key person also works closely with parents and carers, providing regular updates on their child’s progress and well-being. We believe this partnership between home and preschool is essential in supporting children’s emotional and developmental growth. Through the Key Person Approach, we create a nurturing, personalised experience for every child, ensuring they feel confident, happy, and ready to learn.

The Role of Our Preschool Committee

Up Up and Away is a charity-run organisation, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated Committee made up of volunteers from our community. This includes current and ex-parents, as well as other local residents who are passionate about supporting early childhood education.

The Committee plays a vital role in the overall management and direction of the preschool. They work closely with the staff to ensure the preschool runs smoothly, maintaining a high-quality, safe, and welcoming environment for the children. The Committee is responsible for key decisions, including overseeing finances, fundraising efforts, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

As a charity, we rely on the support of our Committee members to help us continue providing the best possible care and education. Their time, expertise, and commitment are essential in helping our preschool grow, develop, and remain an integral part of our village community.

We are always looking for new members to join our Committee and contribute to the success of our preschool. If you’re interested in getting involved and making a difference, please get in touch or attend our next Committee meeting to learn more about how you can help.

Staff

Laura Mitson
Manager, SENCO & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Qualified Primary and Early Years Teacher
Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider

Dan Gray
Deputy Manager & Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Level 5 Apprentice Early Years Educator
Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider

Jodie Sanders

Level 6 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training

Vicky Seymour

Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training

Becky Young

Level 3 Apprentice Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider

Jess Dervin

Level 3 Apprentice Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training

Kellie Dickerson

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider

Ruth Wall - Welly Wednesday & Bank Staff

Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider

Happy Children, Happy Parents

Gemma:

“Best decision I ever made for my twins!

From the moment I walked in I knew it was everything I was looking for, if not more. It had a very homely feeling - all the staff were really lovely, the children were happy and laughing and I just knew it was the place for my twins. I was quite nervous as one of my twins is autistic, but the support network here has been amazing and they have both thrived so much.”

Charlotte:

“My son went from very quiet and shy to outgoing and confident, thanks to the wonderful staff and nurturing environment. Such a fantastic preschool.”

LOUISE:

“Super preschool - so much for the kids to do! Space to run and play indoors and out in the beautiful garden. Plenty of different activities every week. Staff are friendly and so supportive. Both of my children have attended Up Up and Away and the change in confidence is amazing! Wouldn’t go anywhere else now. My son asks to go every day, even at weekends!”

Book a visit

We warmly welcome visits from new families, as we understand how important it is to choose the right preschool for your child. A visit is the perfect opportunity to explore our learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, meet our friendly staff, and see our children engaged in their activities.

To arrange a visit, please email us at upupawaypreschool@gmail.com, phone 07501 313321 or fill in the contact form below.

We look forward to showing you around and answering any questions you may have!

Contact Us

Please complete the form below