Burghclere Pre-School

Portal Hall, Church Lane, Burghclere, Newbury RG20 9HX
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9.6 29 Reviews
  • Burghclere Pre-School, Newbury
Burghclere Pre-School is a long-established pre-school set in the lovely village of Burghclere. They are just a stone's throw away from Newbury and around 20 minutes from Basingstoke.

This is a term time only setting that is open Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm.

The pre-school takes children aged 2 years - 5 years and is able to offer the 2 year funding and 3/4 year funding as well as the extended 15 hours funding for those that qualify.

They have a wonderful garden for the children to explore and are a step away from the local park with no main roads to cross.

The team take the children out on walks in the countryside and take them annually to a local farm.

Their last Ofsted inspection awarded them a "GOOD" in July 2017 and they intend to make this into an "OUTSTANDING".

They welcome visits by booking a date and time with them.
Show Burghclere Pre-School on the Map

Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Burghclere Pre-School & Toddler Group Committee
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in Charge

  • Hayley Lynch (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 4

Registered Charity Number

  • 1043996

Total Places for Children

  • 25

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Our fees currently are £6.20 per hour with an £10.00 snack donation per half term.

  • Session times are;
    9am - 12pm
    9am - 1pm (staying for lunch)
    9am -3pm
    Monday - Friday
    Their is flexibility within these hours


    Please contact us for more information

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00-15:00
    Tuesday 09:00-15:00
    Wednesday 09:00-15:00
    Thursday 09:00-15:00
    Friday 09:00-15:00

When Closed

  • School Holidays

Burghclere Pre-School Reviews (29)

9.6

Burghclere Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.639) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Burghclere Pre-School has 29 reviews.

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Review from Katie M (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended burghclere preschool since the age of 2.5years, all the way through to her leaving next week! I can honestly say, the staff have made this journey an absolute bliss. From a worried mother and a worried child on the first day, to now a child who doesn't want to leave! We absolutely
love the preschool. The atmosphere, the staff, the learning and playing.. it all adds to the experience and I really don't think we would of found better anywhere else. We have never had an issue in the whole 2 years but I know 100% if we ever did, it would be professionally dealt with. I feel safe leaving my daughter there and my daughter feels safe and happy to stay there without me ( she doesn't like being left with barely anyone!). I am so thankful for the staff of the preschool for being such an amazing first part of my girls educational journey. We will truthfully miss you all so much.
Reply from Hayley Lynch, Manager at Burghclere Pre-School
Katie. Thank you for your kind words we will defiantly miss you both.
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Review from Georgiana C (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3-year-old son has been attending Burghclere Pre-School for the past year, and the progress he's made has been incredible. When he started, he was only saying a few words, but now he's speaking in full sentences and communicating much more clearly. It's been amazing to watch his confidence grow.
His
key worker has been especially wonderful-patient, kind, and really in tune with his needs. Like many toddlers, he sometimes gets emotional or struggles when things don't go his way, but the staff have always handled these moments with care and understanding. We really appreciate how they gently guide and support him through these challenges.
Overall, we've had a very positive experience with Burghclere Pre-School. The staff are caring, and the environment feels safe, welcoming, and focused on each child's development. We're so thankful for the role they've played in our son's growth, and we would happily recommend the preschool to other families.
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Review from Sophie C (Mother of Child) published on 14 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Burghclere Preschool for a couple of months now and I'm very pleased with everything so far! Most importantly she is happy to go, and always says she has had a good time when I pick her up. The manager and all the staff are lovely and friendly and clearly experienced and
efficient in their roles. They have taken the time and effort to make my daughter feel comfortable and happy while she is there, and have supported her through the normal teething issues with starting nursery. The facilities and space is perfect for the children, and they often vary between outdoor play and set indoor activities. You're provided access to an online journal for your child that is easily accessible and the staff keep this updated with a summary of the weeks activities and photos. This is a nice feature, and allows you to see what they get up to, and more importantly see how happy there are there! I would most definitely recommend this preschool to any parents.
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Review from Krystin B (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
They are an absolutely amazing Pre-school I'm very happy with how they care for my daughter. The staff go above and beyond to make her happy and me confident on leaving her as she can be unsettled at drop off! They are always available to listen and will always help where they can!
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Review from Christopher P (Father of Child) published on 9 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the care my daughter receives at school. She is always happy, has lots to say about her day and what she has been up too. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. They have a lovely outside space for the children to play in.
Reply from Hayley Lynch, Manager at Burghclere Pre-School
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We want to ensure that all the children that attend the setting have a fantastic time with us.
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Review from Sophie W (Mother of Child) published on 19 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery since September 2023. She goes Monday-Friday all day and she has thrived in this environment. She has become so confident and she is learning so much! I love the fact us parents can see on the app pictures of our children every Friday with what they have done
for the week. The staff are wonderful. The manager keeps us all up to date with information and is very kind and understanding. My daughter loves her nursery teachers and friends. She hates being away from nursery during the school holidays and looks forward to going back.
I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.
Reply from Hayley Lynch, Manager at Burghclere Pre-School
Thank you so much for your kind review, we love having her here.
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Review from Marie-Camille W (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's great. The staff are lovely and kind with the kids. The two kids are happy to go to nursery and are happy at the end, having had a good time. They are learning valuable things and confidence. We intend to send our youngest there in due course.
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Review from K D (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My now 4-year-old twins have been at Burghclere Preschool for a year. The staff are all friendly and professional and help children to settle in quickly. My children love going to preschool and often come home with their many drawings, paintings and creations! They love being outside in the new sandpit
and always have plenty to talk about from their day. I would recommend the preschool to anyone looking for a fun-filled, caring environment to send their child!
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Review from Lisa H (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have loved being at this Pre School and are warmly greeted by the staff every day. They have a big selection of toys and activities to keep them entertained and interested throughout the day. The children have had a selection of activities throughout the year, such as a farm visit and Easter
hunt. We will be sad to leave and recommend the setting.
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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at this preschool since September 2022. It was a very sudden and unexpected move, however the team at Burghclere made both myself and my daughter feel so at home!
They are a fantastic team.
She always leaves at the end of the day with a big smile on her face as well as a handful
of artwork. Overall very pleased with her preschool and it'll be a sad day when we say goodbye in September.
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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has recently joined Burghclere Pre-School. She has loved going from the first day and always has a huge smile when I pick her up. The staff are all so friendly and caring. My daughter has progressed so much since going, her speech has improved and she's starting to learn her numbers and
colours. The preschool has a lovely outside space and lots to do indoors! I feel really confident that she is well looked after and cared for when she is there. I'm so pleased I sent my daughter here.
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Review from L D (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been with Burghclere Preschool for the past year and a half and absolutely loves it, the staff are amazing and so good with her. They do so many things and she loves coming home to tell us about them - a recent favourite one, releasing their butterflies and the new sandpit she absolutely
loves!
I never have to worry when she is there, I know she is well looked after and having fun!
My son also went here before primary and still misses it now and often asks to go back!
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Review from P R (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy joined in September 2022 and was very nervous and anxious to begin with. Staff took the time to understand his anxieties and made allowances to help him settle, he went in when we arrived rather than waiting til 9 by which point he was in a stew. He has since settled beautifully, goes
in with a smile and comes out beaming. He’s grown in confidence and I will be sad when he leaves. Wonderful little preschool, can’t recommend enough!
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Review from Jason A (Father of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy was born in lockdown and spent up to age 2 at home with Mum. Now a year on after joining Burghclere Pre-School his speech and confidence have grown incredibly, the staff are friendly and understand the anxieties around Mum leaving him and will go out of their way to ensure that my son
is the priority.
We would highly recommend this preschool to any parents.
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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has spent the last year at Burghclere and has loved her time there. She always skips to the door at drop-off and comes out with a smile on her face when she is picked up. The preschool provides children with the opportunity to participate in extra activities e.g. pony parties and more recently
a trip to the Country Park which was enjoyed by everyone. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Would definitely recommend.
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Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Burghclere Pre-School is excellent! The staff are always welcoming and always have a smile on their face, even at the end of the day!
My son loves going he loves everything about it and always wants to join in and tells me about his day.
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Review from P C (Father of Child) published on 10 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am a former head of school and education consultant. As a result, I have been in many educational settings. I have never been in one so conducive to the happiness of children as that provided by Burghclere Pre-School.
All the children - not only my own - are delighted with the caring and structured
provision, which we are fortunate to find directed by some of the most capable and dedicated staff I have ever met.
This place is a gem, and the children love it. A safe and nurturing environment with excellent provision, it is a wonderful place to be a child. I consider myself very fortunate to have placed my child with Burghclere Pre-School, whose initial misgivings about joining a nursery were replaced with breathless stories of what she had done that day, and what she would do the next.
Genuinely excellent in every regard. Food is supplied by parents as a packed lunch - which our child seldom eats - the three stars for food is therefore our fault, not that of Burghclere Pre-School
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at the preschool since September 2022 and loves being there. He has great fun playing with all his friends and loves all the small activities they do with them every day. The staff are lovely and friendly. It’s a great preschool in a rural setting.
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Review from R L (Father of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased we moved our little boy here, from another preschool.
He comes home so happy everyday and tells me all about the fun things he’s been up to.
A very happy little boy because of this preschool and I’ll be sad when he has to leave.
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Review from Sophie B (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been here since September 2022 and absolutely loves it. I can't speak highly enough of the preschool and the staff; they are all amazing. He has learnt so much since being here and will be sad when he leaves in July.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.639)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.639) out of 10 for Burghclere Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 7 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.939 for Burghclere Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (77 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 82 Ratings = 4.939
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.7 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Burghclere Pre-School is based on 7 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 3.7
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 25 number of registered child places is 5, which has been reached with 7 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (7)

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Hayley Lynch

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2013

My name is Hayley and I have been the manager of the Burghclere Pre-school since September 2013. I have a wealth of experience in the provision of child care for pre-school, junior and infant age groups.



I am NVQ level 3 qualified in Child Care Learning and Development and have experience of working as a childminder while my own family were young.
In addition, I have worked on a one on one basis with children with learning difficulties as well as previous pre-school experience from John Rankin and St John's pre-schools respectively.

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Clare Holmes

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2008

Clare joined the pre-school in September 2008 and has 23 years experience of working with children. Clare is Level 3 qualified and has a family with whom she loves to spend time with. Claire loves socialising with friends and family in her spare time.


Clare loves “working with the children and helping them with their learning as well as working with friendly and caring staff”

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Juliann Heaver

Job Title: Assistant Deputy Manager and SENco Joined: 2013

Juliann started with the pre-school in November 2013 and came with 4 years previous experience. Juliann has two children of her own and loves spending time with her family as well as losing herself in a good crime novel.


Juliann has a Level 3 Diploma in The Children and Young People’s Workforce and recent training include The Basingstoke and Deane 2 year Partnership project and Makaton.


Juliann likes “helping to grow and develop children in their first stage of their educational journey. I enjoy interacting with the children and observing them as they learn through play in a lovely friendly setting.”

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Lesley Gosney

Job Title: Pre-School Assistant Joined: 2019

Lesley joined the pre school in February 2019. She has come from a nursery background brought a wealth of experience with her.


She is a fully qualified level 3 in child care and is keen to improve her knowledge.


Lesley likes to spend time with her family. She has four children and two of them attended the pre school here.


She likes working with children to watch them learn and grow. Having fun with them is her favourite part.

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Amy Daw

Job Title: Pre School practioner Joined: 2024

Amy started at Burghclere in January 2024, she is a mother of 2 and has a very caring nature with the children. She is very arty and loves making things for the children.
She is NVQ qualified and comes to us with a wealth of knowledge.

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Caitlin Wood

Job Title: Pre School practioner Joined: 2025

Caitlin is a newbie with us, she is working towards her level 3 in childcare and will be fully qualified by September 2025. She is a mother of 2 and has a lovely nature to the children.

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Sam Lachaz

Job Title: Pre School practioner Joined: 2024

Sam is part time with the setting and is still a valuable member of the team. The children love her bubbly personality and will be drawn to her.

Frequently Asked Questions about Burghclere Pre-School

What is the Age Range of Children that Burghclere Pre-School accepts?

Burghclere Pre-School accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Burghclere Pre-School Open?

Burghclere Pre-School is open: Monday 09:00-15:00, Tuesday 09:00-15:00, Wednesday 09:00-15:00, Thursday 09:00-15:00, Friday 09:00-15:00.

How many Children does Burghclere Pre-School have capacity for?

Burghclere Pre-School has capacity for a total of 25 Children.

How far is Burghclere Pre-School to the centre of Newbury?

3.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Burghclere Pre-School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Burghclere Pre-School has an Enhanced Service - more info.