About Us:

St Catharine’s Under Fives is based in a spacious heated hall with carpeted areas and outdoor play facilities in St Catharine’s Parish Hall, London Road, Gloucester. We are within easy reach of Kingsholm, Barnwood, Elmbridge and Longlevens, on several bus routes and have car parking facilities in the Church car park.

We are a member of PATA (Playgroup and Toddlers Association) and registered with Ofsted. Our qualified and experienced staff are committed to providing a fun and educational environment following the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, to give your child the best possible start in life.

St. Catharine’s Under Fives is a registered charity and run by a voluntary committee of parents. We are self-financing and hold various fundraising schemes and events throughout the year to ensure that we are fully equipped and that outings may take place.

Our Mission:

It is our mission to work alongside parents and carers to give all children the best start in life to achieve their full potential in a safe, secure and stimulating environment. St Catharine's Under Fives aims to nurture the child's emotional and physical wellbeing, and support their families, within the rich and diverse community of our setting and have them leave our care with the knowledge, skills and independence to enable them to continue their lifelong learning journey.

Our Aims and Values:

We aim to provide high quality care and education for children below statutory school age; work in partnership with parents and carers to help children to learn and develop; add to the life and well-being of OUR local community; offer children and their parents a service that promotes equality and values diversity.

The aim of our curriculum is to equip children with the skills and knowledge the need to be resistant independent and motivated for their lifelong learning journey. We believe that the children grow and develop when they have access to safe and secure stimulating environment with empathetic adults in partnership with parents and the local community. The teaching and learning of the new skills and knowledge is delivered through both adults and child led opportunities both indoors and outdoors.

The children are valued, respected, kept informed, consulted involved at all levels of learning following loving pedagogy by Dr. Jools Page and Tamsin Grimmer’s work.

We focus on the importance of knowledge and skills that will support the children in every possible way, so that they can make the most of opportunities, and fulfil their potential along promoting their independence.