Parkside Pre-School
Welcome to Parkside Pre-School
Parkside Pre-School is part of the YMCA Reading charity and first opened in April 2016, after registering with Ofsted in the same year. We have a maximum capacity of 18 3- to 4-year-olds at any one time. The setting operates from the ground floor of the YMCA building on Parkside Road, Reading.
Children have access to a large enclosed outdoor play area, with both grass and pathed area. Furthermore, there is a sheltered area and a popular mud kitchen, large sand pit and a climbing frame and slide.
Inside the Pre-School we have two spacious rooms, kitchen area, children’s toilets and nappy changing facilities.
The Parkside Pre-School aims to serve the needs of families in the surrounding area although it has no official catchment area.
New for September 2026. Parkside Pre-School will operate from Mondays to Friday, term time only, from 9am to 3.30pm. We offer funded and non-funded spaces, up to 30 hours per week for 2–4-year-olds.
We are an inclusive setting and will endeavour to accept children with varying levels of additional needs. We also support children with English as an additional language.
Welcome to Parkside
Pre-School in Association with YMCA Reading
After registering with Ofsted in April 2016, Parkside Pre-School opened its doors to many children and the community.
We are a small Pre-School located on the ground floor of the YMCA Reading building. As a team we pride ourselves that collectively we have many years’ experience and knowledge of children and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We offer a stimulating environment both inside and out for funded children of 2, 3 and 4 years old.
- Hedgehog Room
- squirrel Room
- Fox Shelter
- Mud kitchen
We have two free flow rooms. One allowing more ‘messy play’ which the children have voted to call ‘Hedgehog Room’ and the other room which is called ‘Squirrel Room’.
We also have a secure outside area, with grass, hard standing and a large sheltered area that the children have called ‘Fox Shelter’ and we recently added a new outside mud kitchen which the children enjoy.
We have access to a large hall which we use, sometimes twice a week for circle games or dancing.
If you are looking for a Pre-School for your child aged 2 - 4 years we still have spaces available for our September term
Call us on:
0118 951 9973
or Email us at:
info@parksidepreschool.org.uk
Our Ethos
At Parkside Pre-School, the staff team are deeply committed to a child-led approach, focusing on each child’s unique interests and curiosities. Our staff allow each child’s learning to unfold naturally through play and meaningful experiences. Our goal is to prepare children socially and emotionally as well as academically for their next stage.
We also embrace the diverse backgrounds of our Pre-School community by celebrating some festivals and cultural events that are important to our families. This inclusive approach helps every child feel valued, respected, and proud of who they are.
Our Day
Monday - Friday
9.00am - 3.00pm
Term Time only
Parents can choose to use their 15 hours or 30 hours funding.
Every day is different. The children can enjoy a child-centred approach to learning through their play.
A healthy snack will be provided mid-morning and afternoon. For those children who are staying all day, we ask that parents provide a lunch for them.
Meet the team!
Staff at Parkside Pre-school hold Paediatric First Aid certificates, current DBS certificates and have attended Safe Guarding children training and Prevent Duty training.
Alison Bennett
Manager
Ali has obtained a level 3 qualification for Eary Years Childcare and Education. She has also gained a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status in 2009. She has worked in Early Years settings and in key stage one for many years.
At Parkside Pre-School Ali is responsible for the day to day running of the Pre-School. She is also the designated safeguarding lead, 2-year-old check lead and transition lead. Furthermore, she also undertakes a Key Person’s role.
Away from Pre-School Ali enjoys family life with her two grown up children and her dog. She also enjoys walking long distances for charities and open water swimming.
Pam Clark
Pre-School Assistant
Pam has been working in childcare for many years alongside raising her four children.
Pam has a level 3 childcare qualification and has worked in a number of nurseries with children aged 3 months to 5 years.
At Parkside Pre-School Pam has a Key Person role alongside being a deputy safeguarding lead.
Abbie Seymour
Pre-School Assistant
Abbie has many years’ experience working with children from aged 3 months to 4 years. She holds a level 3 qualification in Early Childhood and Education.
In her spare time Abbie enjoys spending time with her family members and friends. She also enjoys being creative and will frequently be painting or working on a building project to keep her busy.
What our parent say
Contact Us
- Parkside Pre-School, 34 Parkside Road, Reading RG30 2DD
- 0118 951 9973
- info@parksidepreschool.org.uk
