ON September 7, Walford Pre-school, near Ross-on-Wye, welcomed children for the 41st year. Set amidst green fields and rolling hills in the village of Walford, the pre-school has celebrated forty years providing high quality community-based childcare and education: a huge achievement given the enormous pressure on providers to keep costs low and quality high.

Balancing the learning needs of children whilst involving parents in their children's development requires much more than satisfying Ofsted inspectors. Sustaining high-quality, pre-school provision means creating a thoughtful and stimulating learning community - where children feel secure to develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively.

Engaging the community plays a key factor in Walford's success and longevity.

Manager, Sara Jones, has led the group for over five years, says, 'It is always a struggle and a challenge to provide the best we can, whilst keeping fees affordable for parents and bound by government 15 hour free sessions. The only funding we receive are fees and some Nursery Education Funding, the rest comes through the hard work of a small group of parents and grandparents who put on events to raise much needed cash. One of our biggest fund-raising events is a May Fair; a great community involvement day.

'We play a vital role in preparing children for school, benefitting from being a smaller group and reinforcing good values and behaviours between ourselves and the wider community. A local farmer brings his tractor along, a fire engine pays an occasional visit, we have close links to the schools and church, parents and grandparents get involved too. Pastoral care for the children is really big. We are like a big family, which helps to break down barriers for children when they start school etc.'

At Walford, children get to see the value of community engagement and relationship building, 'This creates the right atmosphere to make the difference. The smaller, more personal environment means children are more relaxed, which is so important for learning' says Ally Sargant, deputy.

Parents attracted from across the Ross-on-Wye area particularly like the sense of community and large outdoor garden space. The willow wigwams, mud-play kitchen, hidey-holes and a vast array of learning resources against a backdrop of trees, hills and countryside view, offers a truly rich environment for their children! (Providing three full and two half-days, term time).

For more information, contact Sara Jones at sarajones.09@hotmail.co.uk or on 07765005871.