We love what we do
A parent recently commented “It’s striking how well the staff get on together and how much you love working here”. Our staff, all of whom are mothers, have been with Magic Box for many years. We’re friends as well as colleagues who work together as a close professional unit and we absolutely love what we do. The reward of nurturing children’s confidence, and watching them blossom ready for school, motivates us each and every day.
Play | learn | grow together
Children who are engaged are always more enthusiastic to learn so it is imperative for us to hear from both them and their parents about what interests them. We do this through a comprehensive ‘All about me’ form at the outset and by building a strong on-going relationship with families and carers. We then shape activities around these interests, as well as by taking inspiration from the wealth of countryside resources on our doorstep.
Working with Ofsted
We strive tirelessly to improve our practice by observing, listening and evaluating our daily approach and activities. Our goal is to achieve the very best for all our children and their families, in a warm, enabling environment. Read our latest Ofsted report.
Amanda Rogers
Pre-school Manager
NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care & Education, SENCo
I joined in 2002 and still really enjoy the privilege of working with pre-school children, preparing them for the next stage in their learning journey. I oversee all aspects of the running of Magic Box.
I enjoy creating exciting and imaginative music lessons, using both traditional nursery rhymes and new songs, we use a wide range of instruments and props to bring the sessions to life.
Each session is both adult and child led, we create a pretend stage and invite the children to sing a song of their choice to their peers, this really helps to develop their personal, social and emotional skills and it is so rewarding to see the children’s confidence grow!
Carol Hancock
Pre-school Leader
NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care & Education, Safeguarding Lead
I started as a parent helper when my children attended Magic Box before joining the team. My role is to support the manager and staff. We have a special bond as a team and are constantly bringing new ideas and experiences enhancing the children’s learning both inside and out in our fantastic rural environment.
I love welcoming families to Magic Box and building strong bonds with them. We pride ourselves on so many families from a wide area returning to Magic Box with siblings.
Our one to one sessions really enable us to connect with each child on an individual basis, giving them specific support and encouragement. The children take great pleasure in adding to their personal scrap books.
Vicky Hammerton
Pre-school Practitioner
CACHE Level 3 in Pre-school Practice
My favourite activity at Magic Box is cooking with the children. It covers all seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. We encourage children to use their senses to explore new foods. I love the fact that we can take raw ingredients and make a delicious soup or fresh crusty bread for our snack. We hope to inspire a love of cooking and baking from an early age.
My other passion which is one shared by all the staff is being outside at much as possible doing Forest school inspired activities, such as using tools, hammering, bark rubbing, bug hunts and making things out of sticks and clay.
Karen Wilmott
Pre-school Practitioner
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
I am passionate about encouraging children to read and enjoy books from an early age. Through books children can develop an understanding of the world around them and inspire their wonderful imaginations! Story telling encourages children to share their own experiences, expand their knowledge and vocabulary.
At Magic Box i am responsible for implementing a programme to introduce the children to phonics. We achieve this in a fun, informal way, learning through play.
I volunteer at St Julians’s Primary School every week to listen and support reading in the reception class. I work closely with the reception teacher to ensure we are doing all we can to support our children to be school ready.