Est. 1976 · a village playgroup
About our playgroup
Traditionally called a playgroup, we are a not-for-profit preschool offering warm, high-quality term-time care and early education across two village settings.
Who we are
St Nicolas Playgroup runs from two nearby village halls, caring for children from 9 months to school age. Our babies and toddlers are at Dorney, and from around their second birthday children move up to our preschool at Taplow. It is one playgroup and one journey, in two settings — so the move up is a familiar one.
We are registered with Ofsted, Buckinghamshire Council and the Charity Commission, and we are members of the Early Years Alliance. We receive nursery education funding for eligible two, three and four-year-olds.
You can read all of our policies — including our Privacy Notice and Safeguarding policy — on the Policies & downloads page.
Our aim
To promote a happy atmosphere in a safe, secure and stimulating environment: to learn through play, to foster social and personal skills, to accept new adults and situations, to share and care — and, most of all, to have fun.
Our story
Since opening our doors in 1976, we have been proud to welcome generations of children from Taplow, Burnham, Maidenhead, and surrounding villages. As a not-for-profit setting, every resource goes straight back into creating the best possible environment for our children.
When the time comes, many of our little ones transition together to local reception classes — including St Nicolas Church of England Combined School — starting their school journey surrounded by familiar faces and lifelong friendships made right here.
How we help children learn
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) — the framework for children from birth to five — alongside our own curriculum. We believe children learn best by playing and exploring, both indoors and outside, and we plan around seven areas of learning.
Tap or hover an area to see what it means.
Every child has a key worker — a familiar adult who gets to know them and their family, meets you before your child starts, and helps them settle and thrive.
We share your child’s journey through Ovivio, our online learning journal. You will see photos, observations and next steps, and can add your own from home — so the picture of your child is one we build together.
What makes us special
Everything a little one needs to feel at home — and to grow.
Learning through play
Cooking, sport, art, music, outings and seasonal events all year round.
From 9 months to school
Babies and toddlers at Dorney, preschoolers at Taplow — one journey, two settings.
A home-from-home welcome
A warm, friendly setting where every child feels safe and settled.
A settled, familiar team
Many of our staff have been with us for years, so faces stay familiar.
Free funded sessions
15 and 30 hours of government-funded childcare for eligible two, three and four-year-olds.
Part of the community
Welcoming families from Taplow, Burnham, Maidenhead and beyond since 1976.
Meet our team
Our qualified, caring staff are the heart of the playgroup. Tap or hover a name to say hello.
Our committee
As a charity, we are run by a committee of volunteers — many of them parents.
- Stuart Hampton-RoachChair
- Angela FarrellTreasurer
- Graham JonesCompany Secretary
Come and see us
The best way to get a feel for the playgroup is to visit. Have a look at a typical day at Taplow or a day at Dorney, then get in touch to arrange a visit.