About The Hamlet
The Hamlet charity has been providing services for children and young people with disabilities and/or complex health needs for many years. Since 2012, The Hamlet Preschool has been a part of The Hamlet Centre Trust, offering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children aged 2 to 5 can thrive.
Located in Norwich City Centre, we’re easily accessible by public transport, with a small on-site car park available for families, which is open to all parents of all children who use our services.
Part of The Hamlet Community
As a charity, The Hamlet is managed by a voluntary Board of Trustees.
We hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, which is open to all parents of children who attend our preschool.
We value the involvement and feedback of all our families as we work together to create the best possible learning environment for your child.
Our Ethos and Aims at The Hamlet's Preschool
Our ethos is built on the belief that every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential. We are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each child through a holistic, play-based approach to learning. We recognise that children learn best when they feel secure, valued, and encouraged to explore and engage with the world around them.
Ethos of Learning Through Play
We embrace the idea that play is a vital tool for learning. Our preschool environment is designed to foster exploration, creativity, and growth through structured play activities. This ethos shapes our daily practices and underpins everything we do. Through play, we aim to:
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Support Socialisation: We encourage children to interact with their peers and adults, helping them build important social skills and develop meaningful relationships.
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Enhance Communication: Through playful interaction and guided communication, children learn to express themselves, listen, and understand others, building their language and communication skills.
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Foster an Understanding of the World: Our activities introduce children to the world around them, sparking curiosity and helping them begin to understand their surroundings, communities, and the environment.
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Develop Mathematical Skills: By incorporating numbers, shapes, and sizes into play, we provide children with early numeracy experiences that promote their understanding of mathematics in a fun and engaging way.
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Promote Physical Development: Our play-based activities encourage physical exploration, helping children build coordination, motor skills, and physical confidence.
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Stimulate Creativity: We offer a range of creative activities, such as art, music, and imaginative play, to allow children to express their ideas and expand their imaginations.
Through our ethos and approach, we aim to provide a well-rounded foundation for children’s development, helping them to develop not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and physically, in a safe and welcoming environment.
Admissions at Hamlet Preschool
At Hamlet Preschool, we welcome children from the age of 2 up until the term after their 5th birthday (when they reach statutory school age). We aim to serve families within our local community, subject to availability.
Admission Dates and Availability
Admissions typically occur in September, or when spaces are available, which may be the term after your child turns 2. We are committed to meeting the needs of all families, regardless of cultural, ethnic, religious, or social background, and are proud to specialise in supporting children with disabilities and/or complex needs.
How to Apply
You can apply for a place at Hamlet Preschool at any time using our convenient online form. (Hard copies are also available upon request.) Once submitted, your child’s name will be added to our waiting list.
Please Note:
A place at our preschool is not guaranteed. We review each request based on the following factors:
- Your child’s individual needs
- Our staff-to-child ratio
- The number of sessions requested
- Whether your child has a sibling currently attending the preschool
- Availability of start dates
- Our catchment area
Thank you for considering Hamlet Preschool—we look forward to being part of your child’s early learning journey!