About Us

Love Lane Pre-School is a registered charity offering sessional care and early years education to children under five. We've been part of this community for decades — originally based in the Scout hut opposite the Shaw Social Club, before moving to our current home, Shaw-cum-Donnington Village Hall, in January 1988.

We're affiliated with the Pre-School Learning Alliance, and inspected regularly by Ofsted. Our most recent inspection report is available here. A copy of our constitution, policies, registration certificate and insurance certificate are also available on request, or on the noticeboard in the hall.

Managers Welcome

I've spent over 30 years working with children, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the small moments matter most — the first time a child ties their own shoelace, asks a question that surprises you, or settles into a room they were nervous about that morning.

That's what we try to give every child at Love Lane: a small, familiar setting where they're never just one of many. Our team knows every child by name, and we're proud of that.

I'd love to welcome you and your family to come and see it for yourself.

Karen Langford - Pre-School Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Staff

Love Lane Pre-School is run by a committee of parents, elected each year at our Annual General Meeting in July. The committee employs our Manager and two qualified assistants, who are responsible for all the children in their care and the day-to-day running of the group, along with a number of bank staff the children see regularly.

We're an equal opportunities employer. Every member of staff holds an up-to-date DBS check and is trained in our safeguarding policies and procedures.

🩷 Meet the Pink Ladies

You'll spot out team straight away - we're the ones in pink! Behind the uniform is a huge amount of experience...

Karen Langford — Pre-School Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Karen joined Love Lane in 2022 and holds an NVQ Level 3 in Learning Support. She has over 30 years' experience working with children of primary school age, including EYFS and Nursery, and has also worked as a school inclusion officer. As our DSL, Karen leads on keeping every child safe and is the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns. She's also paediatric first-aid trained. Outside pre-school, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.

Amy Newell — Deputy Manager, Deputy DSL & SENDCo

Amy joined in 2022 and has held an NNEB qualification since 1998, with over 20 years' experience as an early years practitioner. As our SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator), Amy supports children with additional needs and works closely with families to make sure every child gets the right support. She's also our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and is paediatric first-aid trained. Amy enjoys running, martial arts, and spending time with her family.

Pauline Bartholomew — Pre-School Practitioner

Pauline has worked at Love Lane for over 37 years and holds a Diploma in Pre-School Practice. She's paediatric first-aid trained, and enjoys walking, photography and nature in her own time.

Sharon Young — Pre-School Practitioner, ELSA Trained

Sharon joined in 2023 and holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. She's worked in schools and childcare settings for over 30 years. Sharon is ELSA trained (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), supporting children's emotional wellbeing alongside her paediatric first-aid training. Sharon enjoys walking, watching football, and spending time with her family.

Our additional team members, Nicola Bishop and Tania Breadmore, are also paediatric first-aid trained and attend regular team meetings and training alongside our core team.

Love Lane Pre-School,Shaw-Cum-Donnington Village Hall,Love Lane, Donnington,Newbury, Berkshire,RG14 2JGRegistered Charity No. 800936

email: contact@lovelanepreschool.co.uk

facebook: love lane pre-schooltwitter: @lane_preinstagram: @lovelanepreschool

tel: 07900 120 202