St Michael’s Preschool is ready to welcome families to its brand-new home on the Enham Trust site after a challenging few months of transition and unexpected delays.
The move came after the preschool was given notice to vacate its long-standing home at St Michael’s Church Hall in December 2024, with a final deadline of August 2025. “Our committee stepped into action quickly,” explained Preschool Manager Naomi Rist. “We reached out to Cllr Iris Anderson, who’s a known advocate for Early Years. With her support, and after meeting with Cllr Phil North and Services for Young Children, we were introduced to Aster and the Enham Trust, who were looking for an Early Years setting for the newly refurbished Carpenter’s Cottage site. With their help, we managed to move over the summer, ready to open in September.”
The new setting is situated just inside the Enham Trust grounds and features a large garden, bright playroom, and modern, fully accessible facilities. “It’s the perfect spot,” said Naomi. “We’re surrounded by countryside, yet we’re only an eight-minute drive from our old home, making us easy to reach for families from Enham Alamein, Andover and the surrounding villages.”
However, the team’s excitement was dampened by a frustrating delay with OFSTED, which postponed their official reopening for seven weeks. “We submitted our application to relocate in July, expecting a smooth process,” Naomi said. “But we were caught up in national delays linked to the government’s new childcare funding rollout. Even though we’re an existing setting with a good track record, our application sat untouched for weeks.”
After constant chasing and a helping hand from local MP Rt Hon Kit Malthouse, the issue was finally resolved. “Within days of his involvement, OFSTED assigned someone to our case and processed our registration,” Naomi explained. “We received our certificate on 15th October – it was such a relief.”
Unfortunately, the delay had a real impact. “We lost about half of our families,” Naomi admitted. “Some parents couldn’t wait any longer for childcare, and we completely understand that. The families who stayed have been amazing – they came to stay-and-play sessions to help their children settle, and their patience has meant the world to us.”
Despite the challenges, St Michael’s remains as unique and nurturing as ever. The preschool is known for its small, flexible environment and strong sense of community. “We’re a shoeless setting,” Naomi explained. “Children take off their shoes and either go barefoot or wear slippers. It helps them feel more at home, more grounded – and it keeps the inside nice and clean too!”
The preschool caters for children aged two until school age, offering flexible sessions during term time. Children enjoy a free-flow environment with access to the outdoors all year round – whatever the weather. “We believe children learn best when they choose where to play,” said Naomi. “We’re all about messy, sensory fun – playdough, mud, sand, shaving foam and of course puddles! We always say: dress for mess, not to impress!”
The new building allows for continuous play without the need to pack away equipment each day. It also includes a calm tent, a sensory area, and a dedicated Rainbow Room for small group work and individual support. “We finally have a space that’s truly ours,” Naomi said. “Our Rainbow Room gives children a safe, quiet space when they’re feeling overwhelmed, and it allows staff to focus on supporting individual needs.”
Looking to the future, Naomi has high hopes for St Michael’s in its new home. “We want to be here for the next 40 years at least,” she said. “Our goal is to become a real part of the Enham community – to listen to what local families need, support them, and make sure every child leaves us feeling valued and confident.”
Families interested in finding out more or arranging a visit can go to stmichaelspreschool.co.uk, email stmichaelsplaygp@hotmail.co.uk.