THE owner of one of Thurrock's longest serving pre-schools has opened her heart to talk about the impact of Covid-19 on her business and how they have managed to keep going during

And what plans are underway for their re-opening in September.

Scalliwags Pre-School, based in South Ockendon, has been providing quality childcare for over 50 years, with the current owner – Julie Carter – continuing and building on the legacy first created by her mum who started the setting.

The pre-school has a very strong 'GOOD' rating with the governing body Ofsted and they are now accepting applications for children who will be looking for a setting in the new school year starting September.

It's fair to see that 2020 has been a year of highs and lows for Julie. In February, she was awarded the Mayoral recognition for "Lifetime Achievement" in the community at the borough's Civic Awards.

And in the middle of the pandemic, Scalliwags have just found out that they've been shortlisted in the "Best Nursery" category in the Essex Mum's awards.

Commenting on the lockdown, Julie said: "Not long after this amazing recognition, we we're hit by the Covid19 pandemic. And it would be wrong to say that the lockdown hasn't thrown up some challenges – both for us as pre-school providers, but as parents ourselves.

"We obviously had to close the setting as per the government's instructions which has meant many of our Scalliwags children seeing their routines disrupted.

"While we wait for official confirmation of when we can safe re-open, we've used the time to make sure we're ready to go the minute we get the go-ahead. We've carried out a thorough deep clean at the venue and all our staff have completed the Covid19 online training.

"Along with this we've implemented training for infection control, carried out a full risk assessment as well as making sure we have the relevant PPE for when we open – should we need it of course!

"And while it may seem quite early to be planning September's register it's really important that you secure your place if you are looking to take advantage of the government funding for two, three and four year olds. It's paid childcare and for you to get this, my team and I need to process your application through the official channels with the local authority. It takes time to do, so I urge you not to leave it until too late as your child could miss out on the place and the funding.

"If you want free childcare and to secure your place, all you need to do is call me to get the application process started".

When Scalliwags opens, the school's autumn term setting will be "In The Moment". This means taking the lead from children and guiding and supporting their interests in order to extend their development and learning.

Commenting on the pre-school, one parent at the setting – Samantha Wilson – said: "Thank you to everyone at Scalliwags who has helped my toddler grown into a bright, confident girl".

Another said: "Thanks to the team for their support when I needed it. My son is now ready for his journey to primary school and that's down to you guys. Thank you".

All of the Scalliwags team have full enhanced DBS, and all have level two and over childcare qualifications, with the leadership team all holding the senior level four and five management qualifications.

If you are looking for trusted childcare space (for funded two, three & four year olds) call Julie on 07941653463. Or look them up on Facebook.