The Ark Nursery

WELCOME TO THE ARK

In September 2025, The Ark merged with Wantage CE Primary School to provide high quality care and education for children from 2 to 5 years old. We have an amazing, experienced and dedicated team to ensure your child is safe, happy and achieves their best.

We are based at The Butler Centre, next to the Museum on Church Street in Wantage.

Come & Take a Look

If you are considering preschool for your child, please call or email the school office at Wantage CE Primary School ([email protected] 01235 762396).

Our first step is to arrange for you and your child to come in and see us at The Ark. We will show you around, explain how we work, answer any questions you may have and often before we even introduce ourselves your child will be off discovering and making friends.

We will provide you with an application form to take away with you which will include confirmation of what sessions you would like your child to come to. You can apply for as little or as many sessions as you like. Space is sometimes tight but we will be sure to accommodate you as much as we can.

Admissions to The Ark

Please go to the main Admissions Procedures page on our website for details of the nursery applications process for both The Ark and the on-site nursery:

Admissions Page

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PRACTICAL LEARNING

We love active learning and creative thinking.  Our setting is vibrant, colourful and we have a wonderful outside space for play and development.

QUALIFIED TEAM

Our team are qualified or working towards their qualifications in childcare and we’re lucky enough to have specialists in paediatric first aid and special needs.

DEDICATED KEY PERSON

Each child will have a key person.  They will help your child to settle and will continue to help them develop and benefit from the activities on offer.

RAIN OR SHINE

Inside we have a sensory room, dress up area, crafts and computers, a relaxing hub and a reading corner.  Outside we have green space, climbing walls, sandpit, and vegetable garden plus much more!

Meet Our Team

TERESA LISHMAN Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Teresa has been at The Ark since 2002. Teresa ensures the preschool runs smoothly and manages the team. Teresa is Level 3 qualified. Teresa is also the Special Needs Co-ordinator which enables The Ark to offer places to children with special needs. Teresa is also qualified in Advanced Paediatric First Aid.

SARAH LITTLECHILD Deputy Manager & Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Sarah has been at The Ark since 2003. Sarah manages the preschool in Teresa’s absence and is Level 3 qualified. Sarah is also qualified in Advanced Paediatric First Aid.

JANE HENDY Preschool Assistant and Language Lead

Jane has been at The Ark since 2014. Jane is Level 3 qualified and has many years experience as a childminder and often volunteers at local baby and toddler groups. Jane is also qualified in Advanced Paediatric First Aid.

CAROLYN LANDLASS Preschool Assistant

Carolyn joined The Ark in March 2022. Carolyn is Level 2 qualified and has many years experience working in a pre-school environment.
Carolyn is also qualified in Advanced Paediatric First Aid.

MOLLY EDWARDS Preschool Assistant

Molly joined The Ark in March 2022. Molly is Level 2 qualified and did her Year 10 work experience and Year 12 6th Form placement at The Ark before joining the team. Molly is also qualified in Advanced Paediatric First Aid.

JOANNA O'CONNOR Preschool Assistant

Joanna joined The Ark in January 2023. Joanna is currently working towards her Level 2 Childcare qualification and has many years experience as a mother of 3 children.

KATY PURCELL Preschool Assistant

Katy rejoined the team in March 2023. Katy original joined in 2018 to cover maternity leave but became a welcomed permanent member of the team until March 2022. Katy is Level 3 qualified and also qualified in Advanced Paediatric First Aid.

Our Sessions

Preschool is very flexible at The Ark. We understand children often still have naps so younger children often start with half day sessions.  We run sessions in term time, Monday to Friday, as follows:

• 8.30am to 3.30pm All Day Session

• 8.30am to 11.30am Morning Session

• 11.30am to 12.30pm Lunchtime Session*

• 12.30pm to 3.30pm Afternoon Session

*only available when booked with another session