Healthy Start – support for families - Kingfishers Colden Common Preschool

Healthy Start – support for families

Healthy Start is a government scheme that can help eligible families with the cost of healthy food and vitamins during pregnancy and when children are young.

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be able to get support to:

Buy healthy food – help towards foods such as milk, fruit and vegetables, pulses and infant formula.
Get free vitamins – vitamins are available for pregnant women and young children.
Make your budget go further – if you are eligible, money is added to a Healthy Start card every four weeks, which can be used at participating shops to buy eligible foods.
Check if you qualify – eligibility depends on your circumstances and, in many cases, the benefits you receive.

You may also be able to qualify in certain circumstances if you are not a British citizen but have a British child under 4.

How to find out more

If you think you may be eligible, it is worth checking the Healthy Start website and applying. The scheme is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; families in Scotland can apply for the separate Best Start Foods scheme.

Find out more and apply: Healthy Start – GOV.UK

I can highly recommend this lovely village preschool. My children thrived there. Particular highlights are the outdoor play area, allotment sessions & school readiness programme.

Kate, Parent

Both of my children have been all the way through Kingfishers and have both absolutely loved it. Under Lara’s leadership the preschool provides a safe enriching environment for all the children.

The space is brilliant with a huge garden but as well as this they are regularly out and about in the village and at the allotment. I couldn’t recommend Kingfishers more!

Sasha, Parent

Kingfishers is such a lovely environment and we were all made to feel very welcome!

What stood out was how much care the staff took with ALL the children as well as us!

All of the staff spoke to either our daughter, or us (or all of us!) and we couldn’t have felt more welcomed.

I loved the free flow set up of Kingfishers and the relaxed approach to being able to move play and learning ideas from one area to another.

The outdoor space is great in all weathers, and something which many settings don’t have.

My husband said how impressed he was with the safeguarding procedures in place, especially if somebody else is collecting.

It’s great you have so many links with the community too – so important!

We loved Kingfishers – the set up, staff, location, flexibility, friendliness – the list goes on!

Sarah Hobbs

Sarah, Parent

We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Kingfishers Colden Common Preschool. From the moment we enrolled our child, the staff demonstrated a genuine commitment to his well-being and development.

One of the aspects we truly appreciate is how attentive the staff are to our child’s individual needs. It’s evident that they take the time to understand each child’s unique personality and learning style, fostering an environment where every child can thrive.

Our child comes home bursting with excitement, eager to share new songs and experiences he’s learned during the day. It’s heartwarming to see him so engaged and enthusiastic about his preschool experience.

Moreover, the flexibility the preschool offers during family emergencies and unexpected situations has been a tremendous relief for us. Knowing that we can rely on their support allows us to focus on our family knowing our child is in caring hands.

From day one, the staff showed a genuine interest in getting to know our family dynamic and how we interact with our child. This personalized approach has ensured that our child’s learning continues seamlessly, without any disruptions to his progress.

We wholeheartedly recommend Kingfishers Colden Common Preschool to any parent looking for a nurturing and supportive environment where their child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Thomas, Parent

Early Years is so important and we are lucky to have you on our doorstep. The team are brilliant. Every member of staff seems to know every child. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone have an off day. The culture change that seems to have occurred over the last few years has been overwhelmingly positive and a real testament to the commitment of the team. You all work so hard.

Beki & Greg, July 2025

My son and daughter both go to Kingfishers. We’ve been really happy with the preschool right from day one – the team are friendly, nurturing and have the most incredible ideas for how to inspire and engage the children. The space is also great, with an indoor and outdoor area available all year round. I would recommend this preschool without hesitation.

My grandson has just started here and we have had such a warm welcome. There are lots of activities to do inside and outside and the atmosphere is great!

Karen, Grandparent

We have had a fabulous experience with Kingfishers so far! We love how updated we are kept, and you’ve all been so wonderful in helping us settle in. Child N definitely feels at home at preschool now and comes home with nothing but lovely things to say. Her development has come on leaps and bounds since being at Kingfishers and we couldn’t be prouder! So happy we came to Kingfishers.

Jordan and Matt, March 2025, Parents

I am so sad Izzy’s journey at Kingfishers has come to an end. Thank you to everyone for the brilliant care she has received and for the amazing memories. We couldn’t have asked anymore from the preschool and we have watched Izzy thrive and become school ready. I just wish she had one more year with you first!

Emma, Parent, July 2025, Your Content Goes Here

Kingfishers Preschool is an amazing preschool. Both my children have attended ( one of them still there). Not only the teachers are fantastic, I’m not worried at all of my little one being there as it’s really safe place and I can trust them 100%. I totally recommend them!

Grace, Parent

I am very happy with the preschool. My daughter is getting more confident about coming in and speaks so positively about her experiences. The activities are so creative and so varied. I have to mention Megan who I feel goes above and beyond to help my daughter settle in. She lets my daughter choose the colours of her hair ribbons and when I asked her about it she said she was more than happy to do it every day if it helped my daughter and it really has made a huge difference in my daughter settling in the morning. But I think all the ladies are lovely, caring and approachable and you have also been great in responding to admin questions, so thank you and I hope my daughter continues with her positive journey for the next few months.

Emma, February 2025 , Parent

My daughter was part of Kingfishers Preschool for 2 years, she had such a happy time, and her development during these 2 years was amazing. She absolutely loved going in every time, never told me she doesn’t like it or doesn’t want to go. The staff put so much work and patience into their job, they are all so lovely and dedicated!

Andika, Parent, August 2025, Your Content Goes Here

We truly appreciate everything you have done and the guidance and development you have provided. There are not enough thank you’s in the world!

Anoushka, July 2025

Lovely preschool with a beautiful and spacious garden. Older children have the opportunity to visit the allotment and experience forest school activities. All of the practitioners are very friendly and kind. My LO loves this preschool and is always happy to go there. I would recommend this place to everyone who wants their children to be very well looked after.

Veronika, Parent

Both our daughters attended Kingfishers and they are very different. They both absolutely thrived there! The safe, inclusive, child-led approach really sets the preschool apart from the others locally. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone!

Emily, Parent

Kingfishers is a wonderfully supportive and inclusive setting, where the staff strive to meet the individual needs of each child. The allotment school which offers unique and interesting sessions is a huge asset to the preschool. We feel very lucky that our child has been able to attend this lovely setting and is now enjoying the preparation for school!

Greig, Parent

Kingfishers are just amazing, the care they offer the children, the effort they put in to activities and the allotment school is such a wonderful experience. They really have given my daughter the best start to school and have helped with the transition also. She has loved attending for the past 2 years. I couldn’t ask for more and can’t recommend enough.

Gemma, Parent, August 2025, Your Content Goes Here

Healthy Start – support for families

How to find out more

Here’s What Our Parents Think Of Us!