Making a Splash in Canterbury
A Preschool Connected to the Local Community
At Stepping Stones Preschool, we believe in creating wonderful opportunities for children and families in our community!
We team up with local businesses, government bodies, charities, and amazing organisations, to make a positive impact on the lives of preschool-aged children in Canterbury.
As a charity preschool, we rely on donations to provide our outstanding service in Canterbury!
Want to help make a positive impact with us?
Our Amazing Community Partners
These organisations generously give their time, resources, and financial support to Stepping Stones. We wouldn’t be able to provide our outstanding service without them!
A huge thank you to our community partners - you’re helping to provide children in Canterbury with unique, individualised, and creative learning opportunities.
In 2021 Tesco Community Grants funded a brilliant project to bring children and staff together to use their imaginations to create and share stories and perform them on a stage in our garden.
In 2020 Canterbury City Council Councillor’s Opportunities Fund funded a new resource for our children to use to express themselves, create art and make marks: a transparent outdoor easel.
In 2021 Canterbury City Council funded an exciting intergenerational partnership with Age UK Canterbury bringing children and older people together in activities to support their wellbeing.
In 2024 Canterbury City Council Councillor’s Opportunities Fund funded brand new toys for our children, including; a mud kitchen, ride-ons, a wooden dolls house, outdoor wooden blocks and play sand!
In 2021 Kent County Council’s Reconnect Programme funded a fantastic programme of activities for children and families to enjoy together. External practitioners will come into the setting and deliver yoga, street dance and football sessions.
In 2021 Kent County Council funded the Solihull Approach Understanding Your Child training for parents and carers and provided resources and spaces to encourage communication.
In 2023 Kent Community Foundation generously contacted £2500 from Kent Community Foundation to contribute towards our day-to-day running costs.
Find Out More About Becoming a Community Partner
Let’s Talk… Team 100!
A unique way for local businesses to support our charity preschool.
What is Team 100?
Team 100 is our stellar group of businesses that go above and beyond to financially support Stepping Stones. Each business has generously committed to donating £100 or more in a calendar year to contribute towards the work of our charity preschool.
We want to welcome 100 businesses to join this incredible team!
It’s no secret that the Early Years sector is facing many challenges when it comes to funding. Team 100 businesses will play an essential role in keeping Stepping Stones’ doors open (perhaps for another 50+ years!)
This isn't just a partnership… It's a commitment to building a brighter future for the children of Canterbury!
Will your business join Team 100 and help keep one of the oldest preschools in Canterbury open?
How does Team 100 Help Stepping Stones?
The Early Years sector has changed a lot in the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, changes to government funding, and the national drop in the number of childcare providers means that there is limited access to high-quality early years education in the UK.
Unfortunately, government funding doesn’t cover Stepping Stones’ essential expenses.
As a charity preschool, we deliver innovative additional services for children and families alongside our day-to-day preschool work. We design services based on feedback from children, families and partners, and we rely on additional funding to provide these opportunities.
We believe all children, regardless of socio-economic background or abilities, deserve equal opportunities for a nurturing and enriching early years education.
The generous donations from Team 100 allow us to continue to break barriers to high-quality early years education in Canterbury. These donations are integral to our ongoing charitable work in the community.
What’s in it for Your Business?
- Fulfil your company’s ‘corporate social responsibility’ objectives
- Donations are tax-deductible
- Be featured in our termly newsletter and reach 30+ families and supporters
- Receive exclusive invitations to Stepping Stones’ events
- Get our termly newsletter to stay up-to-date with the work of the charity
- Support the work of Stepping Stones Preschool and make a positive impact in the Canterbury community
How to Join Team 100
- Download Our Fundraising Pack to get started!
- Contact our team to give a one-off donation: Whether you prefer the ease of online giving, the classic charm of a cheque, or want our bank details for a direct transfer, we’d love to make donating easy for your business.
- Set up a recurring direct debit: Fancy a standing ovation for your ongoing support? Contact us to set up a recurring direct debit.
- Going the extra mile: Gather your colleagues and ride the fundraising wave together! Our fundraising pack is full of ideas to kickstart your workplace fundraising adventure.
Stepping Stones is bigger than just the sessions - the staff team has a hugely positive impact on my whole family, and I feel part of a special community that is making a positive difference for children in Canterbury.
Abigail Stavroulakis, Parent, 2024
Thank You!
We believe children thrive when families, volunteers, and the Canterbury community feel a shared responsibility for the well-being and development of our children.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all of our incredible supporters who generously donate their time, finances, expertise, and more, to Stepping Stones charity preschool. If you'd like to support our work and keep this unique pre-school open for years to come, start by downloading our fundraising pack.