Childcare

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Back to First Steps Commitment to Families

Bath Opportunity Pre School (BOP)

BOP Local Offer

BOP is the Early Years District Specialist Centre for Bath and North East Somerset, designed to ensure that every child has the support that they need to access their entitlement to childcare and education. BOP is committed to working in partnership with parents and professionals.

Providing

  • Therapeutic activities
  • Support for different services to understand the needs of particular children
  • Support for children to attend their local mainstream setting
  • High quality early intervention for children giving them the best chance to transition to education that properly meets their needs
  • Stay and Play sessions that enable family members to see their children in the specialist environment and meet one another to exchange experiences

Find out more about BOP in our Specialist Services section.

Bath Opportunity Pre-school: A Journey of Dedication and Growth

In 1982, a compassionate parent in Bath recognised the need for a supportive environment for children with disabilities. This vision led to the humble beginnings of the Bath Opportunity Group, starting as a coffee morning where parents of children with special education and health needs could connect and support one another and children could play safely.

By 1984, the initiative had grown into a parent-led committee group, driven by a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of these children. The group's dedication and hard work paid off, and in 1994, they welcomed a patron, appointed a chair, and employed a manager to further their mission.

The journey of Bath Opportunity Pre-school saw it move through various locations, starting at the Vets, then Powlett Road, and later Threeways School. Throughout these years, the focus remained on fundraising and creating opportunities for the children.

In 1997, a significant milestone was achieved as the group formalized its operations and became a registered pre-school. The move back to Powlett Road marked the beginning of a new chapter, where the Bath Opportunity Pre-school continued to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for children with disabilities.

Today, Bath Opportunity Pre-school stands as a testament to the power of community, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child. With your support, we can continue to build on this legacy and create even more opportunities for the children and families we serve.