Pre-School Unit

Approx 36 months – 60 months

Staff ratio 1:8

Please note: Between 8am and 4pm, where an Early Years Teacher (EYT), Early Years Professional (EYP), or Qualified Teacher (QTS) works directly with the children, the ratio may be extended to 1:13 in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Inside the pre-school unit
Inside the pre-school unit

Introduction

Our Pre-School Unit has space for up to 50 children, divided into two base rooms – The Frogs and The Natterjacks – ensuring age-appropriate learning and care.

Both rooms are thoughtfully set up to support children’s development across a wide range of activities, with dedicated areas for:

  • Literacy & mark making

  • Mathematics & construction

  • Technology & problem-solving

  • Art & creative play

  • Role play & imaginative learning

  • Book corner & quiet reflection

  • Sensory exploration

Daily activities

Planning and activities are guided by the seven areas of learning in the EYFS:

  • Communication & Language

  • Physical Development

  • Personal, Social & Emotional Development

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Understanding the World

  • Expressive Arts & Design

Children enjoy a mix of free-choice play and structured small group sessions with their key person, focused on individual interests and needs. Weekly plans are displayed on the parent notice board in the Natterjacks room.

We also run daily phonics sessions, giving children the listening and early literacy skills they need before starting school. Our approach is play-based, ensuring that early reading and writing skills are developed naturally through meaningful activities.

Parent Partnership

We value parents as partners in their child’s learning.

  • Parent’s evenings are held regularly to discuss progress with your child’s key person.

  • Families are encouraged to share milestones from home, which are added to your child’s learning journey and used to inspire activities at nursery.

    Special Experiences

    Alongside our daily activities, children benefit from a wide range of additional opportunities, including:

    • Local nature walks (fully risk assessed, with adjusted ratios)

    • Outings such as visits to the library, farm parks, theatre trips, and Legoland

    • Workshops from outside professionals, such as:

      • MAD Science slime experiments

      • Zoolab animal encounters

      • Puppet shows

      • Road safety sessions

      • Visits from the local fire service

    We also offer weekly sports sessions (Tuesday mornings) led by a specialist coach, supported by preschool staff.

Rest times

We follow each child’s needs and routines. While naps are less common at this stage, rest will always be supported if required. Children are never asked to sleep if they wish to continue playing.

Meal times

Meal and snack times are an important part of learning.

  • Children and staff eat together at low-level tables and chairs, encouraging independence and social skills.

  • Children help lay the tables, serve themselves, make sandwiches, and clear their own plates.

  • Please note: Breakfast is served until 8:45am to ensure the smooth running of the daily routine.

Toileting

The Pre-School Unit has low-level toilets and sinks to promote independence. Staff are always available to help, but we encourage children to manage as much as they can themselves.

For children still in the early stages of toilet training, we work closely with parents to provide support. At this stage, we ask parents to supply:

  • Plenty of spare clothes

  • Easily accessible clothing to encourage independence

 

✨ Our Pre-School Unit is a rich, stimulating environment where children gain confidence, independence, and the essential skills to thrive in school and beyond – all while having fun and learning through play.