Our Setting
The children in Forest Explorers Nursery are an integral part of the Prep School which helps with a smooth transition into Reception class. Friendships are formed with Prep pupils and our Nursery children have fun taking part in whole school activities, concerts and assemblies.
Forest Explorers are grouped by age so that their activities and play can be tailored to their age and level of development. Younger children will be in Caterpillars class, and they move into Butterflies class for their last year of Nursery.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars
Children can join Caterpillars from the term they turn three and spend their first year at Nursery here before becoming Butterflies. Ahead of children joining, we offer Stay and Play with families in the Nursery, and two fun settling in sessions where new joiners can meet the other children and staff in their Nursery setting.
A typical day for children in Caterpillars may involve counting and sorting beads, acting out a story such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, playing outside on the climbing equipment in the Early Year’s garden and even trampolining in the Sports Hall before eating a delicious lunch in the dining hall. In the afternoon they might make stick people in the forest or play in the mud kitchen before ending the day with a story and songs.
Butterflies
For their final year of Nursery, children move up to Butterflies class. As well as maintaining the ethos and way of learning through play indoors and outdoors, we take care to ensure children acquire the fundamental building blocks of learning and development as they progress through to their Reception year.
The focus for our Butterflies children is preparing them for Reception class. They have structured learning to enable them to write their name as well as number recognition. Key skills including being responsible for their belongings, using cutlery and dressing themselves are practiced regularly. Children in Butterflies are guaranteed a place in Reception class in the Prep School.
Wraparound care
Wraparound care
Wraparound care from 7.30am to 7.30pm provides families with flexible options to suit busy lifestyles and different school runs.
Pupils can start the school day from 7.30am at Breakfast Club for a healthy breakfast that includes a hot meal, pastries, croissants, fruit, yoghurt and fresh juices.
After School Care is free for our youngest pupils until 5.30pm, and older pupils can take advantage of our free supervised Homework Club that also runs to 5.30pm. For those needing to stay longer, a Supper Club runs to 6.30pm with refreshments and a delicious hot supper at 6.00pm, with the option to stay until 7.30pm if required.
Breakfast and Supper Clubs incur small additional charges.