A Nursery School Day

Learning, exploring, growing.

St Andrew’s Prep Nursery’s team of dedicated professionals nurture the educational, social and pastoral needs of each and every child within a friendly, caring and happy environment. The timetable is wide and varied ensuring children progress throughout their Learning Journey in preparation for their next step to Reception.

The children may start the day with breakfast as early as 8am and finish it with a hot supper, all served within the Nursery’s own facilities. All meals are freshly cooked on the school premises. A typical morning session includes structured free play, circle time, topical activities, outdoor play and story time. Lunch is served at 11.45am and a similar structure is followed in the afternoon until supper.

Included in the Nursery timetable are a wide range of specialist lessons that form part of the children’s day. Activities include Cheeky Chefs, Forest Fun, Gym Joeys, Music Maestros and Tiny Dancers.

If a child requires medical assistance, they would be treated by one of the paediatric First Aid trained staff members.  If further attention is necessary, the child would be taken to the on-site Medical Centre which is open from 8am – 6pm in term time, where one of the three registered nurses would be on hand to offer more advanced medical care.

“Children are met with warmth and a smile by an attentive and nurturing staff team, as they enter a stimulating environment where staff challenge them through a broad variety of activities.”  (Ofsted Inspection Report January 2023)

WOODLAND CLASSROOM

There are huge benefits to be gained from outdoor learning and the Nursery children visit our unique Woodland Classroom weekly. It is located on the doorstep of the main site of the school and has 1.5 acres devoted to wildlife. Complete with pond, it provides an ideal opportunity for hands-on interaction with nature and an ideal way to ensure that children learn to respect the natural world around them. During all weather, children can explore the woodland setting learning about the changing seasons, pond life, mini beasts and different varieties of plants and trees. It is also a place to assess risk in a safe environment. This challenging play helps children develop self-confidence, competence, emotional resilience and a sense of independence.

Some of our Nursery staff have undergone specialist Woodland Classroom training allowing them to utilise tools and equipment with the children in the Woodland Classroom safely. All areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum are covered during our sessions, from counting and sorting leaves for leaf kebabs, to creating a woodland home for a favourite teddy bear!