Nursery

Beginning a lifelong journey of discovery

Following on from your own early care and teaching of your child, Cranbrook Nursery represents the beginning of an exciting, lifelong journey of discovery.

Here is where we start to focus on the individual needs of your child, nurturing their confidence and independence, encouraging them to initiate their own learning experiences and celebrating achievements and new found abilities.

The day is based broadly on the Early Years Foundation stage, but in common with the rest of the school, we exceed the curriculum’s requirements. The Nursery day is busy and varied – in fact no two days of the week are the same. Our youngsters go home not tired but stimulated and inspired – even those who receive wraparound care.

Learning is based on structured play, but with the addition of fundamental lessons. For example, the children are taught to recognise basic letter forms and to write their names and simple words. We have individual reading and – for those not quite ready – picture books where they learn to phonetically link sounds. On Friday afternoons, French is taken by a specialist teacher, becoming almost intuitive at this early age.  Children begin to use numbers and are encouraged to use numeracy in their play and through more structured learning .The beginnings of ICT are taught using computers, calculators and electronic toys. Art is eagerly anticipated, using 3D models, paints, textured materials, sand and glue.

The children start to discover musical instruments, become aware of rhythm and enjoy singing... taking part in performances with the rest of the school. They are also encouraged to join the choir.

The children have ample opportunity for physical activity too, with dance and movement, ride on toys and other specialist equipment to help improve balance, control and motor skills. They also participate in the school’s sports day, held in the summer.

At Cranbrook we believe strongly in the importance and effectiveness of the parent-school partnership. We operate an open door policy for parents, have a board for sharing information and involve parents in the planning process – which includes every achievement and milestone and builds throughout their child’s time at the school. The children take reading books home and we also have additional voluntary numeracy work for children to do, in which most parents relish the opportunity to participate and guide.

Personal and social education is also important at Nursery. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise and the children learn why it is so important to respect others by taking turns and sharing. All the while, independence, confidence and self-esteem are developing and we enjoy observing the beginning of friendships

A typical Nursery day:

The nursery day begins at 8.30am and includes registration.  The day is planned around the RYFS and this is always displayed for parents/carers to look at.  Individual reading, numeracy and mark-making/writing takes place every morning.

A typical day commences with the children playing with their toys.  Children then have reading, numeracy and writing, followed by time outdoors where they may have water or sand play. Ride-on-toys, role play, painting, mark-making and large wooden blocks are examples of different activities children have outside. The emphasis is to take as much learning outside, so children choose toys and activities to take outside as well. The mid-morning snack (fruit, milk/water)  is around 10:00am. They then have new activities, most of which they can select and use. Children have French classes every Friday afternoon. Yoga, ICT and Art are also offered to the children.

Before lunch, children have a story and we discuss our topic of the term. Stories are linked to topics, as are rhymes, songs and dance. It is then lunchtime, which children have in our dining hall. After lunch, children have quiet time in the book corner, where they may choose to rest on mats or on the sofa. At 12:30pm they go outside to play or can choose to stay inside. Mats are left outside for children who may want to rest or look at books outside. Different activities are set up for the afternoon. Children have their afternoon snack (fruit and water) about 2:30pm and they have activities inside. Most children go home at 3:30pm and the remaining few can choose to go to the school’s tea time club (charged separately).

The Nursery Staff:

Our nursery staff are very dedicated and have many years of experience behind them. Our staff are all qualified to Level 3 and above and are all Paediatric First Aiders. There is a firm commitment to training and staff development which ensures that children who attend the nursery benefit from staff who are knowledgeable and in an excellent position to support the needs of your child. There are also specialist staff who come in for the children’s French, Art and Yoga and who provide children with a taste of life beyond nursery and into our Reception Class  where children continue with their journey of discovering  our wonderful Preparatory School at Cranbrook.

Nursery Fees: