3 - 5 Year Olds 3 - 4 staff
Ratio 1:6 or 1:8

This age group continue to learn through a wide range of imaginative and enjoyable activities.

There are now six areas the government expect us to cover and these have been a part of our programme since we opened in 1991. We offer over and above what is expected.

We are Ofsted inspected on the quality of our
provision because we accept the nursery grant
provided by the government. The grant is deducted from the fees - which is a bonus. Our ratio is half of that for 4 year olds in school, which has obvious advantages for your child.

Our Ofsted inspections have been brilliant. We are not only doing all we should be and more but we are also doing it very well. There are no areas of concern in our provision, children now follow a foundation curriculum from the age of 3 to the beginning of Year 1.

The Foundation Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into 6 areas, called early learning goals. The next few pages give you more details of these areas.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This area of learning is concerned with emotional well-being, knowing who you are, where you fit in and feeling good about yourself. It is also about developing respect for others, social competence and a positive disposition to learn. We ensure all children join in, are listened to and feel confident about what we do. We encourage awareness of each other and provide the extra individual attention each child deserves and needs.

Mathematical Development

This area of development arises out of daily experiences in a rich and interesting environment. It includes counting, sorting, matching, patterns, making connections, recognising relationships and working with numbers, space and measures. It is developed through many different activities, some of which will focus on mathematical development and some of which will practice new learning in other activities.

Knowledge and Understanding of the world

This is the area in which children learn about and develop skills to help them make sense of the world around them. It is encouraged through first hand experiences that include exploration, observation, problem solving, prediction, critical thinking, decision making and discussion. It involves real items which we collect with your children or which we bring in from home. We have a huge variety of factual books which further develop this area.

Physical Development

This area is about improving skills of co-ordination, control manipulation and movement. It helps children gain confidence in what they do, promotes healthy beings and a positive sense of well being.

We have good outdoor and indoor facilities with which to provide appropriate physical challenges.

We also encourage independence in coat and shoe fastenings through a wide range of fine manipulation activities.

Creative Development

Creativity is important for successful learning. This area includes art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play.

We value originality and expressiveness and allow sufficient time for children to develop ideas and to complete their tasks whether in structured activities or in free play time.

Communication, Language and Literacy

We use computer software to enhance the children's learning and to provide experiences to strengthen their understanding.

We use the Oxford Reading Tree and Letterland literacy reading schemes to provide the written word for those who are ready.

This area is at the heart of young children's learning and is incorporated in activities throughout the whole day. The quality of development depends on the opportunities provided and the quality of child-staff interaction. It includes planned and incidental activities and non verbal messages. They learn best when they are physically involved in activities which engage many senses.

Nursery Grants

The government now pays a grant to help educate 3 and 4 year olds. This is deducted from your nursery fees if you choose us as your 'provider'.

The issue of going to school at 4 years old is one of personal choice for the parents. Schools obviously want 4 year olds in their establishments because they get the government grant.