Pre-Prep FAQs

We value parental support and appreciate that learning takes place beyond the classroom. Do visit our classrooms and chat with the teachers, particularly at the end of the sessions. We strive to communicate effectively about what is happening and every teacher writes a ‘ditty’ about each week for parents, so do find things at home to support what is going on in class.

There are also plenty of ways to let us know about your child’s interests and achievements; during our assembly we celebrate successes from outside school too. Please let us know if you have any talents or interests you can share with us. We are always looking for volunteers to support our ‘Puzzle It Out’ sessions on a Wednesday morning from 8.20 – 9 am throughout Pre-Prep.

As and when the children are ready, the teachers will introduce phonics – the ‘sounds’, as building blocks for reading. Towards the end of the Kindergarten, children may start to bring home boxes of sounds or simple words to show their parents, and within a fortnight of joining the Reception classes, we hold a Reading Workshop for parents to attend.

Our play area has been recently developed with lots of ideas from our children. There are a variety of activities on offer at playtime, encouraging all the children to be actively engaged. There are camps and dens, a giant sandpit to create sand-cities, a quiet area for those who like to sit peacefully, outdoor stage to perform in as well as large construction items to build with.

The woodland remains a favourite spot to chase in and out of and our large log climbing frame with climbing wall, tunnel and extended bark area is very popular too. There are three adults on duty who closely monitor what the children are doing and liaise with the class teachers when necessary.

We charge for very few ‘extras’. We are passionate about offering an all-round rich learning experience and endeavour to include as much as possible within our advertised fees. Early Morning Club (from 3 years old), outings and workshops with visiting artists are all included. If you decide you wish your child to stay on at the end of the school day and join our After School Club (from 3 years old), there is a charge for this as well as a number of clubs including ballet, funky dance, yoga, cricket and Mandarin.

We have wonderful grounds and like to make the most of them come sun, rain or snow. In addition to regular playtimes, we hold many lessons out of doors in the fields, woodland, outdoor classroom or around the pond. Children are encouraged to look for mini-beasts in the woodland, study wildflowers, observe seasonal changes, plot the play areas, go on a ‘sense walk’ and participate in a wide variety of enjoyable outdoor activities including singing around the camp fire and roasting marshmallows!

We like to hear from parents and encourage personal daily contact and written notes in the individual home-school link books. Information can also be found on our class notice-boards, newsletters, calendars and our website. Regular letters and emails are sent out from class teachers and the Head of Pre-Prep, and there are a number of Parents’ Consultations.

Meals are nutritious and healthy Our staff sit at the tables with the children and serve the meal. We monitor closely what the children are eating and drinking, and ask that the children try a little piece of everything. We also encourage use of cutlery as well as good manners such as ‘please and thank you’!