The programme in the Nursery Class is designed to capture children's interest in a practical, hands-on way and to make learning fun. It provides an ideal preparation for school.

Our Nursery Class is a self-contained unit within the school building comprising spacious, well-equipped rooms and its own secure outdoor play area.

Children must be 3 years old by the 31st August to begin the Nursery Class in September. Children attend the Nursery Class for two and a half hours each day and parents can choose from either morning or afternoon sessions.

Full-time staff in the Nursery Class include a qualified teacher and a qualified Nursery Nurse. Working closely with Oakwood Nursery and our on-site Children's Centre, we can offer a mix of nursery education and high quality childcare to suit your needs.

What does my child learn?

The emphasis in nursery classes is on fun and learning through play.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has established early learning goals which set out expectations for most children to reach by the end of the Foundation Stage.

They are organised in six areas of learning:

Personal, social and emotional development

Knowing the difference between right and wrong, sharing, being able to dress and undress, taking an interest in others and in a variety of activities, and having the self-confidence to try new things.

Communication, language and literacy

Talking clearly and confidently, listening to stories, poems and songs, naming and sounding the letters of the alphabet, writing their own name and reading some simple common words (and, look, up, I, you, go, etc.)

Mathematical development

Counting, understanding and recognising numbers up to 10, understanding terms like 'greater', 'smaller', 'heavier', 'lighter', being aware of shapes and space, and starting to understand the concepts of adding or taking away.

Knowledge and understanding of the world

Showing an interest in exploring their world, finding out about the past, about different cultures, and about everyday technology and how it is used.

Physical development

Moving about confidently and with reasonable co-ordination.

Creative development - using colours and shapes to make things, telling stories, singing simple songs from memory, making music and dancing.