Nursery School
Stop Press: Parents are now able to receive up to 15 hours, in 3 hour sessions, completely free. This is the maximum allowance under the govenments' early years scheme. Contact school for details.
What we are and what we do
Stoke College Nursery provides high quality education within an exceptional learning environment. The Nursery is situated within the pre-prep department of the School, consisting of two light and spacious classrooms. Children have regular access to their own playground which is attached to their class, as well as the unique opportunity to learn and explore within our very own 28 acre woodland.
The Nursery serves children and their families from a wide geographical area, including Cavendish, Clare, Ashen, Haverhill, Steeple Bumpstead, and Sturmer. At the end of their time at Nursery children have the opportunity to attend their local state school or move seamlessly into our Reception class, having already become familiar with the pupils and teachers.
The Nursery offers flexible sessions from 8.30am - 4pm. The school accepts the Early Years grant funding for all children after their 3rd Birthday.
What we teach and how we measure it
"Children learn and achieve outstandingly in the Nursery". Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2007
Children are taught by an established, highly qualified Nursery team, which ensures that children receive not only exceptional teaching, but also a strong continuity of care. The Nursery is proud of its 1:5 teacher to child ratio which enables staff to work closely with the children, building strong relationships between them and their families.
Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/earlyyears) until the end of their time in reception where the emphasis is on ‘learning through play’. Staff monitor and record children’s achievements on a weekly basis. These observations ensure future activities are planned directly in response to the children’s interests and individual learning needs.
We work closely with our parents to achieve the best from each child. Children’s assessments are free for you to access at anytime and we strongly encourage your input. "The partnership with parents is outstanding. Children truly benefit from a two-way sharing of information between parents and practitioners to enhance their learning " OFSTED 2008.
Extras
At Stoke College Nursery we have a passion for outdoor learning, ensuring that activities are planned both in and out of the classroom. Outdoor learning supports children who learn best through activity and movement, as well as promoting the development of a healthy and active life style.
Recently we have extended this to providing our children with a Forest School experience. Forest Schools use the woodland as the classroom. Children begin to learn about nature, search for signs of animals, and go on bug hunts. They have fun climbing trees and building dens! The Forest School experience provides children with new challenges and experiences which also develops their risk taking skills in a safe and supervised environment.
