“Learning through play”

Our nursery is open throughout the year from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and has a lovely ‘home from home’ atmosphere where our youngest children can feel happy and secure and open to the world of learning.

For many children the nursery is their first real encounter with another establishment outside the familiar boundaries of home. Smallwood nursery therefore intentionally has a very open approach to children and parents to secure this homely atmosphere. Opportunities to meet the other infants and staff are available at lunch, Pre-Prep music time and assemblies. Nursery also joins in the whole school Chapel service each week.

Learning through play is our teaching philosophy. Activities are carefully planned, guided by the Foundation Stage Curriculum and covering the six areas of learning to stimulate the children’s imaginations and develop their enquiring minds. When the child is ready letter sounds are introduced using the ‘Jolly Phonics‘ multi-sensory approach. Number activities are also introduced which develop counting, sorting, matching and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures. The day is planned to allow opportunities for adult-led and child-initiated activities. The nursery play area and extensive grounds surrounding the Manor enhance the children’s learning, providing wonderful opportunities to explore. The nursery also benefits from the Main Prep facilities of the gym, the chapel and the dining room.

Our excellent team of qualified nursery staff ensure that Smallwood nursery is second to none in providing the best start for our children. The nursery is led and managed by a qualified teacher of 25 years experience, ably supported by nursery assistants trained to NVQ Level 3 in Child Care. Learning and Development Government sponsored nursery vouchers are available for our nursery setting and we are subject to regular statutory inspections by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and OFSTED. Most children go on to full time education at Smallwood, although the nursery has a certain number of places each year for children who do not.

Being at Smallwood is all about educating the whole child. This begins in the nursery where everything is focused so that each child feels welcomed and valued.

You can find out more about the nursery at www.smallwoodmanornursery.co.uk.