The Nursery Curriculum

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a framework set out by the Department for Education (DFE). The framework sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five years of age.

The EYFS explains how children will learn and ensure their readiness for school, through focusing on 7 areas of learning and development. Initially, 3 prime areas; Making Relationships, Communication & Language and Physical Development. As children continue to grow, the prime areas will support the development in the specific area of learning, which include, Literacy, Mathematics, Knowledge and understanding of the World and Expressive Arts.

Children are unique and will learn and develop at different stages and different rates across each of the areas of learning, where we ensure that the nursery provision and activities are tailored to meet the needs of the individual child, offering a fun, stimulating, happy, safe and secure environment in which to learn. We want our children to be happy and confident in their love for learning as they carry on their educational journey into school. 

The government produced a document entitled, ‘What to expect, when? Guidance to your child’s learning and development in the early years foundation stage.

https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2015/03/4Children_ParentsGuide_2015_WEB.pdf 

Funding  

There are currently two separate government funded childcare schemes that offer free childcare for children aged three and four years  and each has its own eligibility criteria.

• Three Year old funding – 15 hours free government funded early years education.

(This scheme is open to ALL 3 and 4-year olds. Parents / carers should be able to start receiving the childcare from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child’s 3rd birthday).

• 30 hours free childcare - 30 hours free government funded early years education.

For further information, please refer to the following government website https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ or contact nursery for further information.

Pre-school Room

The Pre-school offers places for children between the ages of 3 and 4 years of age. The room itself can accommodate 24 children in a session and is supported by three Early years’ practitioners. We offer a free-flow system, whereby the children are able to access an indoor and an outdoor provision. The outdoor provision is shared with the Reception class children, which over time supports a seamless transition for the children that go on to attend the school.

Continuing the Learning Journey

As a Pre-school we are very much a part of the early years unit at St Jude's and our families are strongly supported by all the staff within the school, to ensure that they are made to feel part of our school family. Our Headteacher, Mr Wilson works in partnership with our Pre-school team to support the children’s learning and development, in ensuring that they achieve their full potential and positive outcomes.

Preparing and supporting our children on their learning journey is vital, leading to their transition into school. We work closely with all staff and parents from an early stage to ensure that this transition is made as seamless as possible for all children. The majority of children choose to continue their education with St Jude’s school and because of our relationship, the Reception team and children already know each other really well, the children are familiar with the learning environment, planning and support is already in place and starting school is seen as a natural progression for all.

For those children who spread their wings to other schools, we provide them with as much information as possible, to ensure that they know our children well, just as we do.

Pre-school Fees

If you do not qualify for one of the government funded childcare schemes or you simply wish to top up your child’s Pre-school sessions, the following fees apply;

Morning Session - £13.50 Afternoon Session - £13.50
Pre-school is open term time only 8.45am - 3.15pm

For those children attending a full day session and requiring a school dinner, the cost is £1.50.

Families also have the option of their child attending Wraparound care which is available everyday from 7.45am until 5.15pm.  For more information please click here.

Opening Times

We offer the following sessions;

Morning session: 08:45am - 11.45am      

Afternoon session: 12:15pm - 15:15pm        

Full Day Session: 08:45am - 15:15pm

We will discuss with you the best combination of Pre-school to support your child, however we do recommend that they attend a minimum of two sessions in a week, which establishes a good routine in a little person’s life.