The two main stages of our Pre-Prep Department are Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery & Reception) and KS1 (Year 1&2). During playtime, all children from Nursery to Year 2 have the opportunity to play in the same shared area. Our outdoor area in Pre-Prep is a very safe, stimulating and rural setting that provides lots of space to run around in and apparatus for playing on.
Nursery (Early Years Foundation Stage)
Cundall Nursery is a warm and welcoming environment for children aged 2 upwards. Specialising in the important task of introducing children to the exciting world of learning. The emphasis is on the all-round development of each child through class, group and individual teaching in an atmosphere of happiness and mutual respect. The excellent staff/pupil ratio ensures a secure environment and individual attention where each child has the opportunity to reach their own potential.
We aim to promote independence, confidence, self-esteem, mutual respect and a strong work ethos in each child, within a setting where all children feel happy, secure and valued as individuals. High standards of behaviour and good manners are expected and children are helped to achieve these through positive reinforcement.
Our Nursery consists of three spacious classrooms and a dedicated outdoor play area situated within our Pre-Prep department. It has a vibrant, stimulating, and supportive atmosphere in which children are encouraged to question, explore, and learn about themselves, others, and the world around them. Each day is filled with purposeful play and the excitement of discovering new things, and we respond to the children’s enthusiasm by tailoring our approach to suit their needs.
Nursery follows the seven areas of learning as defined by the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and our Nursery programme has been created with the individual needs and interests of our children in mind. We provide further diversity in learning with specialist teachers working with the children in Spanish and Music lessons.
Key Person Allocation
In Nursery each child will be allocated a Key Person on arrival into the school. Their role as Key Person is to make sure that your child’s needs, both educationally and pastorally, are met and that your child’s next steps are planned and supported. They will be on hand at daily drop off and pick up times to answer your questions and are available both to discuss any issues or concerns and to celebrate successes with you. When your child moves through to the Reception class the role of Key Person is taken over by their class teacher.
Nursery Admissions
Nursery is always open if you would like to visit and talk to our staff in person about your child. If you would like to book your child’s place in our Nursery please email admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk
To support your child’s learning and development, children may attend Nursery for a minimum of two full-day sessions. Once your child has successfully settled into our Nursery, we can then look at increasing their sessions accordingly, in partnership with you. These careful, considered steps should help your child to settle more easily within our Nursery routines. If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Nursery team or your child’s Key Person.
Our Nursery is very popular and Nursery places for the following academic year are usually allocated before Easter. Although places cannot be always guaranteed, we try our best to accommodate your preferred sessions. We will endeavour to meet your chosen sessions however this is not always possible due to our strict adherence to legal requirements for staff to pupil ratios in Nursery.
The most recent ISI inspection commented: