Pre School

Upon reaching the age of three children move from the toddler room to the Serendipitys Pre School. It is in the Pre School that we strive to prepare children for full time education although the emphasis is still on Learning Through Play.

Children start to learn about the world around them from the moment they are born. The care and education offered at Serendipitys helps children to continue to do this by providing all children with interesting and full activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

Serendipitys Pre-School continues to provide the curriculum and principles outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring a smooth transition from Serendipitys Toddlers. The themes and principles are published in the Early Years Foundation Stage document published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Part of the document provides guidance to support the learning and development for children setting out six areas of learning which are all inter-connected and of equal importance.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

Each area of learning is divided into aspects of learning which then lead to 'Early Learning Goals' which set out areas of achievement and expectations for children to have reached or be working towards by the end of the reception year of their education.

Children take part in a wide variety of activities including daily music and movement sessions, weekly library visits, French language and regular discovery walks.

Outdoor play is planned and constructive. We regularly meet with local schools to ensure we are following the same learning systems.

All our staff are specifically trained in working with Pre School children and ensure they plan activities that are challenging and stimulating in order to develop both academic and social skills.

We aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn through the curriculum. We are however aware that some children may have particular emotional or physical needs,which if not addressed may affect their progress. We have a nursery SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator) who has received additional training in this area and is responsible for liaising with other organisations and support services. A copy of our special educational needs policy is available on request.

We are registered with Ofsted and able to provide nursery education for children once they reach the age of three. Our Ofsted reports are available for parents to view.