Early Years (Nursery – Reception)
We provide a happy, secure and stimulating environment for the all important years of pre-school education as we understand how essential it is to provide a high standard of sensitive personal care and at the same time encourage each child’s development.
Children usually join the Early Years Unit when they reach the age of three, though it is possible to start when 2 and a half if considered appropriate. Often children initially attend for a few sessions in the week and then build up to spending more time in school. The Early Years Unit is an integral part of the Pre Prep department and is included in many aspects of school life.
Children attend Assembly every morning with the Pre Prep classes and enjoy performing for their parents in Nativity plays and concerts. Older pupils frequently help at break and lunchtimes, encouraging the sense of family atmosphere.
The Early Years Unit teacher is assisted by qualified nursery and classroom assistants: pupils have two adjoining classrooms a more formal room for Reception and an activity based room for the Nursery. The Early Years Unit workschemes follow the Foundation Phase guidelines whilst also incorporating some more formal work and early opportunities to experience a foreign language, music and PE taught by specialist teachers. Classes are usually split for the morning sessions enabling some more formal work to take place in Reception. Groups combine in the afternoons for less formal activities such as topic work, art and craft and walks. Other outdoor opportunities for play and learning are enhanced by a small garden and use of the school’s extensive grounds.
Numbers are small and pupils benefit from individual help and attention. Children learn through play in a relaxed and creative environment and the foundations of independence and academic learning are laid down in the Early Years Unit.
The educational programme provides a balanced range of activities designed to aid the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of the pupils. Pre-reading, writing and number work is balanced with art, music, dance and drama through a variety of teaching strategies. Science, technology and humanities are introduced through a topic-based approach.
The Early Years Unit prepares the way for a smooth and happy transfer to Year 1.
We are very flexible if pupils wish to start at short notice and we have places, for example, a little boy came for a taster session one Monday morning, he cried when it was time for him to go home because he wanted to stay. He has been coming every day since. What a better recommendation could St John’s have than that? 
EARLY YEARS INSPECTION REPORT
Our Early Years Unit was inspected by ESTYN in 2006 and the excellent report can be found on their website. We are very proud of the high grades we received and are sure you will enjoy reading about the great start our youngest pupils get at St John’s. Take me to the Report
