Nursery

At Prince’s Mead Nursery, we aim to give children the best possible start to their school journey. With many years of formal education ahead, our goal is to inspire a sense of eagerness, ensuring that children enjoy their time both in and out of the classroom, while fostering a lifelong love of learning.

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In the Early Years, we provide a happy, safe, caring, stimulating and well-organised environment where children learn by building on what they already know and can do. We strive to nurture lively and enquiring minds, offering opportunities for children to make their own choices, develop independence and grow into socially confident individuals, with a positive self-image.

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​Daily Routine

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The Nursery day at Prince's Mead School begins with a welcoming selection of activities, allowing children to flow in and out of the classroom.  Once all the children are safely inside, they gather to start the day with a welcome song or story, where they also have the chance to share their news from home.

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Throughout the day, children experience a balance of child-initiated learning and focused activities using our wide range of play and learning resources.  Teacher-led activities may include Phonics, P.E., Fine Motor Skills, Mathematics, Literacy, French, Forest School, Cooking, Gardening, Sewing, and Crafts.

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At 11:40 am, a freshly prepared lunch is served in the Dining Hall.  Our 'Family Service' lunch style allows children to eat with their Key Workers, providing a valuable opportunity to develop social skills, practical skills (such as using a knife and fork), and table manners, in a supportive environment. Morning and afternoon breaktimes offer water, milk, and a variety of snacks or fruit.

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​Collection

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The core Nursery day ends at 4.00pm, with extended hours until 6.00pm.  Please ensure that your child is collected from the Nursery team at home time and continue to supervise them closely until they are safely seated in the family car.  If parents wish to speak to a member of the team (or vice versa) this should take place inside the Nursery building.  Please notify a member of the team if anyone else is collecting your child as we will not be able to let them leave unless this is done.

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Extended Afternoon Session

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The Nursery offers extended hours from Monday to Thursday, allowing children to stay until 5:30 pm.

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Settling-In

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Children and their parents are invited to attend a one-hour morning or afternoon session before starting Nursery.  This visit provides an opportunity to familiarise yourselves with the environment and to meet your child’s Key Worker.  Some children may find settling in more challenging than others, so we may suggest leaving your child for a shorter period on their first day, gradually increasing their time in Nursery as their confidence grows.  We strive to support each family’s individual needs and offer flexibility during the settling-in process to ensure a smooth transition.

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Communication

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We have an open-door policy at Nursery.  Your child’s Key Worker is available for a quick chat at the beginning and end of each day and an appointment can be made for a longer meeting.  You can contact any member of the Nursery team via email or a phone call to the school.

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Our weekly planning, timetable and forthcoming dates are posted on the Entrance Board as you enter the Nursery Room, along with the weekly menu.

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We also have parent class representatives, who will be getting to know you during the first couple of weeks of term.

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The Learning Environment

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In Nursery, we aim to provide a happy, stable and caring environment. Through play, children can explore, enjoy, achieve and progress to their full potential at their own pace. This is achieved by providing challenging and stimulating opportunities that take into account a child’s individual needs, their interests and choices. Involvement of parents and carers is encouraged, to build on what has been learnt at home. Our planning is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. It covers the Seven Areas of Learning – Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Parents will be able to learn more about our curriculum in a dedicated information evening which takes place in September.

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The layout of the Nursery allows children to initiate and put into operation their own plans. Materials and equipment encourage independence appropriate to their stages of development, support all areas of the curriculum and are regularly maintained and replaced. Our children also have access to the wider school facilities.

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The Nursery Garden is an enclosed space enabling children to run around in the fresh air, play ball, draw, paint, enjoy books and imaginative play. There is also an outside digging area for sand, an outside kitchen, water activities and our very own gardening beds. On the south side of Worthy Park House children can enjoy a climbing area and lots of space to run around. Prince’s Mead has many areas to explore and investigate, providing ample opportunities for adventure! There is barely a day that goes by when we are not out in the grounds, in all weathers: getting a little muddy means that they have had a fun day!

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Educational Visits / Parent Consent

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On occasion, our children will go on trips outside of school. You will be notified by letter giving information and to request authorisation. Advance notice of trips is always given and the minibuses and coaches are fitted with seatbelts. You also have the option to bring in your child’s own booster seat. Children do not need pocket-money or packed lunches for these trips.

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Record Keeping and Reports

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Ongoing formative assessment is at the heart of effective Early Years practice, enabling Nursery staff to support your child’s learning and development.  Through regular observations, we track their progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage and use this information to tailor our planning for each individual child.

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In Nursery, we invite you to access a secure website called ‘Tapestry,’ which captures evidence of your child’s learning progress through pictures and videos taken throughout the week.  You will receive an activation link to access this online at any time.

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We will keep you updated on your child’s progress regularly, and all information regarding your child remains confidential within the Nursery.  Additionally, a formal report is issued every term, provided your child has attended for more than half a term by the time of issue.

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Parents' Evening

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A Parents’ Evening is held in the Summer term for those who are transitioning to Reception at Prince's Mead.

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Supporting Individual Needs

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Every child’s abilities and talents are unique.  The school has a policy to promote equal opportunity for all children in its care.

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Children who appear to have a specific learning difficulty are monitored by the Nursery team and concerns are discussed with the Nursery Leader, Head of Early Years and the Learning Support team.  Strategies may be drawn up and discussed with you and we will liaise closely to ensure that the best support is given to each child and their family.

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Uniform and Kit

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We know children take great pride in wearing their uniform and we ask parents to adhere to the uniform list which can be found on our school website here.  Please make sure that every item of uniform (even wellington boots and shoes) are labelled with your child's name.

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Rewards and Behaviour

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Children receive stickers for good work and plenty of verbal praise.  Achievements outside of school are also celebrated to encourage a well-rounded sense of accomplishment.

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Behaviour is managed effectively, with an approach tailored to each child’s stage of development and individual needs.  We follow a positive reinforcement strategy.  However, in the event of misbehaviour, children are first given a warning.  If the behaviour persists, they are removed from the activity.  For more serious incidents, or repeated misbehaviour, children are taken to the Head of EYFS, and parents will be informed.

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Moving On​

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We aim to ensure a seamless transition between Nursery and Reception.  By the time children move to Pre-Prep, they will have begun to acquire the personal and academic skills needed for formal schooling.  They will also have met their Reception teachers and enjoyed playdates in their new classroom.

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Our Reception teachers regularly visit the Nursery and follow the children's progress with interest. Additional opportunities for interaction include Early Years assemblies, fun days and playtimes with Reception.  Each Summer Term, the children transitioning to Reception enjoy a Teddy Bear's Picnic with their new teachers, friends and family.