NURSERY & PRE-PREP

At St Andrew's, Berkshire, our Pre-Prep education provides the foundations for happy, grounded children who love to learn and have a zest for life. Classrooms are housed in purpose-designed buildings that offer a safe and secure environment in which to learn. All Pre-Prep pupils benefit from outdoor learning in either the Early Years Woodland classroom or in the dedicated Forest School site, led by our qualified staff. Class size is small, averaging around 16, with smaller group sizes for core subjects.

Where imaginations can run free

Every morning, come rain or shine, our Nursery children learn and play in their very own woodland. Whether they’re watching the seasons change, painting with blackberries or making toadstools out of clay, this is where imaginations run free. Puddles become deep sea diving explorations, and tree stumps transform into minibeast safaris.

As little brains develop faster than any other time in their lives, being outdoors helps build personal, social, physical and language skills. It also allows our children to foster independence, confidence, teamwork and resilience.

Afternoons are spent in their own open-plan Nursery building and garden at Pre-Prep, where they enjoy lessons in cooking, art, and role play. Children also benefit from our fantastic facilities at St Andrew's Prep for Music, Sport and whole School Events.

Nursery Acorns

Our youngest pupils, ‘Acorns’, can join Nursery on a part-time or full-time basis at the beginning of the term they turn three. While flexible with required days/times, we suggest Acorns spend at least three mornings or afternoons a week for the first term. Acorns can access our specialist activities when they are ready.

Nursery Oaks

For our Nursery ‘Oaks’ (rising fours), we recommend they attend a minimum of four mornings or afternoons initially (equivalent to two full days), and build up to at least eight (four full days), in preparation to join Reception the following year. Specialist lessons are available every afternoon.

Specialist subjects for Nursery

Specialist subjects are taught in the afternoons and include swimming in our 25-metre indoor pool, French, PE, Dance, Music and STEM.

Nursery School Day

Mornings only: Drop off between 8.15 and 8.30 am until 12 pm or stay for lunch until 1 pm

Full day: Finishes at 3.30 pm

Late Club: Available until 5 pm, or 6 pm upon arrangement

Reception Curriculum

In Reception (aged 4 – 5) children learn with a mixture of child-initiated play and teacher-led learning opportunities. The Curriculum is divided into seven main areas, that build on the Nursery core provision and add specific learning: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design. We actively encourage the growth of social skills and empathy towards others, in addition to a strong sense of self-belief and independence.

Learning for Year 1 and Year 2

Pre-Prep School Day (Reception to Year 2)

In Years 1 and 2, life becomes a little more formal. However, emphasis is still placed on learning through hands-on experiences and is an integral part of the teaching.

In Key Stage 1, the children have weekly French, Music, PE, Swimming lessons and Forest School. The children in Year 2 also benefit from specialist teaching in ICT and group instrumental lessons. This, together with the increasing use of Prep school facilities, helps to ensure a smooth transition into Year 3.

Full school days run from 8.15 am – 3.30 pm with the option of after school care.

Wrap-around care for all

Tree Tots is our free toddler group, open to parents and children aged 18 months to 3 years, from 9.30 – 10.45am on a few

Fridays each term. Sessions are held in our Woodland Nursery or Nursery building and involve a range of activities, a snack,

story and a sing-song. Parents get the chance to chat over a cup of coffee and refreshments and meet our Early Years Staff.

Click here for dates and to book your place.

Tree Tots Toddler Group

We have robust wraparound care for all year groups (Nursery – Year 8) to provide support for busy schedules and working families, offering care from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm (upon arrangement for Nursery Acorns).