Teaching and Learning
Children learn through exciting and stimulating themes as well as following the child's own interests through carefully planned activities and a richly interesting environment.
The Pre-School - Ducklings Nursery Class
Children benefit from specialist teachers for music, dance and French, and all nursery children take part in performances such as a Nativity play at Christmas, in the summer term, a class performance and at harvest time they perform in the church. Parents are invited to watch all these events. We visit local venues such as the Egg Theatre in Bath, Wells Cathedral and the fire station. Visitors are important too - last year the nursery had visits from Zoolab, a mobile climbing wall, tennis coaches, the Air Ambulance, Wessex Water and the RNLI.
Strong links between the nursery and reception class within Springmead Preparatory School ensure that the transition from nursery to school is calm and happy. By the time they reach Reception, children in the nursery are already familiar with the wider school environment as they enjoy access to the main school facilities and are included in whole school events throughout their nursery year.
Our experienced Nursery Practitioners guide children's learning through the Early Years Foundation Stage. There are specific areas of development, along with prime areas. They include essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society; literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design. The key principles which underpin the curriculum are the belief that each child is unique, positive relationships are crucial and that the provision is enabling.
Last year Nursery and Reception classes were shortlisted for the prestigious ISA Award for Excellence and Innovation in Early Years 2024.
Baby Nest and Toddler Suite - Goslings Class
We have created a beautiful new suite of rooms for little ones under 3 years old, with lots of natural light, plenty of space as well as easy access to our gardens and the village for walks. The Baby Nest and Toddler Suite - Goslings Class, will be separate but integrated at times – a family feel. Mealtimes and playtimes will be social together. We have spaces for 6 babies and 15 toddlers.
The rooms are equipped with cosy, childproof, ergonomic furniture to promote comfort. Everything will be designed to ensure your baby’s well-being and safety, with different areas for sleep, rest and play. With a gentle, calming, nature-inspired theme, the rooms are adorned with natural designs and details that add a playful touch, making it the perfect environment for children to thrive.
We've chosen sensory, interactive play areas with age-appropriate resourcing and activities that will stimulate a baby and toddler’s development. From tactile toys to soft, squishy balls, every item is chosen to help foster early learning, language and motor skills in a playful, safe way.
Food and feeds will be prepared on-site, catering to all stages of weaning and dietary needs.
These baby and toddler spaces have been designed by ourselves and the experts at Early Excellence with comfort and safety in mind, ensuring that little ones feel right at home and providing peace of mind to parents.