Nurturing Curiosity, Inspiring Confidence
At St Mary's Pre-School, we are dedicated to creating a safe, stimulating and happy environment that inspires and encourages every child's individuality to blossom and grow. Our aim is to provide a nurturing and educational setting that prepares children for their future educational journey. We believe that children learn best through play, and our experienced and passionate staff work tirelessly to ensure that each child's curiosity is sparked and their creativity is encouraged.
Who We Are
Our Pre-School is operated by the Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, Shortlands, through its Pre-School Committee. The Committee is made up of parents, staff, and members of the local community who share a passion for early childhood education. Our Committee meets regularly to discuss ongoing developments and plans for the Pre-School.
Our Staff
Our team of highly qualified and experienced staff are passionate about providing the best possible start in life for each child. Our staff have a range of qualifications and expertise, including CACHE Level 3 Diplomas, Foundation Degrees in Early Years, and Professional Graduate Certificates in Education. We are committed to ongoing professional development and training to ensure that our staff are always up-to-date with the latest research and best practices.
Our Curriculum
At St Mary's Pre-School, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which is tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each child. Our curriculum is designed to promote learning and development across seven areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts & Design.
Session Times and Fees
Our sessions run from Monday to Friday during term time, with a maximum of 38 weeks per year. Our fees are 20 per session, paid half-termly in advance. Children are eligible for the Nursery Education Fund from the beginning of the term after their third birthday. Some 2-year-olds may also be eligible for funding; please contact us to discuss eligibility.
Attendance and Absence
We understand that occasionally children may need to take a break from their learning journey. We allow up to three weeks' absence in any one term, after which parents must give written notice and pay fees to the end of the notice period.
Forest School
Our Forest School sessions are held on-site and are designed to promote critical thinking, imagination, and risk-taking in a safe and controlled environment. Our Forest School sessions are led by experienced staff who are trained in Forest School principles and are passionate about providing unique and exciting learning experiences for our children.
Your Child's Journey
We believe that every child is unique and special, and we strive to create a nurturing environment that celebrates individuality. Our staff are dedicated to working closely with parents to ensure that each child's learning journey is tailored to their individual needs and interests.
Next Steps
If you're interested in joining our Pre-School community, please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your child's place. We can guide you through the admissions process and provide you with more information about our Pre-School.
