At the nursery school, nursery classes as known as Prep1 classes because they are within the prep school. Work in Prep1 classes is generally of reception class standard and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is usually completed in Prep 1 class - this takes at least until the end of the reception year in a local authority school.Early Reading is a major acheivement for a child and is strongly encouraged. Phonics work is continued and basic phonic skills and letter recognition developed. Children are introduced to simple flash cards and the school’s Oxford Reading Tree. Prep1 children usually achieve basic competence - reading simple books fluently. Early writing skills develop in parallel - correct pencil grip, tracing, copying, captioning and letter formation. Similarly, number - writing of numbers, counting, sequencing, value of number, simple addition and numeracy at least up to 10 is usual.
Creative and artisitic tendencies, such as art and music are encouraged. Classes enjoy a trip out each term, typically a pantomime, museum or outdoor nature activity. All children take part in Christmas and Easter drama productions, which they perform in the school hall for their parents, with rarely a dry eye left in the house.PE and music and movement help improve control and body coordination in a more purposeful way - Prep1 children may also join the weekly gym club. Outside children enjoy basic games and free play times - in the summer parents are encouraged to come and watch them join in the sports day at Monton Sports Club.The school happily shares its responsibility with parents in helping children understand right from wrong. Caring, sharing, cooperating and respect for others is fostered within the nursery school community. Children help raise funds for worthy causes such as Children in Need and they have their own weekly assembly and join in full assembly each Friday, where awards are presented and achievements recognised.
Children are put into one of the three school houses; Brindley, Bridgewater or Ellesmere, and wear their house’s coloured button badge. Class stars and housepoints are awarded for good work or behaviour.Simple homework is available - it is not compulsory but is popular amongst parents. It usually comprises reading practice and basic skill worksheets. Homework can be fun - children often enjoying showing their parents new skills or what they have been doing at school.. Parents also have twice yearly progress meetings with the class teacher.We understand that not all parents will want their child to continue into the prep school and we are happy to provide nursery school places on this basis. We will gladly pass on information and records to your child’s new school and help in any other way we can.
© Clarendon Cottage Preparatory School
Children progress naturally from Pre-prep into the nursery school
when they are ready. The nursery school is situated at Ivy Bank
House, the prep school building, just a short walk away.
The simple aim of the nursery school is to give children the best
possible start to their education at an early age. The nursery
school has a marvellous reputation for being successful at this.
The best possible start does not only mean giving children the
opportunity to leap ahead with skills that are advanced for their
age. It also means that they can grow in confidence, that they are
happy and enjoying school, making friendships and developing
that strong positive attitude to learning, which as we often see
serves them so well in their future education.
More Information
The area’s leading educational nursery
