Nursery Prospectus
"Every child is entitled to high quality Nursery Education."
The case for this is now well established. It is known that there is a greater capacity for learning in the first five years of life, than at any other time thereafter and research evidence demonstrating this is mounting.
Researchers have shown that children who receive pre-school education demonstrate marked differences in ability, achievement and behaviour at the age of ten when compared with those who have not had such provision.
The children settle into school more readily and are more likely to play creatively and purposefully and persevere when faced with difficulities - if they have had a good nursery education. They also converse more readily and are more motivated towards academic learning.
At Saint Anthony's Convent School in Cinderford, we can endorse the findings of the researchers from our own experience.
We have all the requirements necessary for high quality Nursery Education:
QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED STAFF
GOOD ACCOMMODATION
ACCESS TO OUTSIDE PLAY AREA
INDOOR PLAY SPACE
CREATIVE ACTIVITY SPACE
READING & WORKING AREAS
A GOOD CURRICULUM
GOOD EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENT
We follow the six areas of learning prescribed by the curriculum guidance for the foundation stage.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The children are encouraged to relate well to each other and become more independent. They learn to behave well, to have respect for each other as well as different religions and cultures. The children also learn simple prayers and stories about the life of Jesus.
COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE & LITERACY
The basic skills of communication are taught both orally and through reading and writing. The children learn sounds, work on the Oxford Reading Tree Pre-Reading Scheme as well as related work books. The teacher reads interesting stories while showing appropriate pictures to the children. Discussion of the stories follow.
The children are also taught the basic writing skills - writing patterns etc.
MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT
The children learn the importance of acquiring skills and understanding in early mathematical work. Counting skills are developed as well as recognition of numbers, shapes, colours, patterns etc.
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD
Awareness of their environment is an important area of the curriculum. Some basic knowledge of history, geography, science and technology is introduced. The children love computer work and they also learn some reading and number skilss on the computer.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
The fine motor skills of holding a pencil properly, using a paintbrush, cutting skills etc. are all introduced and developed in the nursery. The children are also encouraged to use large and small P.E. apparatus with confidence, control and a concern for safety.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
The children have periods of free painting as well as guided painting for projects etc. They develop skills in cutting out, pasting and colouring using a variety of materials. Activities with sand, water and clay are always very popular.
Music, dance and role play are also a major part of the nursery activities.
ACTIVITIES
The children start the day in the activity room which is well equipped with toys, soft play and educational games etc.
At other times in the day, they may go into the outdoor play area to work on the large apparatus, sand boat, ball pool, climbing frames etc. or into the school playground for games etc. At set times in the week, the children have P.E. on the apparatus in the school hall.
INTERGRATION
The staff in the Nursery and Infant departments work together. At times, the Reception and Nursery classes join to follow appropriate television programmes.
The Nursery children are involved with the main school in assemblies and the distibution of academic awards, courtesy certificates etc.
St. Anthony's Nursery is a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience for every child who enters it. The children love the routine and happy, friendly, caring atmosphere.
REPORTS
Each parent receives a report on their child at the end of each term.
Our parents are always amazed and thrilled at the speedy development of their child, once he or she starts in our Nursery.
SECURITY
All doors in the school and nursery are bolted while children are in the building.
Appointments must be made, therefore, for entrance to the building.
Anyone who is interested in the Nursery, is most welcome to come and have a look around without any obligation.