Early Birds

Our Early Birds Nursery accepts children from the age of two. We aim to give parents a choice so that they too can lead a full and busy life while at the same time taking an active and positive role in their children’s development.

The unit is open each weekday throughout the year, only closing on public and bank holidays.

Parents may use the facility for as few as two mornings a week or as many as five full days. Thus the unit caters for children of busy working parents or for those who need a regular break for shopping, to take part in recreation or career development classes.

The unit is well staffed and we will only take a maximum of 12 children at any one time. Registration at an early age is recommended. While we do our best to ensure that there is a range of choices to suit each parent our small class sizes mean that we are planning well ahead. We advise that you do too.

After-school care is available as part of our flexible hours and this facility extends to children in Nursery and Reception. Holiday care is also available for these children. Young children deserve the best. We provide a wide range of resources to stimulate each child. We also have a colourful and exciting outdoor play area especially constructed for the very young children in our care.

Foundation stage

Nursery Department

An early and well structured start to a child’s education is of lasting benefit. At St John’s Nursery we accept children from the age of three (many of them coming from our Early Birds department) and we offer a caring and happy environment with well qualified staff.

St John’s Nursery Department is housed in its own units adjoining the main building. Children, particularly in the 3 to 5 year age group, develop at differing rates and individuals are allowed to progress at their own pace. There is termly entry and children may join the Nursery Classes after their third birthday, usually for three mornings a week. Sessions are gradually increased so that children are prepared for full time schooling when they reach the Reception class. The needs of a three year old are complex, and the learning programme is structured around the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The elements of the Early Learning Goals, which include Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PHSE), Communication, Language and Literacy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Physical Development and Creative Development, are introduced by our well qualified teachers and teaching assistants who encourage and guide the children towards establishing an excellent grounding for future development.

During their time in Nursery the children enjoy excellent care, nutritious lunches, which are cooked on site, use of a fully heated swimming pool, tuition from music and PE specialists, sports days, picnics, barbeques and trips to places of interest (Using the school’s own mini bus fleet). During the mid morning break the children enjoy a lovely play area equipped with a large play chalet, climbing frame, slide, bikes, scooters, outdoor sand and water play as well as access to a large indoor space during wet weather.

Throughout the time children are in the Nursery Classes regular contact is made with Reception Classes. Special events such as Harvest Festival, Nativity Plays, Exhibitions and Sports Day are often joint activities. In this way children are introduced to the extensive facilities of our main school.