Kindergarten Life

Children can start at St Mary’s Kindergarten at the start of the term they turn three. Before children even begin at our Kindergarten we spend time getting to know them. This helps them become familiar with us and helps the children settle in smoothly.

We find it helpful to discuss children’s learning experiences before they join us to ensure we understanding their needs.  That means that together we are giving them the best possible pre-school education.

We assign children a Key Person who is responsible for their individual learning journey, and for monitoring their progress and wellbeing.

For children to gain the best out of pre-school education we recommend they join us for a minimum of two core days per week. This provides continuity and helps children develop relationships with staff and peers, giving them the opportunity to fully embrace the learning environment.

Our core day

The core day is 8.30am-3.30pm. The day begins with a group activity such as story time or ‘show and tell’, which the children love. They then move on to a variety of carefully selected outdoor learning activities, which are chosen to support your son or daughter’s learning development. The afternoon provides lively sessions such as Forest School, ballet, PE or music, before ending the day with a final group activity.

Children are given a healthy snack of milk or water and fruit or vegetables in the morning and afternoon, and at lunchtime they enjoy a hot meal served at tables where the children sit with the Kindergarten Practitioners. It’s a perfect way to encourage good table manners and social skills.

Flexible childcare

We are open for 51 weeks of the year. The only week we are closed is the week between Christmas and New Year.

Children can join us from 7.30am where a buffet breakfast is offered. Extended stays until either 4.30pm or 6pm are also available. Tea is served to those staying until 6pm. More information on sessions and prices can be found here.

For younger siblings of those attending St Mary’s Lower School, we offer a term-time only option of 38 weeks. See the term dates section of the Parents’ Portal gives further information regarding Kindergarten dates.

Additional weeks can also be booked, subject to availability.