insideKENT Magazine Issue 96 - March 2020 | Page 128

EDUCATION
AN IMPORTANT START:
CHOOSING THE RIGHT NURSERY OR PRESCHOOL
BY SPRING GROVE SCHOOL
With all the options available to parents,
why should they consider an independent
nursery/preschool?
The choice of a nursery is a very personal one. Many
independent nurseries share a site and often facilities
with the main prep school. This allows children to
have a seamless journey through their early years
education, as well as having access to different
learning opportunities. Our nursery is on the same
site as the prep school, and while it is a safe and
separate space, the children benefit from sharing
staff and facilities with the older children in the
school. As they progress through our Teddies (2-3
years) and Giraffes (3-4 years) classes, our children
are encouraged to take risks within a safe and secure
environment, setting them up for the next step in
their education as they move from Early Years into
Key Stage 1.
What differs in an independent setting?
Due to curriculum structures, children in an
independent setting have access not only to a wide
and engaging Early Years Curriculum, but also a
vast array of additional specialisms such as sports,
music, arts, languages and personal social and health
education (PSHE). At Spring Grove Nursery we
follow the Early Years Curriculum and in addition
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we offer specialist PE, music, French, and PSHE.
Children have the opportunity to use the school
facilities outside the nursery setting - for example
lunch every day in our school hall, music in the
library, and walks on our large playing field. Our
highly qualified staff support the children to become
independent learners through a mix of carefully
targeted activities and support.
What do parents need to consider when
choosing a nursery/preschool?
We would strongly recommend going to visit any
potential Nursery on a normal working day.
Considerations such as ‘Do I feel comfortable with
the staff?’, ‘Are they approachable?’, ‘How are they
engaging with the children?’ will all play a part in
a final decision. Outdoor space is also an important
factor for many parents - we are very lucky at Spring
Grove to have a large walled garden where our
nursery children play every day, come rain or shine!
What funding, if any, is available?
Some independent nurseries are able to accept Early
Years funding, so do ask at open days. At Spring
Grove Nursery, we offer 15 hours Early Years funding
from the term after your child turns 3 years of age.
What does a typical day in Spring Grove
Nursery look like?
Throughout their time in our nursery children
enjoy a balanced routine of adult-led activities and
free choice.
In our Teddies class (2-3 year olds) activities are set
up when children arrive in the morning. Children
are free to decide whether or not they take part in
these adult-led activities or others of their choice. A
healthy snack follows, together with circle time in
small groups, and playtime in our large, well-
resourced garden. Children may finish at the end of
the morning session (11.30am), after lunch (12.30pm)
or at the end of the afternoon (3.30pm). We also
offer wraparound care from 7.30am to 6pm.
More adult-led activities are introduced in the
preschool Giraffes class (3-4 year olds). Children self-
register when they arrive and are encouraged to
organise their own bags. PE, French, music and
PSHE are offered across four mornings. At circle
time we introduce short numeracy or phonics sessions
to start preparing for the move into Reception class.
springgroveschool.co.uk