Pennies Pre-School

As with the move from baby to toddler rooms, there is no set age for children to join our pre-school group. At Newnham Court and Hockers Lane we work closely with parents to find the perfect moment to make the move. Children moving to Pre-School already show independence in dressing, eating and expressing opinions. We work to a curriculum developed within our nursery, taking into account national guide-lines for those progressing to school.

The biggest changes noted by parents are in the rapid development of knowledge and abilities as children learn through play. Days are built around topic work, allowing children to learn through discussion, exploration and visits. Parents visiting the pre-school rooms often comment on the calm atmosphere. They can also check on notice-boards, regularly updated with photographs and other souvenirs of the things covered in pre-school.

Children at pre-school stage form school-type friendships, parents often notice that chat on the way home from Pennies revolves around what their child and a few friends did together. Pennies' children typically start local schools well, showing some confidence in class and an aptitude for the work set. For Pennies staff it is always a bittersweet experience to see a child moving on, but many return for Breakfast, After-School and Holiday clubs.