Preschool Provision

🌟 Welcome to Our Preschool Class (Ages 3–4)

Welcome to our Preschool Class — a nurturing, inspiring environment where children aged 3 to 4 years learn through meaningful play, build strong friendships, and grow into confident, independent, and curious learners. We provide a rich balance of indoor and outdoor learning experiences, led by a qualified Teacher and a dedicated team of caring and experienced Early Years professionals.

🌱 A Personalised, Child-Centred Approach

We recognise that every child is unique, and we place great value on getting to know each child and their family. We spend time observing and engaging with children as they settle into nursery life, allowing us to build warm, trusting relationships that form the foundation for lifelong learning.

Our planning is guided by a blend of In-the-Moment Planning and principles from the Curiosity Approach. This means we follow each child’s individual interests and fascinations as they emerge, using these moments to spark learning in ways that are deeply engaging and developmentally appropriate. Rather than rigid schedules, we adapt our day to what matters most to the children — whether that’s building a den, investigating bugs in the garden, or experimenting with water play.

✨ The Curiosity Approach in Practice

We are proud to be inspired by the Curiosity Approach, which encourages us to create calm, homely environments filled with open-ended, natural, and authentic resources. Our spaces are designed to stimulate imagination and independence, while avoiding overstimulation. You’ll find vintage treasures, real-life objects, and open-ended materials that encourage children to explore, wonder, and think critically — just as they would in the real world.

🌿 Learning Indoors and Out

Our learning happens everywhere — not just at tables or in books. We embrace the natural world as a powerful learning space. Children enjoy free flow access to our outdoor areas where they can:

  • Explore nature and the seasons

  • Take risks safely and build physical confidence

  • Collaborate with friends in large-scale play

  • Grow vegetables, dig in mud, and care for living things

  • Engage in sensory-rich experiences that support wellbeing

🧳 Trips and Real-Life Experiences

We believe learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Our Preschool children enjoy regular trips out into the local community and beyond, including visits to:

  • Local parks, nature reserves, and gardens

  • Shops, markets, and the post office

  • The library for storytelling and early reading adventures

  • Venues linked to current interests

These trips are often guided by the children’s own interests — if they’re fascinated by vehicles, we might visit a bus depot; if they’re talking about animals, we may arrange a visit to see real creatures up close.

We also love to invite visitors into nursery — whether it’s a parent who’s a firefighter, a musician, a yoga teacher, or someone who can share cultural stories and traditions. If you or a family member has a special skill, career, or interest, we’d be thrilled to hear from you!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Working in Partnership with Families

We know that strong relationships with families are the key to every child’s success. We work closely with parents and carers, providing regular updates, photos, and progress reports — and most importantly, listening to your insights and ideas. Whether you’d like tohave a look around the classroom, or just pop in for a chat, you’re always welcome.

We are here to support your child in every way — emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively — and we are always available if you have any questions or need guidance. Just speak to a member of the team — no question is ever too small.

 

🌱 A Curriculum Built Around Your Child

Our Preschool follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supporting development across all seven key areas of learning:

  • Communication & Language

  • Physical Development

  • Personal, Social & Emotional Development

  • Literacy & Mathematics

  • Understanding the World

  • Expressive Arts & Design

Children are encouraged to explore, imagine, solve problems, and express themselves through a rich mix of play, group activities, stories, outdoor adventures, and creative experiences.

⏰ Flexible Funded Hours

All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early education per week (starting from the term after their third birthday). Some families may also qualify for 30 funded hours.

We offer flexible options to suit your family’s needs:

15 Hours:

  • 2 full days

  • 3 days from 9am – 3pm (with a 3-hour top-up available)

30 Hours:

  • 5 classroom days (9am – 3pm)

  • 3 extended days (8am – 5:30pm)

  • 4 bespoke days (tailored to suit you)

đź’ˇ Top-up hours available at ÂŁ5.50 per hour.

Not sure if you’re eligible? We’re happy to help or you can visit Westmorland and Furness Citizen Portal to apply.