Pre-school

We provide a dedicated pre-school for children aged 2-3 years, housed in its own exclusive space with a separate entrance. Pre-school and nursery children also have their own dedicated playground.

Children thrive through play, by observing and interacting with peers, through guided learning, and with direct, purposeful teaching.

Our 2-3 year-old provision

At Beatrix Potter Pre-School, our provision offers an excellent, diverse, inclusive learning environment where we ensure that every child’s individual needs are met. We provide a warm, caring, nurturing and inspiring environment where children take their first steps into education and begin their journey as confident, curious learners.

Every child is supported to develop a secure sense of self, and our highly skilled, passionate practitioners create an emotionally enabling space where children feel valued, listened to and understood. We champion curiosity, creativity and decision-making through our YES environment, and our dedicated team provide high-quality interactions every day. Through rich, play-based experiences, children feel safe, valued and inspired as they explore their surroundings. Learning through using their senses and first-hand experiences, our young learners develop an ‘I can do’ attitude, building independence, resilience and a genuine love for learning. Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks in their play, helping to strengthen their confidence and self-esteem.

Using high-quality resources and a child-led approach, we support every child to communicate in ways that are meaningful to them. Their thinking, ideas and expressions are encouraged and respected, with communication supported through Objects of Reference, symbols and Makaton.

With a strong focus on cultural capital and celebrating each child’s unique interests, we ensure that all children make significant progress and are well prepared for the exciting adventures ahead. Children leave our setting as ambitious, enthusiastic learners ready for their next steps.

Language, stories and a love for reading

Language development is at the heart of our provision. We use nursery rhymes daily to support children’s speaking and listening skills, helping them develop rhythm, repetition, early phonological awareness and confidence in communication. Stories are brought to life through role play, puppets, props and sensory experiences, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in the pages and enjoy rich, meaningful learning opportunities. As children begin to develop a love of reading, they discover their favourite books and start to retell familiar stories with excitement and pride.

To strengthen the home–school link and encourage shared reading experiences, we offer a lending library of books, story sacks and rhyme sacks for families to enjoy together at home, supporting children’s language development and fostering a lifelong enthusiasm for stories.

Pre-school timetable

8.30am -11.30am

Collection

If you are late to collect your child , please report to the school office where your child will be signed out of school and recorded as a late collection.

If a child has not been collected 15 minutes after the specified collection time, we will follow our Collection, Non-Collection and Missing Child Policy.