Welcome to AESG Early Years
Where girls Aspire To Be More
Welcome
Dear Parents,
A very warm welcome to Alderley Edge School for Girls Nursery and Pre-School! We are absolutely delighted that you have chosen to become part of our close-knit community. It is an exciting time as your child embarks on their educational journey with us, and we feel privileged to support both you and your daughter in this special chapter of her life.
At AESG, we take great pride in offering a nurturing, welcoming, and inclusive environment where each child is celebrated for their individuality. Our dedicated team is passionate about providing a safe space where your child can explore, play, and develop at their own pace We are committed to fostering their confidence, independence, and curiosity, laying a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning, both in and outside the classroom Our Nursery and Pre-School curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support the emotional, social, and academic growth of every child. Through a combination of structured activities and creative free play, we encourage exploration, problem-solving, and social interaction in a way that feels natural and joyful. We want every child to feel at home here, to thrive in their own unique way, and to feel confident in their abilities.
In this booklet, you’ll find all the essential information you need to help your daughter settle in and begin to enjoy all that our Nursery and Pre-School have to offer. Whether it’s details on daily routines, the curriculum, or practical information about life at AESG, we have included everything to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for both you and your child.
We look forward to working together with you to provide the very best possible start to your daughter’s learning journey. We are here to support you every step of the way and are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Sharon Bathurst Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Our Mission
At Alderley Edge School for Girls Nursery & Pre-School, we believe in a child-centred approach that focuses on each girls’ unique needs, interests, and pace of learning.
Our mission is to create a warm, supportive, and stimulating environment where your daughter will feel safe, valued, and ready to explore. With a rich curriculum designed around the EYFS framework, we focus on fostering curiosity, creativity and a love for learning through play-based and hands-on activities. Our vibrant classrooms and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration and social interaction, ensuring each child can develop their unique talents and abilities.
Our Team
Mrs Bathurst Head of EYFS
Mrs Barber Nursery & Pre-School Manager
“I am passionate about Early Years education and appreciate how learning can take place both indoors and outdoors, offering children the chance to explore, investigate, and lead their own learning. Constantly reading about current developments, I seek inspiration from leading Early Years educators to ensure AESG stays at the forefront of changes in legislation, guidance, and research on child development. I also love building relationships with families, as communication is key in planning a curriculum that reflects the children’s interests. Outside of school, I enjoy sailing on the Solent and along the South Coast with my husband on our boat, Dragonfly, as well as yoga, walking in the countryside, and spending time with family and friends.”
“Hello! I have deep fascination for child development and the diverse ways children learn. Observing each child's unique approach to learning is something I truly enjoy. I challenge myself to understand their individual characters and interests, aiming to bring out the best in every child I'm deeply enthused about how the brain develops, and how everyday experiences and relationships strongly help shape a child's knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours in the earliest years of life. Outside of school, I'm quite the socialite! I love engaging in various activities, from escape rooms to rock climbing My husband and I have a wonderful dog who is the centre of our world She accompanies us everywhere, especially on our campervan adventures. We love exploring the beautiful landscapes of England, Scotland, Wales, and the Outer Hebrides..”
Early Years Practitioners: Mrs Yates, Mrs Harrall and Mrs Wood
How We Learn
We deliver a well-planned, exciting, engaging and innovative curriculum that meets the needs of each child, at their own pace. Our small class sizes, with high adult to child ratio helps the girls develop their own talents through gentle encouragement and positive praise. They have access to a broad and balanced curriculum which encourages a variety of theme days, trips and visits to engage their learning. The girls are given a solid foundation which focuses on giving them a tool kit of learning to take with them
Learning takes place with a balance of adult led and child initiated play across two rooms, with four practitioners (including a Nursery Manager).
Specialist Teaching
For the majority of the time, girls learn and play with the Early Years Practitioners. In addition to this Pre-School have PE with specialist PE Teacher and Nursery and Pre-School have Baby Ballet lessons with a professional ballet teacher
Girls in the Nursery and Pre-School also have dedicated time in our beautiful Forest School where they benefit from time outdoors, exploring nature and learning how to use tools.
P.E.
PE is taught on Mondays and Thursdays.
The girls bring their PE kits into school so that they can use the opportunity to practise getting dressed.
Forest School
Our Forest School, a large woodland area within the school grounds provides the girls with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, fresh air and explore the woodland.
Our Forest School sessions take place throughout the year, whatever the weather! (except in thunder storms or high winds). For the comfort and wellbeing of your daughter, please make sure that you provide her with warm, waterproof clothing including the school puddle suit.
Topics
Below are some examples of the engaging and diverse topics we study in Nursery and Pre-School.
Autumn - The colours of Autumn / Twinkling Stars
Spring - Let Its Snow / Let’s Grow Mini Beasts
Summer - Water / Messy Mud Pies
The EYFS Curriculum
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The Early Years Foundation Stage is organised into seven areas of learning All the areas are important and interconnected. Three areas particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for building their capacity to learn. They are Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Physical Development
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)
This area focuses on helping children develop a strong sense of self, build confidence, and form positive relationships with others, as well as learning to manage their emotions and behaviour.
Communication and Language
Encouraging children to develop listening, speaking, and understanding skills, this area supports them in expressing themselves, expanding their vocabulary, and developing language comprehension in a variety of contexts.
Physical Development
Children are supported in developing both fine and gross motor skills, learning how to control and coordinate their movements, and gaining an understanding of healthy lifestyles and physical wellbeing.
Literacy
This area focuses on fostering early reading and writing skills, including developing an understanding of phonics, building vocabulary, and encouraging a love for books and stories.
Mathematics
Children learn about numbers, shapes, space, and measure, developing an understanding of mathematical concepts through practical activities, problem-solving, and play
Understanding the World
In this area, children explore the world around them, learning about people, communities, the natural world, and technology, helping them develop a curiosity and understanding of how things work.
Expressive Arts and Design
Encouraging creativity, this area supports children in exploring and expressing themselves through a variety of media, such as art, music, dance, and imaginative play, fostering imagination and selfexpression.
Provision and session options
From September 2025 our Nursery and Pre-School will be open 50 weeks of the year (excluding bank holidays), closing for two weeks at Christmas. It will be open from 7.30am to 6pm. A term time only option will still remain if this is your preference.
We have three session options, as per below:
Mornings (7.30am - 1pm)
School Day (7.30am - 3.30pm)
Extended Day (7.30am - 6pm)
We offer 15 free Government Funded hours, starting the term after your daughter turns three years old. Further details on this and for a full breakdown of fees, please visit out website (aesg.co.uk)
A minimum of two full days or three mornings is required in Nursery and either 3 full days or five mornings in Pre-School.
Starting At AESG
‘Stay & Play’ sessions
Ahead of joining, your daughter will be invited to three ‘Stay & Play’ sessions. During these sessions she will get to spend time with the staff and get to know the other girls and the classroom enviroment.
Your First Day Drop Off
Parents are invited to bring their daughters into the classroom from 8.15am to 8.30am, where they will be met by EYFS staff.
What to bring with you:
A spare set of uniform
Sensible coat (warm and water proof)
Nappies, wipes and associated creams
Wellington Boots
PE Kit and pumps / trainers
Water bottle
Our Daily Routine
Our daily routine offers a balance between structured activities and free play, giving children a predictable structure while encouraging exploration.
Example Daily Schedule for a School Day session:
8:30am - Welcome girls and parents
8.45am - 9.45am - Free play / adult led activities
9.45am - Circle time
10am - snack
10.30am - Free play / adult led activities / outdoor play
12pm - LUNCH
12 40pm - Free play / adult led activities / outdoor play
1pm - HOME TIME for morning sessions
1 15pm sleep time if required
2.50pm snack
3 15pm HOME TIME
Our daughter has settled in so well to Alderley Edge School for Girls Nursery It is such a holistic and nurturing place that we are so glad we joined the school The staff look after her well and communication is excellent We highly recommend it to anyone with a daughter.
~ PARENT TESTIMONIAL ~
Uniform
All girls in Nursery and Pre-School have a uniform. It can be purchased from Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialists in Cheadle Hulme, or via their website. We also have an excellent Pre-Loved Uniform shop on site.
Uniform list
Polo top
Useful Information
Contacting Us
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have anything you wish to discuss. This can be at the start of the day, as you bring your daughter into school, by email, on Tapestry or by appointment, if a longer meeting is needed.
To report an absence, please visit My School Portal. Details will be sent when you join.
Tapestry
Tapestry is an electronic learning journal which stores information on a highly secure server. Photographs, videos and comments will be shared by your daughter's Form Tutor so that you can keep up to date with her learning.
Login details will be sent to you when you join.
Health & Wellbeing
If your daughter is unwell, the best place for her is at home. Please contact us if the cause of her illness may be infectious. If you daughter is physically sick, she will need to remain at home for 48 hours. All staff are Paediatric First Aid trained and in the Early Years have the additional Millie’s Mark, a gold standard in the provision of first aid care.
Useful Information
‘Fun At The Edge’ After School Care
Our after school club, ‘Fun@TheEdge’, is open to all girls from Reception to Year 6 until 5.45pm. Our staff ensure the continuation of the excellent care the girls already receive during the school day in a fun, safe and happy environment.
Our aim is to provide a relaxed atmosphere for the girls to enjoy after a busy day at school. They are welcomed with a variety of table top activities and once everyone has arrived, the girls visit ‘The Hub’ restaurant for a healthy snack and drink provided by our caterers, Thomas Franks.
The rest of the afternoon is spent enjoying a range of activities such as; arts and crafts, board games, cooking and outside games (weather permitting).
Prices for Fun@TheEdge
Contact:
To find out more or register your daughter(s), please contact:
Suzanne Beaden
t: 01625 588 050
e: funattheedge@aesg.co.uk
The nursery is absolutely wonderful Everyone is kind, caring, supportive and the approach to learning is gentle and effective I could not be more delighted with my choice of sending my daughter to the nursery and hope she continues to progress through the school
~ PARENT TESTIMONIAL ~
Meals and Snacks
Pre-School and Nursery enjoy a mid-morning snack of toast with a choice of water or milk to drink. A light snack of fruit and a drink of water is provided during the afternoon session. Lunch is served at midday. All meals are freshly prepared each day using locally sourced produce. The chefs make their own bread, soups and salads and the girls are encouraged to try a variety of foods from around the world. There is a sample menu below. For girls in the Extended Day sessions, and Afternoon Snack will be served
