Clifton High School Hive Pre-School & Infant School Prospectus 2025-2026
infant SCHOOL
Hive Pre-School - Year 2
The youngest children demonstrate curiosity and eagerness to learn as they explore the wealth of interesting activities provided to them. The continued support pupils receive enables them to develop a strong level of resilience, and they grow in confidence as they move through the School.
ISI Report, 2023 “
MRS ALICE TAYLOR, HEAD OF INFANT & JUNIOR SCHOOL
Welcome to the Infant School
The vibrant atmosphere at Clifton High School is immediately noticeable upon entering the grounds and, we believe, that both parents and children will feel the excitement and passion for learning. Our nurturing approach in the Infant and Junior School ensures exceptional pastoral care and academic progress, supported by highly qualified teaching staff dedicated to holistic development.
As Head of The Hive, Infant and Junior School, I am filled with pride every time I step into a classroom. Witnessing the children develop their skills, take charge of their learning journey from an early age, and collaborate so effectively with one another is truly wonderful. Our diverse curriculum is designed to enhance inquiry and collaboration skills, continually adapting to meet the unique needs and abilities of each child while gently guiding their progress. This blend of insightful, expert teaching and the range of opportunities available at Clifton High School encourages strong communication, confidence and continuous growth.
Clifton High School is a welcoming and culturally diverse community that embraces change and challenge. We believe that by providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment, children can realise their boundless potential for enthusiasm and growth. Their love for nature and adventure is actively encouraged and seamlessly integrated into their daily School experience, alongside traditional classroom learning. Often, it is their achievements in outdoor activities, sports, music and creative pursuits that help them become thoughtful scholars, ready to take risks and step out of their comfort zones.
Our children are the true ambassadors of Clifton High School. They bring joy and vitality to our community, making our School a truly special and wonderful place. Their individual brilliance drives our teaching, as they excel in all areas, creating a School that resonates far and wide.
We warmly invite you to visit us, explore our Infant and Junior School, and speak with our current children about their experiences. We are confident that you will meet happy and engaged individuals who exhibit a genuine zest for life.
Best wishes
Mrs Alice Taylor, Head of Infant & Junior School
OUR HOLISTIC EDUCATION
Our Aim
Clifton High School aims to realise the Individual Brilliance of each and every child. We believe that the most authentic way to achieve this is by offering a well rounded, bespoke education, delivered by staff who grow to recognise each child’s gifts so to offer them unique opportunities to shine.
Our Values CURIOSITY
The bedrock of curiosity is embedded into the Clifton High School learning structure for our younger children to be informed individuals. They develop the ability and knowledge to apply the art of questioning and debating to build confidence in themselves as they explore the development of new and independent ideas.
EMPATHY
Clifton High School’s renowned pastoral system is one that is at the forefront of wellbeing. They learn to consider alternative perspectives and, based on kindness, are encouraged to form strong relationships with one another and the natural world.
School Life
LOVE
The value of love is weaved into all elements of learning at Clifton High School; a love for oneself, others and the environment help children to realise how the emotion can impact us all in positive ways. Relationships are enhanced, personal wellbeing is prioritised and working towards the preservation of our planet for future generations are lessons constantly celebrated.
DIRECTION
Clifton High School’s bespoke curriculum provides children with an education that supports direction in School and life in the wider world. It is integral in motivating learning whereby pupils are guided to reach for and accomplish personal goals and whilst we hold their hand, they achieve with purpose and ambition on their own.
It is an important part of being an all-through School that all our pupils, from the youngest to the oldest, and their families, are engaged in School life beyond the classroom. Annual events including Christmas celebrations, performances, assemblies, prizegivings and concerts provide a vibrant social scene that everyone looks forward to being involved in.
e Hive Pre-ScHoOl
IN THE CLASSROOM
The Hive Curriculum
The Hive Pre-School nurtures children in a wellbeing focused environment. We offer firstclass, intuitive teaching to ensure that every child transitions to Reception with confidence, an inquisitive nature and an excitement for learning.
The Hive governs the latest Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which places a strong emphasis on exploration, investigation, discovery and problem-solving. During this first stage of learning, our experienced teaching staff primarily observe how children play. They take into consideration their interaction with activities, ask them appropriate, thought-provoking questions and encourage the expansion of deeper thinking skills. Linking these components help teachers to adopt pedagogy which, in turn, creates learning opportunities whilst developing and challenging an enquiring mind.
Our Holistic Offering
Small class sizes and devoted time to each individual child allows compassionate teaching staff to build upon relationships that develop emotional, social and physical skills through subconscious learning. Each child is appointed a key staff member who closely tracks, monitors and follows their educational development and interests in order that relevant activities can be administered.
The Hive offers a safe and happy environment which is vital to a child’s overall welfare and learning development. Not only do they feel secure, they also see themselves as valued members of their class and year group.
No stone is left unturned when it comes to identifying the necessary provisions required for individual children. We connect closely with parents to establish a child’s specific speech and language needs which are then carefully reviewed and monitored on an on-going basis. If necessary, intervention from our experienced Enhanced Learning Department (ELD) provides an additional layer of support with the option to create bespoke programmes that cater for individual needs.
The environment in which our teachers and teaching assistants work is one of mutual respect and understanding. Their sole aim is to provide all Hive children with security and confidence in the hands of their high quality care, promoting a strong self image as well as celebrating their achievements during these early years. This serves to reinforce self-confidence as they transition into the Infant School.
Provision Options
Our Hive Pre-School welcomes children after their third birthday, with families opting for either a yearround or term-time only provision. We are open from 8:00am - 6.00pm with all meals and snacks provided during the day, and included in the School fees.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
A Day in The Hive
Learning in The Hive is an ever-evolving process and one that consists of varied days and activities, designed around themes of individual interest. These include:
• Swimming
• Dance
• Climbing
• Construction
• French
• Coding
• Tennis
• Disco Dough
• STEM
• Music & Beat
• Role & Pretend Play
• Conversation & Communication
• Gymnastics
• Growing & Cooking Food
• Storytelling Yoga
• Food Exploration
• Hygge
The Hive Sport
Our Hive children benefit from an array of sporting opportunities embedded into their School day; all of which are conducted by qualified specialist teachers.
We have recently expanded upon our extensive Swimming Programme to introduce swimming lessons to The Hive. The children visit our on-site pool to develop water confidence and skills taught by professional swim coaches.
A highlight of the School year is our Sports Days where we welcome the participation of our Hive children. Held at Coombe Dingle, an off-site sports complex shared with the University of Bristol, they join our wider community to partake in many fun races and sporting activities.
infant SCHoOl
IN THE CLASSROOM
Infant School Curriculum
The Infant School is the official start of a child’s academic journey. The changes and progress made throughout these pivotal years lays the integral foundations for both personal and educational development. The latest Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which Clifton High School governs places a strong emphasis on exploration, investigation, discovery and problem-solving which is reinforced through our Adventure Programme and regular community-driven trips, visits and guest speakers.
Infant children seamlessly transition from The Hive Pre-School environment into Reception and instinctively thrive in their increased independence. The bespoke curriculum encourages a pupil-centric, responsive approach to learning offering a range of subjects and opportunities that are designed with individual needs and interests in mind. Children progress, achieve and participate in focused and structured lessons to prepare them for what awaits in Years 1 and 2.
The Infant School follows a two-week timetable that creates and establishes a routine and schedule that is reflective of their future academic years. We believe that by equipping children with a love for learning and confidence in knowledge, there is no ceiling to their accomplishments.
At Clifton High School our small classes sizes are no larger than sixteen children. A highly qualified and experienced teaching body observes childrens’ interactions with activities to encourage the expansion of deeper thinking skills and create stimulating learning opportunities that develop and challenge an enquiring mind. Lessons are tailored to realise each child’s ‘individual brilliance’.
PASTORAL CARE
Clifton High School combines excellent pastoral care alongside academic teaching to reinforce a sense of security for Infant School children to feel they are valued as members of our School community. We are committed to promoting a high level of adult supervision in the Infant School with Year 2 playground buddies offering invaluable peer support. We also welcome Senior School pupils to visit the children, reading with them on a weekly basis. This is the basis for strengthening and stimulating camaraderie throughout the year groups.
Our holistic and wellbeing approach to education at Clifton High School extends from our young learners to their families. Teachers and teaching assistants welcome the input and interaction of parents and value their involvement in the dynamics of our Infant School community. Regular written reports, meetings and an open-door approach ensure that any issues to a child’s welfare or academic progress is quickly realised.
We recognise and celebrate all children’s achievements, identifying individual provisions. If we feel progress is not on target, we connect with parents to identify the areas that may require careful consideration. The intervention of our experienced Enhanced Learning Department (ELD) creates a bespoke learning programme.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Adventure Programme
Clifton High School believes that the outdoor classroom, especially in rural settings, is integral in complementing conventional classroom skills.
In partnership with Mendip Activity Centre, Belmont Estate and Farm Link a well-curated, bespoke outdoor
educational experience is tailored to enrich the learning journey of every child in our Infant School.
These include visits to:
• Mendip Activity Centre - children try introductory outdoor pursuits sessions such as canoeing, climbing and bush crafts.
• Our own woodland area - sessions are led by teachers who engage children in outdoor activities such as nature studies, art and creative writing.
• Beach School - art, design, construction, science and drama unite in a unique beach setting.
• Farm School - children are exposed to animal and crop farming at Lowerstock Farm near Langford.
• Belmont Estate - children delve into educational programmes centred around rewilding, sustainability, conservation and the wonders of nature.
Sport
Clifton High School places emphasis on a healthy, active lifestyle with the significance of sports integrated into School life from the early years. Alongside on-site physical education and swimming lessons, we offer weekly activities such as games lessons at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex for our Year 2 pupils and tennis lessons instructed by our own, inhouse, professional tennis coach.
Co-Curricular
The Co-Curricular Programme is tailored to the needs and interests of our younger children, providing them with the opportunity to explore this important aspect of School life. Clubs include Construction, Drama, Playdough, and Drawing, Ballet, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga and Mindfulness and Taekwando.
THrOUGHOUT THe HIvE & iNfant SCHOOL
Facilities
Clifton High School is located on one single site; a component integral in maintaining a sense of community as an all-through School. We intentionally introduce and integrate our young learners into whole School community life to highlight the integral role they play.
The Hive and Infant School children also share the greater School environment as a space for their learning. State-of-the-art equipment, spacious and light classrooms within historic buildings and the green spaces surrounding the School, collectively nurture creativity and critical thinking. These are complemented by children benefiting from our Music Rooms, Art Rooms, Libraries, Theatre, Science Laboratories, STEM room, IT Suites, Design and Technology Rooms, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Climbing Wall and the ever popular outdoor climbing frames. Coombe Dingle, the off-site sports complex shared with the University of Bristol, offers pupils from Year 2 upwards an additional outdoor environment in which to thrive and play specialist sports.
Classrooms
The Hive Pre-School classrooms are housed in one of our charming Victorian buildings accommodating an array of independent rooms that include a kitchen and dining room with an adjoining exploration area for busy play, featuring an indoor climbing frame. A quieter, calmer space acts as a mindfulness classroom affording our youngest children the necessary space to relax.
These large, bright and airy classrooms are designed to be creative learning spaces that engage children in practical and interactive activities, encouraging a growth mindset and a love of learning.
JOINING THE HIVE & INFANT SCHOOL
Transitioning into the Early Years Curriculum at Clifton High School marks the beginning of new experiences and opportunities for children to embark upon a journey of personal and academic development that naturally shapes their future.
The Hive welcomes children after their third birthday and, due to the more bespoke nature of entry at this young age, we invite families to book an individual tour to observe The Hive on a typical School day.
Closer to the time of entry, children who have secured a place in The Hive will be invited to attend an Assessment Morning. This is a positive experience that enables staff to informally assess each child, ensuring they are meeting age-appropriate milestones.
Reception Class is the first point of entry into the Infant School. Children from our Hive Pre-School will automatically be allocated a place into Reception, joining in the September after they turn four years of age. External families applying for entry into Reception are invited to an Infant Open Morning and a Stay and Play Morning which allows the children time to experience our School. This is also an
opportunity for staff to informally assess children to ensure they are meeting ageappropriate milestones.
For external entry into Year 1 and 2, children will be invited to a Taster Day where they can meet new friends and experience a typical Clifton High School day. The class teacher will spend relaxed one-to-one time with them so to assess their abilities in English and Mathematics.
Upon registering for a place within The Hive, Infant and Junior School, our Admissions Team will request a confidential reference from each child’s current Nursery, Pre-School or Infant School setting, with prior permission from the family. For those families applying for a place in Year 1 or Year 2, we will also request a copy of each child’s most recent school report.
The next step is for our Admissions Team to send out offers of a place and invite children to attend Settling-In Sessions during the Summer Term, ahead of all children starting in September.
