Introducing our Preparatory School

In Westbourne, pupils build firm academic foundations and a love of learning. Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines but we extend the girls’ learning beyond these and many girls are exceeding the national levels by the time they leave Reception. We also make personal and social development a high priority and Westbourne helps girls to develop confidence, self-awareness and consideration for others and establishes behaviour and conduct that sets them up for life.

Girls can enter Nursery in Westbourne from the age of 2½ and will have their third birthday by August. Girls then move to our Kindergarten class and it is during this academic year that they will have their fourth birthday. The last year in Westbourne is Reception, before the girls move to Year 1 in the Prep Department.

Each of our classes from Nursery to Reception is taught by a qualified teacher and a teaching assistant.

The Westbourne School Day: Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception

Westbourne doors open at 8.20am with registration at 8.50am giving some flexibility of arrival time for parents. We have plenty of space for drop-off as we have access to the additional parking at the Botanical Gardens next door. Girls will engage in a choice of activities with their classmates from the moment they arrive in the classroom.

Pattern of the Day

8.20 – 8.45 Arrive at School

(Individual reading / social interaction / free choice)

8.50 Registration

8.55 – 10.15 Period 1

10.15 – 10.35 Morning Break

10.35 – 11.45 Period 2

11.45 - 1.05 Lunch and Break Time

1.05 – 1.10 Registration

1.10 – 2.30 Period 3

2.30 – 2.50 Afternoon Break

2.50 – 3.15 Period 4

(Assembly on Tuesday afternoon)

Westbourne girls finish their day at 3.15pm and girls are dismissed from Westbourne main door between 3.15 and 3.45pm, giving some flexibility in collection time. This is particularly helpful if Westbourne pupils have older siblings.

The Prep School Day: Years 1-6

Girls arrive to the Prep School playground, which is supervised from 8.15am, from various entry points. They can arrive at any time between 8.15am and 8.45am.

Pattern of the Day

8.45 Bell to line up Girls dismissed to classrooms.

School ends at 3.15 pm for Years 1 and 2 and at 3.30pm for Years 3 to 6. There is again a half an hour period when girls are supervised, giving parents some flexibility of time for collection. If girls in Years 1 and 2 have not been collected by 3.45pm and girls in Year

3 to 6 by 4.00pm they will be placed in After School Care and a charge made accordingly.

Wrap Around Care

It may be that parents need to extend the school day hours and we have a very flexible system in place for both Before and After School Care to meet the varying needs of families. It is open to Westbourne and Prep pupils.

• Before School Care is available from 7.30 am. Girls are cared for by a member of staff and are escorted to the classroom at 8.20 am.

• After School Care is available from the end of the school day until 6.00 pm. We have a tiered payment system with one cost until 4.30 pm and a further charge beyond that time which includes a light tea.

• Parents only pay for sessions that their daughter attends and bookings can be made on the day and at short notice.

Holiday Provision

We offer a Holiday Club in each school holiday where girls from Westbourne and Prep enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities, and a chance to relax and play together with their friends. The staff members are well known to the children as they work at EHS during term time.

The Admissions Process for Westbourne

Entry is from 2 ½. We welcome inquisitive, curious girls who are excited to learn! Our play-based assessments take place in the term prior to their chosen point of entry. Children play in small groups and try some fun activities designed to explore language and social skills, physical and creative skills, and enable girls to be themselves.

With girls applying for Reception, teaching staff assess number work, letter sounds and any early reading skills.

The Admissions Process for Prep

Girls considering joining EHS are invited to sit an entrance test. Girls sit written tests in the morning, followed by a Taster Afternoon where they get to experience lessons and meet pupils.

Occasional Vacancies to other Year Groups in Prep School

Children can join Westbourne or the Prep department at any stage depending on a place being available. Please contact the Admissions Team in the first instance to discuss if there is room in your year group of interest.