Nursery Prospectus

OUR NURSERY

Your child’s first day in Nursery is the beginning of an exciting journey of learning, curiosity and discovery, which will help set them up for the rest of their lives.

At Quainton Hall, children are warmly welcomed into our Nursery from age 3. As soon as they come through our doors they become part of our nurturing community, led by specialist staff who are dedicated to making sure each and every child feels important and loved, enabling them to thrive and flourish every single day.

The School’s Nursery is housed in our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) building, separate from the main School buildings but with access to facilities and outdoor spaces.

Our Nursery is a calm and safe space, well resourced and welcoming, fully renovated in the summer of 2018 to create an open-plan environment for our children.

FOSTERING A LOVE OF LEARNING The four pillars of the EYFS guide all learning within the Quainton Hall Nursery: • • • •

Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships Children learn and develop well in enabling environments Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates

We offer a rich curriculum, following the guidelines laid out in the EYFS. The majority of activities are practical, to inspire the children and make the learning memorable.

The Nursery timetable includes topic-based activities, Phonics, Mathematics, active learning (child-initiated learning), French, PE, Music, Drama and PSHCE. During Spring Term our 3-year-olds begin to access our reading scheme in preparation for their transition to Reception.

Our early years children make accelerated progress — regularly exceeding EYFS goals — and grow to become creative, confident, compassionate and inquisitive learners. In our environment we never tire of being asked ‘why?’

THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED All learning within our Nursery is enhanced by having access to exceptional facilities and learning tools.

We have three large Interactive Display Boards, iPads and other ICT resources including programmable Bee-Bots (coding robots) and remote-control vehicles.

There is also a stimulating outdoor area which extends the children’s learning, including a sand and water exploration area, a construction area for large scale models and a stage for our confident young performers.

YOUR CHILD IS UNIQUE Whilst we aim to ensure every cohort of children is ready to enter the start of their schooling in Reception, we never stop treating every child as an individual. At this young age each child progresses in different ways and at different rates, and we pride ourselves on the support and care we offer. Ours is an extended family based upon positive relationships and a keen sense of how each child discovers the world around them and when they need someone to hold their hand along the way.

A CULTURE OF CARE Children are supported at all times by a large number of qualified, creative and dedicated staff, who deliver an exciting learning experience. We maintain excellent staffing ratios and have additional volunteers and support staff throughout the School.

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS We work hard to form strong partnerships with every parent, as no one knows your child better than you do. Working closely together gives us the detailed information we need to help your child to fulfil their potential.

Parents can talk to staff when dropping off or collecting their child, by sending an email, or through writing in their child’s individual link book. Parents are regularly welcomed into the School for parents evenings and to events such as sports day and the Christmas concert.

GROWING MINDS Our Nursery provides the basis for a long and happy

eight years at Quainton Hall.

In the September after their fourth birthday Quainton Hall Nursery children are given priority in moving into the Reception class, where they are joined by children from other nurseries.

The EYFS building also houses the School’s Reception classes. With Nursery and Reception so close to each other we can help guide every child from age 2 to age 5, helping to build their skills and confidence ahead of entering Year 1.

Both EYFS years, Nursery and Reception, link with the Pre-Prep and Prep School in many ways such as for assemblies, curriculum events, workshops, sports days, Speech Day and charity events. The Reception and Year 1 staff work closely together to enable the children to have a smooth transition into the Pre-Prep.

NURTURE AND NOURISH The quality of food at Quainton Hall is well known and we pride ourselves on having a catering team working on site and who prepare delicious meals using fresh ingredients. Nursery children who stay all day are all given a healthy School lunch.

A NURSERY DAY At Quainton Hall Nursery, no two days are the same, with new learning and activities introduced all the time. We ask you to sign up for at least five mornings or afternoons each week, which will allow your child to get the most from their time here with us.

Morning — 8.30-11.45am Afternoon — 12.30-3.45pm All Day — 8.30am-3.45pm Breakfast Club — 7.30-8.30am After School Club — 3.45-6.00pm Full term dates and current fees can be found on our website:

www.quaintonhall.org.uk

“We would like to thank the staff for all their hard work, support and encouragement that you have given during his year in Reception.

Your teaching style really engages the children and gets them pumped up and excited about learning.”

A Quainton Hall Parent

“Your enthusiasm, encouragement and support have given our daughter the best possible start. Under your care and attention, she has blossomed into a far more outgoing and confident little person.”

A Quainton Hall Parent

NURSERY ADMISSIONS Quainton Hall Nursery begins at age 3.

Entry to the Nursery is based on the completion of the Nursery application form which can be found on the Quainton Hall website at www.quaintonhall.org.uk/registration Following this the School will make contact to give further information.

Full and up-to-date information on fees and term dates can be found on the School website.

Quainton Hall offers 15 hours of free childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds, given as credit on the next term’s fee invoice. We do not accept childcare vouchers as part of the deposit.

Preference is given to families seeking five mornings, five afternoons or five full days, rather than a mix of sessions across a week.

For more information please contact the Admissions Secretary, Mrs Nishma Aleksin-Shah, at admissions@quaintonhall.org.uk or 020 8861 8851.

Mr Simon Ford Headmaster headmaster@quaintonhall.org.uk

Quainton Hall School Hindes Road Harrow HA1 1RX