NBH Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead Prospectus

North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead

Parents these days see ‘success’ slightly differently for their children, recognising that each child needs to fulfil their potential in a unique and individual way. Which is why, from day one, North Bridge House is on a constant journey of getting to know and understand every learner as a rounded and unique individual. It is our specialist expertise – from early childhood through to the teenage years – that will make sure every pupil finds and realises their true academic and personal potential – so they are set on a clear journey, to find their True North, that will be fulfilled through their time at North Bridge House and beyond.

History Founded in 1939, North Bridge House offers an independent, mixed ability co-education, challenging and inspiring girls and boys throughout every stage of their school career. Across six North London school sites, we successfully prepare happy pupils for every milestone, with specialist expertise at each school stage – from the important building blocks of the early years through to the more challenging teenage ones.

All staff members across the North Bridge House group are dedicated to our three vision pillars: 1. Knowing the individual 2. Fostering academic excellence 3. Cultivating character and promoting wellbeing.

At whichever school stage families join North Bridge House, we pride ourselves on really getting to know each individual pupil on their journey from Nursery through to Sixth Form. It is only through knowing the individual that we can truly help each child to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally.

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Welcome We believe that happiness is the key to successful learning, particularly in the formative years of education and we are committed to providing our young children with an enjoyable learning experience, a curiosity for knowledge and a real sense of achievement What sets North Bridge House apart is that our Nursery School is totally focused on the Early Years Foundation Stage and our Pre-Prep is focused solely on Key Stage 1. Every member of staff is an expert in these age groups and therefore every interaction that the children experience is age appropriate.

Our staff are all working towards the same objectives, speaking a common language, and our academic outcomes speak for themselves.

Children progress from Reception having become confident mathematicians, able to read and write their own stories at just 5-years-old, while at the end of Year 2 (KS1), 55 per cent of pupils performed in the top 4 per cent of the country for literacy and 61 per cent in the top 4 per cent of the country for mathematics (2019).

While North Bridge House (NBH) has grown from strength to strength, celebrating results well above the national average at every stage of its academically non-selective, all-through independent education for ages 2 to 18, the Nursery and Pre-Prep provision itself has proven to develop the fundamental skills upon which pupils’ future successes are built.

The warm and nurturing environment in which children find the confidence to express themselves assertively and creatively offers a rich and varied curriculum, providing children with a fully rounded education and allowing them to develop a genuine love of learning.

The new facilities will give us the opportunity to further build on pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. We are looking to bring a new sense of wonderment to children’s learning and broaden their global perspective from the very outset of their education: watch this space for a tranquil but exciting hub of education where children can can learn through discovery and investigation, and contextualise and share their learning experiences beyond the four walls of their classroom.

We believe that a child’s development is very much a personal journey: children develop at different rates and learn in different ways, particularly in the Early Years of education.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Christine McLelland Executive Head, North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep Schools

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Happiness is the key to successful learning, particularly in the formative years of education, and we are committed to providing our children with an enjoyable learning experience.

Christine McLelland, Executive Head

About Us 80 years since it was first established as one campus in St John’s Wood, our highly successful North Bridge House Schools’ group is now launching a sixth campus, which will extend its unique, specialist offering to families in West Hampstead, as well as those it currently caters for in Hampstead, Islington and Regent’s Park.

Situated in the heart of West Hampstead, and placed between West Hampstead and Kilburn stations, the newest NBH school is in an exciting part of the capital. From independent cafes and restaurants to the local farmer’s market, this pocket of North West London is a vibrant place for families to raise their children and the school very much wants to reflect its neighbouring community: just 15 minutes from central London, NBH Nursery and Pre-Prep West Hampstead will provide a stimulating yet homely environment, local yet globally influenced.

Opening in September 2020, North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep West Hampstead will provide an exciting new home for the school’s existing Early Years and Key Stage 1 expertise.

Led by fully qualified teachers, the new Nursery and Pre-Prep in West Hampstead will share the same innovative and engaging atmosphere as the established NBH Nursery and Pre-Prep Schools, using beautifully designed creative spaces to facilitate not just the academic achievement of its young pupils, but their all-important personal development too. Adopting a holistic, child centric approach to pupils’ learning and progression, NBH Nursery and Pre-Prep West Hampstead will boast calm zones for reading (all pupils benefit from one-to-one reading three to four times a week) and indoor and outdoor planting, with plans for pet chickens like its sister school’s ‘Cluckingham Palace’. The school will also run the same regular outdoor experience trips to Cuffley Camp as the existing Nursery and Pre-Prep, where pupils are immersed in mud, nature and new activities which focus on developing resilience, team-work, self-confidence and communication skills.

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Curriculum Children can join our West Hampstead Nursery and Pre-Prep from the age of 2 years and 4 months, gaining preparation for the years ahead with a sensitive transition into school life. At this young age, we offer Nursery sessions for half days or full days, five days a week, and cover a wide range of topics from shape and colour to weather and the seasons. Children also enjoy daily story time and outdoor play, as well as gym and music every week.

Children in Pre-Reception (3-4 years) and Reception (4-5 years) follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, which covers seven areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Physical Development; and Expressive Arts and Design. We build on this with specialist teaching in French, Music and Dance, encouraging children to express themselves confidently and creatively. We focus on taking pupils beyond the curriculum and into a wider learning experience, teaching skills such as literacy through song, rhyme, music and movement.

As pupils progress to the Pre-Prep (6-7 years), they delve into subject specific areas through the National Curriculum, including Computing, French, Science, PSHE, Music, PE, Games and Art – all of which are delivered by our subject specialist teachers. Maths is taught from a practical perspective with a focus on problem-solving, depth of knowledge and mastery, embedding key skills that children can apply in a range of contexts. Through our nurturing approach, we centre the curriculum around the child so that each individual’s progress is carefully tracked and developed in a creative, enriching and happy environment.

Academic progress is enhanced at NBH by Philosophy for Children (P4C), a powerful approach to teaching and learning that boosts children’s critical thinking, reasoning, social skills, and overall attainment. As well as facilitating pupils’ ability to recognise and talk about big ideas, philosophy enables them to better articulate themselves. Such social and emotional or so-called ‘soft skills’ which teach communication and negotiation, as well as how to learn and teach, sit alongside the higher cognitive skills such as critical thinking and information processing, all of which are essential life skills in the future world of work outlined by the World Economic Forum. The Education Endowment Foundation stated that a year of philosophy results in two-month’s additional progress in Reading and Maths.

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Sport At North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep West Hampstead, pupils will enjoy a variety of sports as both part of and in addition to the curriculum. We believe that sport is essential to pupils’ physical and emotional well-being and develops all-important team skills. Children will benefit from weekly PE and Games sessions taught by specialists. From Year 1, children also participate in weekly swimming lessons which take place at local sports facilities, which we share with fellow North Bridge House and Cognita schools, together with annual events such as our Football Tournament and Sports Day. We focus on developing pupils’ balance, co-ordination and teamwork through a wide range of drills and activities, preparing them with the skills required for the more advanced sports they enjoy after their transition to our Prep School.

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Beyond Academics Extra-curricular Children at North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep West Hampstead will enjoy a variety of activities which spark curiosity both within and outside of the timetabled curriculum.

With regular trips, drama workshops and LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) lessons factored into the school day, pupils will develop a range of skills and interests as well as self-confidence.

To further build on character and talent, there will be an increasingly large choice of after school clubs available to pupils as they progress throughout our schools. Pupils will be able to choose from sports clubs such as Yoga, Football and Dance; creative clubs including Drama and Art, or classic pastimes such as Chess and Board Games. As they get older, the possibilities are greater still and extend to Cookery and Science.

All clubs build on the curriculum to ensure that each child not only receives an excellent all-round education, but has the opportunity to discover and pursue other areas of inspiration.

In addition to this, classroom learning is enhanced through philosophy for Children (P4C) which promotes high order thinking skills, communication and problem solving.

Wrap-around care We are open from 7.45 am until 5.45 pm and we are here to support all parents whether you are stay at home, go to work, work from home, mum-to-be or dad yet again…

We are here for the long haul. We provide a stress-free education from 2-18 and priority entry for all North Bridge House pupils.* Across the year we provide 48 weeks of education, care and fun for your child. We only close for two weeks in the summer and at Christmas. When term is out, holiday camp starts.

Being at school before it starts and after the ‘normal’ day finishes is not about waiting around for mum, dad, the nanny or grandparents, it is about ballet, coding, Lego, mandarin. You name it, we have a club for it. * Nursery and Pre-Prep pupils have automatic entry into North Bridge House Prep School. Prep students have priority entry into both of our Senior Schools pending a positive recommendation from the Head of the Prep School and as long as they have joined the Prep School prior to the September of Year 5. Entry to our Sixth Form at Canonbury is determined by achieving five Grade 6s at GCSE, however; Heads of Year 11 and the Head of Sixth Form will discuss all applications of North Bridge House pupils and make a decision based on your child’s ability to thrive in our Sixth Form setting.

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The very broad-ranging extra-curricular programme contributes to a rich, rounded educational experience.

School Inspection Service, 2016

Why Choose North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep?

We are co-educational We believe in boys and girls learning together, men and women working together, because after all, real life is co-ed. We develop confident and determined boys and girls. Girls who are not afraid to put up their hands in class and ask questions, boys who will stand up and read in front of their peers. When you focus on the individual as we do here, we move away from stereotypes. Every child is given the same opportunity, the same chance to shine, be it boy or girl.

We are a mixed ability school with outstanding academic results We assess rather than test every child as part of our admissions process. We want to ensure that we are able to get the best out of your child. Whether this is through providing challenge and stretch for your child or providing individualised support, we will ensure that all pupils reach their full potential.

We are more than academic We are continually exploring ways to give our pupils more than an academic education. Everything from extra-curricular activities such as Forest School and the care of schools pets, to school trips, making the most of London’s museums, parks and attractions. Our pupils leave for the Prep School as articulate, confident, determined, young people, proud to be themselves.

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We care I am proud to say that each and every one of my staff cares about each and every pupil they teach. We have dedicated school pastoral experts. We don’t just provide people for our pupils to talk to, we provide people they want to talk to. We address issues sensitively and swiftly. Our door, so to speak, is always open.

We understand We are committed to guiding and supporting our parents and pupils through school life here at North Bridge House. From our ‘New to North Bridge’ events, to our ‘Parent and Child’ mornings, and introducing you to some of the world’s leading experts on fussy eating, sleep, toilet training, behaviour management, separation anxiety, screen time, we are focused on your family’s wellbeing as a whole.

We are a local school with a global mindset Like our existing North Bridge House Schools, we anticipate that many of our pupils will be local to our West Hampstead site, either walking or hopping on the buggy board or scooter to school. At the same time, we anticipate that many of our families will be European or International; we have 27 languages spoken in our current Nursery School and many of our children are bilingual or even trilingual with an excellent command of English. Our children enjoy learning about cultures and customs from each other. Many of our staff, all of whom are fully qualified teachers, will not only bring teaching experience but ‘world’ experience, through employment and travel. Our planned school trips reflect our desire to expand our pupils’ horizons beyond their learning in the classroom, preparing them, when the day eventually comes, for the highly competitive international job market.

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Moving up to Prep When North Bridge House pupils reach the end of their time with us at the end of Year 2 (aged 6/7), they will naturally progress to our Prep School, located next to Regent’s Park.

Our Prep School maintains the same warm and nurturing environment that is created at our Nursery and Pre-Prep and that exists throughout our group of schools. It prides itself on educating and preparing children for senior school entry and, ultimately, for life beyond our schools with priority entry to North Bridge House Senior Schools in Hampstead and Canonbury and many of the top senior schools in London and the UK. North Bridge House is one of London’s most respected Prep Schools. A full programme of extra-curricular activities alongside a rich and varied curriculum continues to develop the whole child, and staff are committed to ensuring that every pupil fulfils their potential.

Both current and prospective North Bridge House families are welcome to visit the Prep School, meet the Head Teacher and explore a happy and industrious place of learning.

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North Bridge House is a happy and friendly school, where children are challenged but not put under too much pressure.

Parent at North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep Schools

Apply Now For September 2020 admissions Our deadline to apply for North Bridge House schools has now passed (Friday 6 December 2019). However, as our Nursery and Pre-Prep in West Hampstead is new to our family of schools, we are still accepting applications for September 2020 and beyond.

Parent and child interviews will take place throughout the remainder of the academic year 2019/20 for 2020 places.

Internal applications (North Bridge House pupils*): No formal assessment is required.

External applications: Parent and child interviews will take place throughout the Autumn Term for the subsequent year of entry.

You will receive confirmation of interview times shortly after your application.

Offer letters will be sent out as soon as possible after your interview.

Priority places will be awarded to existing North Bridge House pupils and siblings of existing North Bridge House pupils.

Contact: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com * North Bridge House West Hampstead Pre-Prep pupils gain automatic entry into North Bridge House Prep. Subsequent entry into North Bridge House Senior School is pending a successful reference from the North Bridge House Prep Headteacher and joining NBH by the start (September) of Year 5.

Occasional places During the academic year we do have occasional places and we would urge you to contact our admissions team in the first instance.

Places will be offered in accordance with the criteria stated above.

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North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead

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When your classroom is the world, ‘thinking big’ comes naturally.

Cognita is an extraordinary family of diverse yet connected schools, spanning eight different countries.

We share one common purpose: to create an inspiring world of education that builds self-belief and empowers individuals to succeed.

Together, we provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades to develop all-round academic excellence – building resilient minds and encouraging positive, international perspectives. We do this by sharing expertise, insights and best practice across the world – and by collaborating to develop rich learning environments in every school.

We equip young people with the confidence and resourcefulness that prepares them to grow, thrive and find their success in a fast-changing world.

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To create an inspiring world of education

We deliver Academic Excellence

Energised Leadership

We develop Character

Personalised Learning

We nurture a Global Perspective

People Growth Community Innovation Brilliant Basics

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COGNITA EDUC E H AT T IO N

A Cognita School.

Registered in England: Cognita Schools Limited No. 2313425.

North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead 85-87 Fordwych Road London NW2 3TL Tel: 020 7428 1520 Email: admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com

Registered Office: Seebeck House, One Seebeck Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes MK5 8FR, UK.

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