Welcome to St Benedict’s Early Years! At St Benedict’s Junior School we provide children with a strong foundation for their school journey, offering them the opportunity to thrive in all areas of learning. Through thoughtful and intentional planning, we focus on each child’s unique needs and interests.
Our dedicated and highly qualified team ensures that every child is nurtured, with their individual learning and development being our top priority.
Our vibrant, well-equipped indoor and outdoor spaces offer a wide variety of activities, including both child-led and teacher-directed experiences. The children in Early Years share their outdoor space, and our staff work across both year groups, ensuring a smooth transition from Nursery to Reception.
At St Benedict’s, our mission is to create an inclusive and vibrant environment where children are inspired to develop a lifelong love of learning.
At St Benedict’s, we believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is where the magic of learning truly begins. These formative years lay the foundation for curiosity, creativity, confidence, and independence, and we take great pride in providing a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.
Our dedicated team of educators ensure that each girl and boy is inspired and valued whilst being able to explore the world around them. Through play-based learning, hands-on experiences, and a strong sense of community, we foster a love of discovery that will stay with our pupils for a lifetime.
We invite you to visit our vibrant classrooms, filled with laughter, learning, and boundless opportunities. At St Benedict’s, your child’s journey is just beginning – and we cannot wait to work in partnership with you and your family.
With best wishes,
Rob Simmons Junior School Headmaster
“ ”
Leaders in the early years have a clear awareness of the needs of children of this age and plan accordingly. Adults have an informed knowledge of pupils’ development and carefully guide children into new challenges to draw out the development of numeracy and language.
ISI Inspection Report 2024
Moira Edwards
“As Head of Early Years at St Benedict’s Junior School, with over 20 years of experience, I have a wealth of knowledge in teaching children aged 3 to 7. In addition to teaching and managing the Nursery class, I am responsible for managing the teaching and learning in Reception. I ensure a seamless transition from Nursery to Reception each year, focusing on supporting the children’s development across all areas of the curriculum, with a particular emphasis on their wellbeing.
It is my firm belief that education in the Early Years is not just about teaching children facts but about nurturing their curiosity, building their confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning.”
EARLY YEARS
ENRICHING EARLY LEARNING AT ST BENEDICT’S
With a focus on play-based learning and holistic development, we encourage children to ask questions, express themselves freely, and embrace new experiences. Our strong emphasis on emotional resilience and wellbeing ensures that every child feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
A Creative and Engaging Curriculum
At St Benedict’s, we believe in nurturing each child’s potential through a balanced blend of play, exploration, and structured learning. Designed to ignite creativity and physical development, our programme encourages enquiry, independence, and a love for learning, allowing children to explore their potential in a supportive, engaging environment.
YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, focusing on the seven areas of learning. Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and imagination. Each term, children explore an exciting topic that integrates various areas of learning, encouraging them to make connections and engage deeply with the subject matter. This approach ensures that learning is both fun and meaningful.
4
Leaders in the early years shape activities to promote children’s emotional and physical development. As a result, children are kind to each other, and confidently assess risk.
ISI Inspection Report 2024
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
The Junior School and Nursery provide a supportive and vibrant environment in which to learn.
Our Nursery and Pre-Prep children are all accommodated in the same Early Years department, sharing activities, resources and a dedicated outdoor playground.
The purpose-built Nursery offers a blend of indoor and outdoor learning spaces designed to inspire creativity, exploration, and physical activity. From engaging in nature-based play to gardening and games, children connect with the world around them while developing essential skills.
Specialist Lessons Beyond the Classroom
To broaden our pupils’ experiences, Nursery and Reception children participate in specialist lessons conducted outside their regular classrooms. These sessions include:
• Music: Fostering rhythm, melody, and musical appreciation.
• Physical Education: Developing coordination, balance, and a love for active play.
• Computer Studies: Introducing basic digital skills through age-appropriate activities.
Flexible Nursery Hours
At St Benedict’s Nursery, we understand the importance of flexibility for busy families. That is why we offer a range of attendance options to suit your schedule:
• Option 1: 8.00am – 1.00pm
• Option 2: 8.00am – 3.30pm
• Option 3: 8.00am – 6.00pm
Each option provides a caring, structured, and engaging environment where children can thrive.
NURSERY HOLIDAY CLUB
St Benedict’s Nursery offers a vibrant Holiday Club, designed to provide a safe, engaging, and enjoyable environment for children during the school holidays. With a wide range of creative activities, outdoor adventures, and hands-on learning experiences, children are encouraged to explore, play, and build lasting friendships in a setting they know and love.
Holiday Wraparound Care
For added convenience, we also offer wraparound care in line with the Junior School Holiday Club, available during:
• Half terms
• One week at Easter and Christmas
• Two weeks in July/August
All wraparound care is delivered by St Benedict’s staff, ensuring consistency, familiarity, and a nurturing environment throughout the year.
We accept childcare vouchers from all providers and also participate in the tax-free childcare system.
A SEAMLESS JOURNEY
THROUGH ST BENEDICT’S
There are important transitions to be made within a child’s education: from Nursery to Reception; from Pre-Prep to Prep; from Junior School to Senior School. We manage these transitions very carefully so that each stage is a natural progression, rather than a bewildering jolt.
In Early Years we lay the foundation for lifelong learning in an environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and resilience. We ensure a smooth and natural transition from Nursery to Reception through classroom visits, shared playtimes, and team teaching, helping children feel confident and familiar with their new learning environment.
At St Benedict’s, education is a continuous journey. When children join us from their earliest years Nursery and the Junior School, we fully expect, and warmly encourage, them to continue through to our Senior School, where they will benefit from the same high standards of care, challenge, and inspiration.
Learning Without Interruption
Our Junior School pupils are not required to sit the 11+ entrance assessment. This means they can stay focused on their learning, building confidence and deepening their knowledge without the pressure of external exams.
By the time they reach Year 7, our pupils make the transition into the Senior School feeling relaxed, assured, and ready to embrace the exciting academic and co-curricular opportunities that lie ahead. They move forward not as newcomers, but as valued members of a thriving, supportive community.
ADMISSIONS
Admission to the Nursery at 3+
At St Benedict’s School, we are delighted to welcome children into our Nursery from the age of 3 years and 3 months. Our Nursery provides a warm, supportive environment where young learners can thrive.
Admission Requirements
• Age: Children must be at least 3 years and 3 months old at the time of entry.
• Toilet Training: Children are required to be fully toilet trained before their start date.
• Readiness Assessment: To assess each child’s readiness for Nursery, we invite them to participate in a short play session conducted without parental attendance.
Nursery Capacity
Our Nursery offers a limited number of places to ensure individual attention and a high-quality learning experience. There is a maximum of 32 places available.
Admission to Reception at 4+
Starting Reception at age 4 is a key entry point to life at St Benedict’s Junior School. We offer a supportive and stimulating environment where young learners can grow with confidence.
Admission Requirements
• Age: Children must be at least 4 years old at the time of entry.
• Introduction Assessment: We invite prospective pupils to a friendly ‘Getting to Know You’ session, where they’ll spend an hour in a classroom setting. During this time, they will take part in fun and engaging activities, both independently and in small groups, giving us a chance to understand their learning style and social interaction. Meanwhile, parents are warmly welcomed to meet with the Headmaster of our Junior School and enjoy a guided tour of our facilities.
Class Sizes
Our Reception year consists of two classes, each with approximately 18 pupils. These smaller class sizes mean our dedicated teachers can give every child the individual attention they need to thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally.
WHAT OUR FAMILIES ARE SAYING
Discover how St Benedict’s Early Years has made a difference for our children and their parents.
“Thanks to the entire Early Years team across Nursery and Reception.
We have seen how much our son has developed over the last couple of years and this is down to your incredible hard work and dedication and the loving environment cultivated by you all.
I know our daughter will be in great hands next year as she starts her big girl school journey.”
“Thank you for being so supportive and taking the time to get to know R and what he loves doing. He’s loving his time in Reception.”
“Your enthusiasm for teaching and genuine care for A has made her year.”
“Our little blossoming scholars are blessed to have such dedicated staff and teachers in such an inspirational setting.”
“R has truly thrived in Nursery and has been so happy going to school every day. I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone and how much you have achieved with them.”
“You are more than just a teacher for S, you are an inspiration for her! S has grown so much as a person, thank you for helping her develop and build confidence in herself.”
“Thank you for a wonderful first year at St Benedict’s School. J has thoroughly enjoyed school life. He’s so lucky to have had wonderful teachers in Early Years to start his journey.”
For more information or to arrange a visit to discover what makes St Benedict’s so special, please contact our Admissions Team:
