PLAY. LEARN. GROW. ST BENEDICT’S E A R LY Y E A R S
ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
minimis
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WELCOME 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,
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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.
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ISI Inspection Report 2024
EARLY YEARS
Rob Simmons Junior School Headmaster
Moira Edwards
“At St Benedict’s, we give children the very best start to their learning journey. Our experienced Early Years team brings a deep understanding of how young children learn and grow, creating a warm, caring environment where every child feels secure, valued and supported.
As Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery, with more than 25 years of experience working with children aged three to seven, I know how important these early years are. We focus on each child’s wellbeing, curiosity and confidence, helping them to develop their interests and thrive in their learning. This strong foundation supports a smooth transition from Nursery into Reception and further into Key Stage 1. Early Years education is about much more than learning facts. It is about nurturing curiosity, building confidence and inspiring a lifelong love of learning. At St Benedict’s, we are proud to provide the start every child deserves.”
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.
EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM
3 prime areas: physical development, communication and language, and wellbeing
4 specific areas: numeracy, literacy, knowledge and understanding, and expressive arts and design
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.
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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.
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ISI Inspection Report 2024
HEALTHY BEGINNINGS At St Benedict’s, we place a strong emphasis on healthy eating and good nutrition. All meals are prepared on site by our catering team, who provide children with a balanced and varied diet each day. Nursery fees include all food, including a healthy morning snack, lunch and afternoon tea*. Children are offered a range of simple, nutritious foods such as fruit, sandwiches, cheese and crackers, with milk also provided. We encourage healthy eating from the earliest years, helping children to develop independence, confidence and positive habits that support their growth and wellbeing. * afternoon tea available to children on Option 3
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
HOLIDAY CLUB
The Junior School and Nursery provide a supportive and vibrant environment in which to learn.
St Benedict’s 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 handson learning experiences, children are encouraged to explore, play, and build lasting friendships in a setting they know and love.
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.
The Holiday Club is available during certain school holiday periods and 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. For further information about our Holiday Club, please contact admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk
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. Our Nursery provides a warm, supportive environment where young learners can thrive. Admission Requirements • Age: Children must be at least 3 years old at the time of entry. • Toilet Training: Children are expected to be fully toilet trained before starting Nursery. • Readiness Assessment: To assess each child’s readiness for Nursery, we invite them to participate in a short play session. 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.”
“The love and care you bring to your classroom have given C such a special start, and we will always be grateful for the difference you’ve made.”
“L has learnt so much this year, and most importantly, she has really enjoyed her time at nursery. St Benedict’s has truly well prepared her for reception in September.” “Thank you so much for all your kindness, care, and support this year. It’s been lovely to see M grow in confidence, enjoy learning, and come home with a smile.” “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 Debbie Smith, Junior School Admissions: Phone: 020 8862 2253 Email: admissions@stbenedicts.org.uk Website: www.stbenedicts.org.uk We look forward to welcoming you and your child to St Benedict’s Junior School & Nursery, where learning begins with care, curiosity, and joy.
ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
min imis
in c ipe
ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
Ealing •
m inim is
London •
in c ipe
W5 2XP •
V 020 8862 2050
M admissions @stbenedicts.org.uk F St Benedicts School, Ealing stbenedictsschool