Our Outstanding Early Years
At Arden Grove we offer a curriculum rich in wonder and memorable first hand experiences, whilst encouraging children to build resilience and a love of learning. We recognise the crucial role that early years education has to play in providing firm foundations upon which the rest of a child’s education is successfully based. We understand that play is an integral part of learning and this is at the heart of our early years curriculum. We believe strong relationships with parents are key as well as celebrating children's lived experiences by finding out their family, their local area and what makes them special.
Therefore our team plan collaboratively to provide a stimulating environment that provides exciting opportunities and that promotes challenge, exploration and adventure. Due to our relationships our team confidently knows every child’s starting point so we build on children’s prior knowledge and experience in a logical and developmentally appropriate way. We have created our own set of curriculum goals, these are particularly created for our cohort of children.
We work hard to create strong partnerships between home and school. We understand the importance of parental engagement and believe that our parents have a crucial role to play in their children's education.
Across Nursery and Reception we focus on building movement skills and opportunities as this provides building blocks for so many other skills including self regulation, balance, co-ordination and handwriting. We encourage this through children's play and use these developmental patterns before teaching children specific letter formations. For more information about how reading and writing is taught through phonics please see the powerpoint at the bottom of the page.
We are aware that transitions for children can be tricky and it can be hard to know how you can support them. Please see the information powerpoints below from the team to find out how you can help and how some parts of our Early Years works.
Swallowtails Nursery
Arden Grove's Swallowtails Nursery has 52 places, 26 in the morning and 26 in the afternoon.
We believe children learn best when their bodies and minds are active, so we prioritise physical development and energetic exploration.
Our approach helps children build coordination, and grow in confidence..
Our dedicated team constantly engage with the children: narrating their play, talking with them, and helping their communication skills blossom naturally through every interaction and talk rich environments.
Teacher-led setting- led by qualified, experienced early years teachers for the best start in your child’s education
Safe, nurturing environment – a passionate, caring and hands-on team who connect with every child
Secure surroundings where children and their families feel happy and supported
We are part of the Outstanding Arden Grove school- Links with the school ensures a smooth transition into Reception.
Offer 30 hours
Learning through play- to build confidence, curiosity, and independence
High-quality early education following the Early Years Foundation Stage with a balanced, child-centred approach
Outdoors – fresh air, freedom, and nature-led play every day as well as Outdoor Learning in the school’s forest area and cobhouse- ideal for active learning, exploration and creativity
Know the importance of Movement – active learning through play, energy, and exploration- We believe a moving child is a learning child.
Children are able to start Nursery in the September of the academic year in which they are four. The Admissions Policy is available to view at the school office or below.
It is very important that the children settle in happily, therefore, there is a phased admission of small groups of children for the first few sessions so that the children are helped to feel secure, confident and happy in their new environment. We encourage parents to stay until they feel happy that their children are settled.
Swallowtails Nursery Session Times
Morning Sessions
8:45am to 11:45 am
Afternoon Sessions
11:45 pm to 2:45 pm
Full day sessions in Nursery
08:45 am to 2:45 pm
For children staying for a full day session a packed lunch is required to eat at Nursery.
Our bustling Reception classes help children make a secure start to their school journey.
Download our Welcome to Reception Presentation Here
You can also take a tour of our reception here...
For more information about phonics and how this is taught in Reception please download the slides from the bottom of the page.