Curriculum

Akeley Wood Nursery provides a welcoming, safe, inspirational environment in a picturesque, listed building nestling in the rural grounds of Akeley Wood Junior School.

Here, having observed your child's existing skills, we will introduce them to a wondrous new world of knowledge and share with them the joy of new achievements. Free and structured play combine with Music and Drama, Games and Physical Education, as well as the first stages of Literacy and Numeracy for a well-rounded start to school life.

Your child can join us at any time from the age of 12 months to four years. We make the transition from home a happy and easy one by providing safety, stimulation, security and the best possible care. Parents sometimes need reassurance that their children are enjoying their first experience of school. You need only see the smiling faces of the children in the classroom and the playground to know that this is the case in our 'home from home' environment.

Mealtimes are eagerly awaited too. They are a social occasion when children and adults eat together. We serve hot, nutritious meals every day, cooked here at the school. Naturally, we respect and cater for individual dietary requirements.

The children are grouped into three classes:

Ladybirds (12 months - 2 years)

Caterpillars (2 years - 3 years)

Butterflies (3+ years)

We believe that care and education are equally important. The routines and activities that make up each session are designed to help each child feel that he or she is a valued member of the Nursery and gain from the social experience of being part of a group. Days are structured so that children can take part in a wide variety of activities, both indoors and in the fresh air.

Activities planned according to the Early Years Foundation Stage, are both fun and educational. Much learning is through structured play including the use of a wide variety of toys as well as 'messy' activities, such as play-dough, water, sand, paint, shaving foam, bubbles and sensory play. In this way, awareness of characteristics of different materials is heightened and mental, tactile and social skills developed.

Your child will benefit from this firm foundation of learning on their journey through Junior and Senior School...... and beyond. Together with our ethos of nurturing the whole child according to their abilities and needs, we are able to ensure a smooth transition through the school as well as encouraging continuing close friendships with peers.