Squirrels (Nursery)

Northbourne Park’s Nursery provides a happy, safe, and stimulating environment, where children aged between 2 and 4 years-old thrive and learn, supported by adults who understand and care for them. 

Encompassing our incredible outdoor learning spaces and three bright and spacious classrooms, our Squirrels class benefit from small group sizes and a dedicated team of specialist Early Years and subject teachers who provide a diverse range of fun and enriching activities and learning experiences every day.

A term-time setting open 38 weeks-a-year, we are pleased to offer Free Early Education funded hours, flexible sessions, and Wraparound Care options.

We invite all families & children to join our free Stay & Play sessions for 0 to 4 years-old, an opportunity to meet our staff and explore the school on Monday mornings, (9.30am to 10.30am) in term time.

Want to find out more? Request a prospectus.

Why join Northbourne Park’s Squirrel Class?

Innovative outdoor learning

Located on the rural Betteshanger estate, Northbourne Park is an “outdoor school”. With waterproof trousers and wellington boots an essential part of their uniform, our children are outside every day in rain or shine, enjoying our secure and well-resourced gardens, woods, and surrounding countryside.

Forest School takes place once a week; taught by a specialist teacher, Forest School is opportunity for the children to work and play in a natural environment, building their self-confidence and self-esteem through child-led, hands-on learning experiences.

A nurturing, family environment

With small group sizes and generous adult to child ratios, we ensure that all children are cared for and supported according to their individual needs. Regular communication takes place between parent and school, and we use a variety of methods to keep parents updated on their child’s wellbeing and development, including Tapestry our online Learning Journey app.

Inspirational specialist teaching

As well as Forest School, Squirrels enjoy weekly Music, French and P.E. activities. Specialist teachers from both our Pre-Prep & Prep Schools deliver ambitious and inspiring sessions, with the children benefiting from their subject expertise and enthusiasm.

With a unique bilingual programme for French-speakers at the Prep School (read about our Section Française Bilingue here), Nursery children are taught French by native-French speakers and enjoy regular visits from our older French and Spanish pupils.

An integrated pre-school experience

The Nursery is part of our busy Pre-Prep, with the site housing our Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes. Children from 2 to 7 years old spend time together at lunch times and break times, and Squirrels join school assemblies, workshops and events throughout the year. We have four School Houses (Marlborough, Nelson, Wellington & Drake), and all Nursery children have opportunities to earn House Points through the school day. The Pre-Prep’s Old Rectory has its own Music Room, Computing Room and Library, and Squirrels also make use of the Prep School’s extensive grounds and facilities.

All of this makes for a seamless transition to our Reception class, with abundant opportunities for our oldest Nursery children to meet the teacher and spend time in the Reception, “Rabbits’”, classroom.

Squirrel Class

Session Timings (Monday to Friday)

Morning: 8.30am to 10.00am

Morning: 10.00am (& lunch) to 1.00pm

Afternoon: 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Full day: 8.30am to 4.00pm

Curriculum

The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) is the statutory framework for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five. We plan a range of stimulating and fun activities to cover all areas of learning through topics which follow the children’s interests and the continuous provision we offer. We also carefully plan the environment, both indoors and outdoors to enable the children to become confident, happy, independent learners with inquiring minds.

Uniform

The Northbourne Park School uniform is smart but practical and comfortable for our youngest pupils. 2-year-olds wear navy jogging bottoms and branded sweatshirts, and from 3 years and up Squirrels wear the Pre-Prep school uniform. Find out more about our school uniform and ordering here.

Food

All food is prepared at Northbourne Park by our hospitality partner, The Pollen Partnership. Nutritious (and delicious!) snacks are available in the mornings and afternoons, and a hot lunch is served daily. Particularly pertinent for our youngest children, there is an emphasis on food education, building a positive relationship with food and trying new things! We can cater to a variety of dietary preferences and requirements. View our latest menus.

Daily Routine Example

Our daily routine provides a balance between child-initiated and adult-directed activities. Through observation and interaction with each child and talking to the parents, we build a picture of the child’s abilities and interests, allowing us to plan for the next steps in their learning.

From 8.00am – Breakfast Service (Wraparound Care)

8.30am - 10.00am Child-initiated indoor and outdoor activities, including story time & topic discussion

10.00am - 11.00am Morning snack & break

11.00am - 12.30pm Child-initiated indoor and outdoor activities, including story time & topic discussion

12.30pm - 2.00pm Lunch & outdoor play

2.00pm Child-initiated indoor and outdoor activities, including story time & topic discussion

3.30pm Afternoon snack

4.00pm End of day

4.00pm - 6.00pm Late Service & tea (Wraparound Care)

Want to find out more about Northbourne Park’s Nursery? Make an enquiry now.