Early Years and Foundation Stage Department (EYFS)

Nursery, Pre-School and Reception

Our high expectations of attainment for each child that enters the Grantham Preparatory Foundation Stage ensures that excellent progress is made throughout our Nursery, Pre-School and Reception classes.  Each child receives nurturing care, wonderful play-based opportunities to aid their learning and development helping them to realise their true potential.  We believe that giving each child confidence and independence is the foundation to a successful educational journey.

EYFS Curriculum
Our broad exciting curriculum covers the seven areas of learning and links with all the subjects that the children study in KS1, ensuring that they are ready for the next stage in their education.

Nursery and Pre-School
Having the Nursery, which starts at 3 years old, and Pre-School closely linked to our Reception class, enables success in a smooth transition between classes and offers a huge benefit to the child’s readiness for Reception year. We offer full and part-time places for children with government funding until the term after they have reached five years old.

Staffing
We have highly qualified and experienced staff who all hold a paediatric first aid qualification. There is a key person system which builds an excellent communication channel with parents to ensure their child receives excellent support in school. There is an informative weekly EYFS newsletter which goes out to all parents.

Outdoor Learning
We strongly believe in the all-round benefits of outdoor playing and learning. Our doors are always open enabling full access to our stimulating outdoor areas. Warm and waterproof all in one suits are provided so the children are ready for outdoors exploration whatever the weather! The children also enjoy our “Muddy Boots Camp”, we are fortunate to have two sites one at school and the other a very short minibus journey away.

Physical Development/PE
Physical development is a prime area of learning and one the EYFS staff firmly believe in its importance. Grantham Prep delivers weekly PE lessons with a specialist PE teacher. The skills learnt provide a solid foundation for future budding sports players, adding success to our team sports and fixtures in school.

Library/IT
EYFS enjoys a weekly visit to our school library and ICT suite. A book can be borrowed to take home and the children enjoy stimulating, age appropriate ICT programmes.

Music
We also have the benefit of weekly music lessons led by a specialist music teacher teaching rhythm, beats and many fun songs. The children have opportunities to sing in our assemblies and productions in front of the school and a parent audience.

Spanish
Spanish is taught by a language teacher once a week. The children are taught numbers, colours, names of animals and common spoken phrases.

Out of School
The EYFS children regularly enjoy out of school visits to surrounding areas for different learning experiences, such as Belton House, Great Wood, Sundown Adventureland and local care homes.

Creche
The school offers before and after school care: Breakfast club from 7.30am and creche until 6pm.