A Preschool, not a Nursery

Preschool is often a child’s first venture alone into the wide world, outside home and family, and children must have positive experiences in these early days in order to develop the solid foundations on which they can build in the coming years. Our aim at Moor End Preschool is to support every child to grow into an independent, happy and confident individual who is resilient and has a true love of learning!

Our large Preschool classroom is situated within the main school and houses all the learning and activities that our children explore each day. We have strong links with our Reception Class, which is just next door, and this enables resources and expertise to be shared. The Preschool children also spend time getting to know all the staff and playing and learning alongside their older peers which ensures a smooth and happy transition into the Reception class. Our children also wear the full school uniform and we have access to the whole school’s facilities and equipment such as the hall for our weekly PE lessons and the extensive outdoor areas. We also join the whole school for an exciting annual day trip which have included steam train rides and boat trips in the Lakes and Chester Zoo!

As a Preschool, our main aim is to prepare our children for the next stage in their school life - Reception class. We only take children aged 3 and 4 and this enables us to really focus on the appropriate developmental stages of teaching and learning. Our core teaching is always the prime areas of the EYFS, as these are the foundations of all learning, and we promote building relationships, personal independence, good motor skills and strong communication through exposure to a wide range of supported activities. In addition to this, we teach phonics and maths, plus provide opportunities for building early writing and language skills as part of a timetabled school day.

A Day in Preschool

Morning

The doors of our Foundation Unit open from 8.45am where our teacher, Mrs Booth and teaching assistant, Miss Christie will be there to greet you and your child at the door.

At 9.00am the children welcome each other with a song, we discuss the weather, who is here today and then begin our group time session. After our group time, Mrs Booth and Miss Christie spend time within continuous provision building up the children’s understanding and skills through observation of their interests, providing objects of provocation or support to their play and questioning in order to move their individual learning on. We introduce new concepts and use mathematical and topical language throughout these sessions and learn stories and rhymes off by heart in order to develop vocabulary as well story structure. We operate a free-flow environment where the children are able to choose the areas they would like to explore, including outside. After snack and chill time, we begin our daily phonics session. 

Lunch

If your child takes up the 30 hour or flexible offer, they will stay for lunch. We ask for all preschool children to have a healthy packed lunch from home and staff known to them will be on hand to support them.

Afternoon

Again, staff will be in the continuous provision developing the children’s curiosity either outside or inside, where children can engage in activities such as painting, playing in the mud kitchen, making food with friends in the home corner or exploring the construction area – to name just a few!

End of the day

At 3.20pm the staff will be waiting to greet you at the door with a tired child, full of new experiences! If you are working your child may be able to access our paid After School Club which runs until 6pm. This is also available before school, from 7.30am, please enquire for more information.

Is your child ready to start school at 3?

Does your child need a challenge? Are they ready to learn? Contact us on 01254 233312 to register for a place or for more details. Forms can also be collected from school to apply for a place for a child who is not yet