Nursery and Pre-Prep at Forest Park
At Forest Park Preparatory School, our Nursery and Pre-Prep provide a warm, nurturing and stimulating start to education, where children are encouraged to explore, develop their independence and build a genuine love of learning.
We welcome children from the term in which they turn two, offering families high-quality care and education within the supportive environment of our wider school. Our Nursery and Pre-Prep provision is open for 48 weeks of the year, providing greater flexibility for families.
Our Nursery and Pre-Prep children enjoy welcoming, purpose-designed classrooms alongside a spacious outdoor environment, including a large covered area and outdoor classroom. These spaces provide plenty of opportunities for children to learn through play, exploration and discovery, both indoors and outside.
Led by Mrs Richardson, our dedicated Nursery and Pre-Prep team takes the time to get to know every child. We work closely with families to understand each child’s individual interests, strengths and needs, helping them develop confidence, independence and the foundations they need for the next stage of their education.
Nursery: 2–3 years
Our Nursery welcomes children from the term in which they turn two and provides a gentle, nurturing introduction to life at Forest Park. At this stage, there is a strong emphasis on learning through play, developing communication and language, building confidence and encouraging children to become increasingly independent.
Children have plenty of opportunities to explore, create, play and spend time outdoors, with activities designed around their individual interests and stages of development.
Pre-Prep: 3–4 years
Our Pre-Prep is for children aged three to four in the year before they start Reception. Building on the foundations established in Nursery, children are introduced to more structured learning opportunities while continuing to learn through purposeful play, exploration and discovery.
We support children in developing their early literacy and mathematical skills, communication, independence and confidence, helping them to become well prepared for the transition into Reception and the next stage of school life.
Learning in Nursery and Pre-Prep
Our youngest children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with learning and activities carefully planned around the seven areas of development:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Our classrooms are designed to encourage continuous provision and independent learning, with opportunities for creative activities, construction, sensory play, early literacy and mathematics, technology and imaginative play. Children are encouraged to make choices, explore their own interests and become increasingly independent as they progress through Nursery and Pre-Prep.
Learning also extends beyond the classroom. Children benefit from specialist teaching in PE, music, Spanish and computing, introducing them to a wide range of experiences from an early age and helping them discover new interests and talents.
Our outdoor spaces provide regular opportunities for active learning and physical development, helping children build coordination, confidence and an understanding of healthy lifestyles. Trips and visits further enrich the curriculum, giving children exciting opportunities to explore the wider world. Recent outings have included Smithills Farm and Knowsley Safari Park.
Throughout Nursery and Pre-Prep, we work in partnership with parents to support each child’s learning and development, creating a strong connection between home and school.
Most importantly, our Nursery and Pre-Prep form part of the wider Forest Park community. Children become familiar with school life from an early age, building relationships, confidence and a sense of belonging as they prepare for the next stage of their journey at Forest Park.
