A Day in Pre-Prep
Building Confidence, Independence and a Love of Learning
Our Pre-Prep at Forest Park provides an exciting and supportive next step for children aged three to four as they prepare for Reception.
Building on the foundations established in Nursery, our Pre-Prep combines purposeful play, exploration and increasingly structured learning opportunities to help children develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for the next stage of their education.
As part of Forest Park Preparatory School in Sale, our Pre-Prep children benefit from a close connection to the wider school, creating a familiar and reassuring pathway into Reception.
Our Pre-Prep Curriculum
Our Pre-Prep follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with learning experiences designed to support children’s development across all seven areas of learning.
We encourage children to become enthusiastic, confident learners by combining practical activities, imaginative play and carefully planned teaching.
As children progress through Pre-Prep, we place increasing emphasis on early literacy, phonics, mathematics, communication and problem-solving, while continuing to nurture creativity, social development and physical confidence.
Developing Early Literacy and Phonics
Our carefully planned phonics programme introduces children to the foundations of reading and writing through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Children develop their listening skills, sound awareness and understanding of language through stories, songs, rhymes, games and early phonics activities.
Mark-making, drawing and early writing opportunities also help children develop the fine motor skills and confidence needed as they progress towards Reception.
Our aim is to help children develop a positive relationship with books, stories and language, creating strong foundations for future learning.
Exploring Early Mathematics
Mathematical understanding develops through practical, hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity and problem-solving.
Children explore numbers, counting, shapes, patterns, measurement and mathematical language through games, construction, creative activities and everyday routines.
By introducing mathematical concepts in meaningful and enjoyable ways, we help children develop confidence and an early understanding of how numbers and patterns relate to the world around them.
Learning Through Play and Discovery
Play continues to be an essential part of learning throughout Pre-Prep.
Our stimulating classrooms provide opportunities for independent exploration, creative expression, construction, sensory activities, imaginative play and collaborative learning.
Children are encouraged to ask questions, make decisions, solve problems and develop their own ideas, supported by experienced teachers who carefully extend and challenge their learning.
As children become increasingly confident, more structured activities help them develop concentration, independence and the ability to follow routines in preparation for Reception.
Specialist Teaching and Enrichment
Our Pre-Prep children enjoy specialist teaching in Music, PE and Spanish, introducing them to a broad range of experiences and helping them discover new interests and talents.
Outdoor learning also remains an important part of the day, with opportunities for physical activity, exploration, gardening, construction and imaginative play.
School trips and visits each term further enrich the curriculum, encouraging children to explore the wider world and develop their confidence in new environments.
Preparing for Reception
One of the greatest benefits of our Pre-Prep is the close connection with Forest Park’s Reception class.
Our Pre-Prep and Reception classrooms are interconnected, allowing children to become familiar with the next stage of school life as part of their everyday experience.
Throughout the year, children benefit from:
- Weekly Reception Visits: Regular opportunities to explore the Reception environment and become familiar with its routines.
- Transition Days and Events: Carefully planned activities that help children feel comfortable and confident about moving into Reception.
- Meet the Teacher Events: Opportunities for parents to meet the Reception team and learn more about the next stage of their child’s education.
- Teacher Handover Meetings: Close collaboration between Pre-Prep and Reception staff to ensure continuity of learning and individual support.
- Wider School Experiences: Participation in assemblies, school events, the house system and activities alongside older pupils.
A Guaranteed Place in Reception
Children attending Forest Park Pre-Prep are guaranteed a place in our Reception class, offering families reassurance and continuity throughout their child’s early education.
By the time children move into Reception, they are already familiar with the school environment, many of the staff and the daily routines, helping them approach this important transition with excitement and confidence.
Our aim is for every child to leave Pre-Prep feeling happy, secure, independent and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.
Begin Your Child’s Forest Park Journey
We warmly invite you to visit our Pre-Prep, meet our experienced team and discover how we support children as they prepare for Reception and beyond.
