The Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage covers the ages from three to five years and at Somerhill Pre-prep encompasses Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception. All the children follow the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Our youngest children start their formal education on a part-time basis, attending two or three mornings a week. The nursery is in a large airy room opening directly onto the courtyard, where the children have access to many outdoor activities including sit and ride vehicles, sand play, small world play and equipment to develop their gross and fine motor skills. The children learn through exciting “hands on” activities both inside and out, well supported and encouraged by our highly qualified staff. The emphasis is on learning through play. The children are encouraged to look at the world around them and learn about baby animals and growth. They begin to learn about the weather and seasons and the festivals we celebrate. We create a fun environment where children are encouraged to be independent, polite and inquisitive, whilst being secure and safe at all times. Even at the early age of three the children benefit from specialist music teaching, enjoy a sports day and their first school visit to the zoo in the summer term!

The transition to Kindergarten is easy as it is housed on the opposite side of the courtyard. The children are already very familiar with their surroundings and increase their time to five mornings a week. They begin to make greater use of our extensive grounds and play areas. The children enjoy exploratory walks and observe the changing seasons. They learn through doing and therefore much of the curriculum is planned through practical activities. The children enjoy painting and creative artwork, music and dance. The love of books and language is high on the agenda as is the understanding of number.

The children learn about animals through visits to farms. They can also be seen scouring the grounds for mini- beasts to observe through lenses! The children are active learners and welcome visitors into their classroom. They grow in confidence and entertain parents with a Christmas performance. The children show their sporting expertise in the summer term.

The Reception year presents the children with new challenges, not only in terms of a different building but with new routines and expectations. The children become fulltime pupils, who attend school assemblies, have school lunches and sometimes join with the older children to enjoy theatre and author visits. Although learning is still planned through play and practical activity there is greater emphasis on literacy and mathematical development.

The children learn both inside and out and begin to investigate and experiment and predict outcomes in their work. Their work involves a variety topics including looking at old toys, and their own family tree to foster a sense of history. We study habitats and visit Tyland Barn to take part in pond dipping and bug hunting. We look at the geography of Somerhill and compare it to Camber Sands where we make a visit in the summer term. We enjoy Pirate Day, the Chinese New Year and the festival of Divali. The children gain great pleasure from Book Day and Poetry Week. They enjoy performing both at Christmas and in the Summer term in their class assembly.

Our children are offered a broad and balanced curriculum where care and consideration for others is as important as academic achievement. Children learn best when they are happy and involved and this is the kind of atmosphere we promote at Somerhill.