One of the delights of being a Head is seeing the amazing development of our youngest pupils. At Wellingborough, our Nursery welcomes children from the age of three, so they are with us for at least a year before they take the important step into Reception. The early years of a child’s education should make the most of their naturally inquisitive nature and curiosity about the world around them.
Our wonderful Nursery staff understand the importance of emotional wellbeing and are able to nurture the children, encouraging their independent skills by providing a wealth of learning opportunities. Giving them this positive start to their learning journey sets them on a path for success in later life. By capturing the enthusiasm and interest that a young child naturally possesses, they are enabled to see that school is a positive, enriching experience and learning is fun. We help the children to develop independence of thought and self-expression while also learning the skills of collaboration and the importance of kindness.
Children at this initial stage of their education gain real benefit from the nurturing care of our Nursery staff but they also have the unique advantage of our subject teachers’ expertise. This includes weekly sessions with our music, dance and sport specialists as well as the use of the main school facilities such as the sports hall, dining hall and 20 acres of sports fields.
While our Nursery children move naturally into Reception, we also welcome some new pupils into this year group. It is during this year that the children are introduced to Spanish by our Head of Modern Foreign Languages and their PE lessons are also taught by specialist staff from our Sports Department.
Children continue their journey through the Lower Prep until the end of Year 2, by which time, they are ready for the next step – into the Upper Prep and all the excitement of Key Stage 2. This is also a natural entry point for new children. Those who join us in Year 3 are able to experience a wide curriculum which ensures that each pupil has experience in music, drama, sport, computing, and art as well as all the main curriculum subjects.
Every single child will have a talent or a particular strength and, as a school, it is important that we provide them with a range of experiences so that a spark is ignited in whatever inspires them. We can then kindle that flame and enable them to develop their talent and discover where their passion lies.
Our core value at Wellingborough Prep School is kindness and I am proud of the way in which our pupils treat others within and beyond the school community. It is vital that children learn life skills as well as subject knowledge while in the early years of their education. After all, we are preparing them for a world of work which will look very different from the current one; for them to be well-equipped they will need to be confident but not arrogant and be able to approach new situations with independence and positivity. The first few years of a child’s education are vital in establishing these values and attitudes. While at Wellingborough Prep School, we want our pupils to be happy, healthy and making progress. This is also our wish for them as they eventually take those steps out into the world as adults. If we have helped them on their way and given them the tools to succeed, then we have done our job as a school and can be proud of the caring, confident individuals that they have become.
If you are interested in your child benefiting from what we have to offer for the start of their education, please do get in touch to find out more information. Our main entry points are Nursery, Reception and Year 3 but we do have a few spaces in other year groups. Deciding which school to send your child to is something that requires a great deal of thought and the importance of the early years should not be underestimated. This time is key to providing a sound base on which to build for their future and it should be a positive, enriching experience which enables your child to see that learning is fun and is a lifelong journey of adventure.
Find out more about the early years at Wellingborough School
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