Nursery and Preschool

“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.”

Welcome to

Little Wrens at the Nest 

We are proud to offer care and education for pupils aged 3-5 years.

Our setting has been specifically designed for our children and it aims to ignite their curiosity and spark a love of learning.  Our bespoke curriculum offers children a wealth of experiences so that they develop a secure understanding of the wider world. 

We have high expectations for our children and we want them to soar on wings likes eagles.   Through the excellent provision and caring relationships, we endeavour to provide a strong, positive start to their school life.  We work closely with parents and carers to ensure a smooth transition into Nursery and we work together, as partners, to secure the best possible outcomes.

Transition into Reception is seamless as the same staff work with the Reception children.  They know their strengths and how they learn best.    

Our small numbers allow us to offer a personalised approach.  We offer home visits to every new starter, along with taster sessions, so that children feel comfortable, valued and safe.  At St Paul’s we offer a home from home where every child can flourish. 

To find out more, please call or email to arrange an appointment. 

We look forward to showing you around! 

Our Long Term Planning 2022-23:

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum 2021 is a framework for learning, development, and care for children aged birth to five years in England. It covers seven areas of learning –

• personal, social, and emotional development
• communication and language
• physical development
• understanding the world
• expressive arts and design
• literacy
• mathematics

At St. Paul's CofE Primary school, Utkinton and Cotebrook, the EYFS curriculum is implemented through a play-based approach, where children learn through exploration, experimentation, and discovery. The curriculum is tailored to the individual needs and interests of each child, and we use observations and assessments to plan and provide engaging learning experiences through adult led and continuous provision.

In the Little Wrens class, which is a mixed pre-school and reception class with ages ranging from three to five years old, children are encouraged to develop these skills through a holistic approach individualised to the child’s unique interests and abilities.

Our Early Years Ethos

At Little Wrens, we strive to ignite children’s natural curiosity and love of learning through nurturing a love of nature and the outdoors. We understand that creativity flourishes in the midst of natural beauty, and we embrace this ethos wholeheartedly. At the heart of our approach is our Christian faith, which teaches us to care for and respect the world around us.

What is a ‘Key Person’ in Little Wren’s at The Nest?

In the Early Years Foundation Stage at St. Paul's CofE Primary School, Utkinton and Cotebrook, the role of the key person is to support the development of pre-school and reception children. The key person is responsible for building a positive relationship with each individual child, providing a secure and nurturing environment where they can learn and grow at their own pace.

The key person is the primary carer for the child in the early years setting, providing comfort and support when necessary, setting up daily routines, and ensuring that all child's needs are met. They work closely with parents and carers to share information about the child's progress, interests, and needs, and to ensure continuity of care between home and school.

Having a key person in the Early Years setting is important because it helps children to settle into the environment and develop positive relationships with other children and adults. The key person acts as a point of contact for the child and their family, providing support and advice during the transition from home to school and beyond.

Furthermore, having a key person in the Early Years setting helps to support the child's learning and development. They work closely with the child to identify their interests, strengths, and areas for development, creating a tailored approach to learning that meets the individual needs of each child. The key person also provides opportunities for learning through play, exploration, and experimentation, encouraging children to develop independence, confidence and self-esteem.

In essence, building positive, trusting relationships with our children and families is at the core of our nurturing ethos in the Little Wren’s at The Nest. These positive relationships help to provide a nurturing, caring and supportive environment for children, promoting their development. Mrs.Chaloner and Mrs. Hughes, as the key persons in your classroom, play an instrumental role in ensuring that your pre-school children have a positive and rewarding experience, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Sharing your Child's Learning Journey 

In Pre-School and Reception we use the online learning journey, Tapestry. We record children's acheivments and next steps through photos and observations. Parents and Carers can access and add photos and comments via the Tapestry App.  

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