Achieving success, creating futures together

Woolden Ferns Pre-School caters for up to 30 children in a session. The children are cared for by a qualified Early Years Lead Teacher and a qualified Early Years Practitioners. All Pre-school staff are trained paediatric first aiders.

Woolden Ferns offers provision in morning, afternoon and full day sessions. The Pre-School provides care and early education for children working within the required guidelines for the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum. As the Pre-School is part of the main school, Woolden Ferns works closely with Reception pupils who have started school. This helps children to be well-prepared for school life when they leave the Pre-School.

Ferns is registered with Ofsted as part of the main school and therefore share a registration number. Our staffing to child ratio meets the Early Years guidance for three to four-year old children, to ensure that the children get the very best support to thrive

Woolden Ferns Pre-School is a term time only Pre-School. Just like Woolden Hill Primary School, Ferns is part of Discovery Schools Trust. This enables the Pre-School to work closely with other Pre-Schools in the Trust and provide an enriched curriculum.

Once the children are ready to start primary school, we hope that they will attend Woolden Hill Primary school. However, attending Woolden Ferns does not guarantee an automatic place for Woolden Hill Primary School. Parents and Carers will need to apply for a school place through the Local Authority who will use the admissions policy criteria.

Woolden Ferns Pre-School aims to nurture children’s deep desire to learn, experiment, socialise and gain independence. The wide and varied range of activities we offer provide children with not only a basic grounding in numbers and letters, but a wealth of learning experiences, allowing them to progress to their next stage of education with a sense of achievement and confidence. All our activities are designed to cover multiple areas of the curriculum at any one time, to ensure each child can achieve and access all areas of learning.

Emphasis is placed on the development of every child’s self-esteem and independence, and they are strongly encouraged to be kind and caring to one another in a positive and nurturing environment. Children work and play together in a happy, relaxed and positive atmosphere in which encouragement abounds and where the environment supports their learning. Animals play a big role in growing emotional and social development. We currently have two rabbits as pets and often welcome visiting animals for the children to care for.

Children are taught by dedicated, enthusiastic and professionally qualified staff in a spacious and well resourced environment. Our curriculum is child-centred, and we plan for each child’s future, through activities that are directly linked to their interests and needs. This all combines to help us provide the highest standard of start to education for each child.

The outdoor area is open throughout the day and has a large natural area for the children to explore and learn in. Resources are age appropriate and offer a wide range of experiences for the children. Woolden Ferns also have access to Forest School sessions, to support their learning experiences.

Parents are an integral part of the education process. In recognition of this important role, parental involvement is actively sought, encouraged and welcomed. The Pre-School will use Tapestry to support communication and for sharing achievements between the Pre-School and home. This will be a celebration of the learning journey for each child and will support their transition to school.

Woolden Ferns Pre-School strongly believe that this vision will ensure that children will enter primary school with the necessary skills for lifelong learning.