Pre-school
Pre-school Education at Dicky Birds
All our of our sites offer pre-school education for children 3 to 5 years of age.
Our New Malden, Surbiton and Wilmbledon nurseries offer full day care. Children attending these nurseries who have over 3 years of age will receive pre school education as below.
Our Raynes Park nursery offers term time only care to 2 to 5 year olds.
Pre School Education - The Foundation Stage - a curriculum for 3 to 5 year olds set by the Department For Education & Employment
The Foundation Stage acts as a guide by which nursery staff/teachers and parents can monitor a child's progress. Each year we invite parents to attend workshops at our annual Foundation Stage Evening to discuss our curriculum and ethos, and generally exchange views.
The Foundation Stage prepares children for mainstream school and is structured around six key areas of learning. The QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) have identified ‘stepping stones' of progress towards early-learning goals. Dickybirds's pre-school curriculum is based upon the following early learning goals:
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Communication, language and literacy
- Mathematical development
- Knowledge and understanding of the world
- Physical development
- Creative development
Once your child turns 3 years of age we will forward you all the necessary information regarding the above curriculum. Should you wish to arrange a meeting to discuss the next two years of your child's education, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with the manager of your nursery (see Contact Us page for details of how to do this).
How We Work with You and Your Child
Keyworker groups - Keyworker groups are set up within each room. Keyworkers document your child's progress. It is of great importance to us that your child should have the choice to identify which carer they wish to form a close relationship with, therefore your child's Keyworker may change many times. Because we are a small nursery your Keyworkers will probably be two special carers, who will be available at either end of the day to support your child and his/her needs.
Parents' Evenings - These take place twice a year and provide an excellent opportunity for you to discuss your child's overall development, as well as view a selection of their masterpieces.
Parents' Clinics - Parent's clinics were introduced at our nurseries in 2004, to operate on selected days each month, by appointment only. As parents you may have concerns or questions that need to be discussed, or you may simply wish to talk about aspects of your child's progress one-to-one with the nursery manager. For an appointment please contact the office on 020 8942 5779.
