Each Child is an individual with his or her own needs and capabilities. The small classes and high teacher-pupil ratio allow the children to be treated as individuals. In educating the children, the staff consider the whole child, so that a balanced curriculum encourages all characteristics to develop — intellectual, spiritual, physical, creative and social. The Christian ethos of the school is put into practice by a caring staff.

In these early years, much time is given to helping the children understand the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic. A balance of traditional and modern methods is used, combining the best of both. In the nursery class, great emphasis is placed on learning through play, and more formal education is introduced gradually as the children gain confidence. All pupils work at their own pace aiming to realise their full potential. National Curriculum results at Key Stage 1 in English, Mathematics and Science are well above the national averages.

Besides these subjects, schemes of work based on National Curriculum requirements in Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art, and P.E. are followed.

Working sessions are interspersed with exciting play times in the walled garden or on the school games field. The nursery has its own play area.

Smallwood Pre-prep has its own classrooms whilst sharing the beautiful manor grounds, the Chapel, swimming pool, library, dining hall, computer room, and gym with the Main School.

The older Pre-prep children learn to play the recorder whilst specialist tuition is available on a wide range of musical instruments. Other activities include ballet, short tennis, and art.

The caring environment of the Pre-prep Department encourages the Children to move confidently forward into the Main School.

Download Form of Application for Admission - Nursery Only (pdf 200k)

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