Early Years

Breadth, depth and balance

Welcome to Early Years

Our Nursery welcomes children from the age of three. Children can do a different number of days through the week and the school day itself consists of a combination of morning and/or afternoon sessions. Throughout the day, the children are learning and building on every imaginable skill – from developing fine motor skills to interacting with others.

Funded Early Education (FEE)

In partnership with Wiltshire County Council, Chafyn Grove offers the Funded Early Education (FEE) grant. This is available up to a maximum of 15 hours per week, for six terms, from the term after a child’s third birthday and is subject to the completion of the relevant SCC Declaration Form each term. Our funded hours are provided in the mornings between 8.30am and 11.30am. If you are not claiming FEE hours from an alternative provider the 15 hours will be fully funded and there will be no extra cost. Parents/carers may use the Tax Free Childcare to access funding.

The small group sizes and consistency of a fully qualified teacher-led environment enables children to attempt a range of enjoyable activities which include cookery, French, ICT, woodland adventures, swimming, messy play and mindfulness. As well as teacher-guided activities, the children have the opportunities to exercise their learning in the direction they choose, through child-initiated activities and regular unstructured free-play.

There is also the opportunity to socialise with the other children of the pre-prep whom they thoroughly enjoy playing with (and being looked after by – in addition to the teachers). The learning experience of mixing during play-times and sitting at a table for cooked lunch is invaluable and one which makes Chafyn Grove an authentic family community. Between these times, the nursery children also benefit from specialist teachers for Music, PE, French and ICT.

Most children doing both a morning and afternoon session will have a day that runs from 8.30am till 3.30pm, however wrap-around care is available from 7.30am till 6pm if needed. At the beginning of term, you sign up for the sessions you require each week; extra sessions are available by arrangement and availability. The earlier and later sessions are Nursery-friendly and staffed by an adult with whom your child will be familiar.

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY

Breakfast Club	7.30 am – 8.00 am
Early Care	8.00 am – 8.25 am
Registration	8.25 am
Lessons and Activities	8.30 am – 10.50 am
Morning Snack Time	Towards end of first session
Playtime	10.50 am – 11.20 am
Lessons and Activities	11.15 am – 11.55 am
Lunch	12 pm
Play-time	12.30 pm -1.20 pm
Lessons and Activities (including snack and short break)	1.20 pm – 3.00 pm
Assembly	3.00 pm – 3.15 pm
End of Day / Story	3.15 pm – 3.30 pm
After School Club	3.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Later stay club	4.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Supper	5.30 pm – 6.00 pm

Major Minors

Come along to our toddler music group each week on a Thursday morning (term-time only). This wonderful groups is led by our very talented Head of Music Ms Arch. Major Minors is welcome to all and free to attend. Come along to our Pre-Prep and enjoy singing, musical instruments and movements. Refreshments available.

Ages 0-4 welcome

Thursday, term time only at 9.10 – 10.30am

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FAQs

What will happen on my child’s first day?

We recommend a taster session before starting, of an easily manageable length. Your child will settle quickly once you have left, but we appreciate how difficult this can be for both parties sometimes. Please communicate any concerns you have in advance and we shall accommodate them carefully.

How will I know if my child is happy?

When you collect your child, the teacher will share this with you. If appropriate, they will contact you during the day to reassure you on this important point.

Can my child still have a nap after lunch?

Of course – we have a number of options available as a quiet area to enable this.

Should my child be out of nappies before joining?

Yes please. The expectation is that children are fully toilet trained, confident using the toilet and wearing pants rather than pull ups or nappies in the daytime prior to joining. Of course, we fully understand that accidents can happen, and that help is sometimes needed by young children. We are equipped to deal with these matters sensitively and effectively if required.

Do I have to wait for an Open Day to visit?

No – every day is an open day. We do have termly Open and Activity days, as well as a weekly pre-prep open morning each Friday. However, we recommend contacting the school office and arranging a visit whenever suits you best.