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Early Years

Nurturing the foundations of excellence

Our outstanding Early Years educational programmes and caring staff, nurture every child during these crucial years, helping them develop and grow.

When children join us in Nursery or our Reception Class, our priorities are to ensure they are happy and positive at school, and to nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them.

It can be easy to forget how exciting the world is when you’re three or four, but one look at the delight on our pupils’ faces as they learn and master new skills is a wonderful reminder.

At St Mary’s we aim to instil a love of learning for life in every one of our pupils, and it’s essential to lay a strong foundation for this passion as children embark on the first steps of their educational journey.

Unlock the best start for your child


Explore our Early Years Programme and ignite your child's educational journey today.

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Early Years Excellence

Nursery

The Nursery at St. Mary’s is a very special place, the warm and nurturing environment is evident as soon as you step through the door. Our experienced staff ensure that our youngest children’s first experience within an educational setting is an outstandingly positive one.

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Children thrive, learning to become increasingly independent and confident learners, enjoying French, Music and PE with our specialist teachers. Weekly outdoor learning sessions offer the children the opportunity to spend time outside, running, getting muddy and enjoying a sense of adventure with their friends.

When the time comes, the children make a seamless transition into our Reception Class, familiar with both the school and teaching team, and settling quickly into their new routine.

Reception

Children in Reception enjoy a more structured learning environment, although the emphasis continues to be on building confidence and independence, learning through play in a stimulating classroom environment.

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At this stage, we introduce the children to specialist Drama lessons, in addition to the French, Music and PE teaching that begins in Nursery. We believe that regular participation in Drama classes builds children’s confidence exponentially, developing interpersonal skills that are essential as they move through the school.

Learning outside the classroom is a hugely valuable part of children’s early years experiences, a chance to gain confidence and make memories.

Our children flourish in a happy and nurturing environment, building the skills that they will need to continue their learning journey through the school.

I would describe St Mary's School as outstanding! It is just the most fantastic nursery! The teaching staff are so dedicated, totally committed to each child's individual needs, nurturing and genuinely caring for them.

–  Early Years Parent, St Mary’s Preparatory School

Personalised learning

Our teachers and their assistants, who are all paediatric first aid trained, are able to work closely with every child in Nursery and Reception.

Small class sizes and high staff ratios allow us to provide a truly individualised approach for each child and ensure they reach their academic potential.

The use of specialist teachers from Nursery helps children not only develop their knowledge outside the main curriculum, but also sees them grow in confidence, gain independence and become an integral part of the St Mary’s community.

A seamless transition

We’re mindful that the transition to school can be just as much of a challenge for parents as it is for children, so we’ll make sure you are involved at every stage of your child’s education.

You’ll be actively encouraged to chat with our teachers and other support staff when you drop off or collect your child, giving you a chance to pass on and receive information in an informal and friendly setting, and we’ll regularly update you about what we get up to in and out of the classroom through the Tapestry app.

Parent & Pupil Feedback

100%

Parents agree that:


  • the school safeguards their children effectively.

  • the school helps their children to be confident and independent.

  • the range of subjects is suitable for their child.

  • their child is well prepared for senior school.

  • the school equips their child with the skills they need later in life.

★

100% pupils agree that the school expects the children to behave well.

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Shape a bright future for your child

Book a personal tour today to discover excellence in education, experience our nurturing community, and envision a future full of promise for your child.

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“I cannot rate this Nursery highly enough. I couldn't be happier; it was the right decision above and beyond all the other nurseries in the area that we visited.”

–  Parent, Early Years at St Mary’s Preparatory School

Unlock Your Child's Potential

Discover the enriching journey your child will embark on

through the various school stages at St. Mary’s Preparatory School.

Your child's learning journey
...
Early Years

2 - 4 yrs old

...
Pre-Prep

4 - 7 yrs old

...
Prep

7 - 11 yrs old

...
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St Mary’s School Henley