Due to a significant increase in demand, Pocklington Pre-School, near York, has grown from one to two reception classes and from September 2021 will be accepting 15 hours of government-funded childcare per week. The funding is for three and four-year-old Pre-School pupils and can be used for a maximum of 3 hours a day over five days per week. These funded sessions will run from 8.30am until 11.30am and can be used as part of half or full day care.
Whilst at Pocklington Pre-School the children are cared for by skilled, specialist subject teachers and have access to their own outdoor area which has been developed to provide both a stimulating learning environment and a safe space to play. Children participate in daily phonics sessions using the ‘Read, Write Inc’ programme, along with daily one-to-one, personalised learning and practical, multi-sensory maths.
The Pre-School classrooms sit within the Pocklington Prep School building, located on the Pocklington School campus on West Green. Imaginative and comprehensive learning programmes utilise all aspects of a carefully designed setting. Bright, welcoming classrooms, access to a purpose-built theatre, swimming pool, sports hall and acres of playing fields provide children with endless opportunities to build on their interests and talents from their very first days in Pre-School.
During the Pre-School’s afternoon sessions, children participate in a range of specialist activities such as its popular Forest School, swimming lessons, music workshops and the new ‘Mind, Body and Soil’ programme.
Also from September, the Pre-School will run a series of six weekly sessions for pre-school age children in the local area. The sessions are free of charge, will run on Tuesday mornings and will change on a half-termly basis. They will include Forest School, Sunny Days Outdoor Play, Music Makers, Sticky Fingers Craft and Story Time.
Suzy Ward, Head of Pocklington Prep School said: “The breadth of experience our Pre-Schoolers receive is exceptional. By making the move to accept 15 hours of government funded childcare per week, we’re making it even easier for families to access our wonderful teaching and facilities, situated in a safe, rural setting. The Pre-School is a vibrant place, providing excellence in early years education and enabling a smooth transition into Reception class – our children are truly ‘school ready’ by the time they start in Reception with us.”
With the opportunity for children to access both sessional and full day care, from 8am to 5.45pm, the Pre-School offers flexibility of provision and the best start for children as they join the Pre-School ‘family’.
For further information about Pocklington Pre-School visit https://www.pocklingtonschool.com/prep-school/pre-prep-school, contact Gemma Briggs on 01759 322621 or email briggsg@pocklingtonschool.com