The Early Years

Welcome to Early Years learning at the Marist.  

Our aim is to ensure that each child completing their Early Years education fulfils their potential and leaves feeling loved, valued and able to contribute to life in the Marist Preparatory School.

It is our firm belief that even the youngest children have a right to a high quality, enjoyable, education.  Early Years learning at the Marist is focused on the areas of development recommended by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and provides an appropriate foundation for children’s later achievement.  Strong emphasis is placed on learning through play both indoors and outdoors.  We have a high staff/pupil ratio and we provide our youngest learners with active opportunities for discovery and exploration in a settled, safe and very happy environment. 

Each term new topics and activities are introduced.   Our girls learn about a new cultural topic each term.  Past activities have included making lights for Diwali, painting animals and making lanterns for Chinese New Year and also learning flamenco dancing!  All activities are designed to be fun and an interactive way of teaching about different countries and cultures.  A range of enjoyable activities and outings are organised for the girls to help further their understanding. Some of the recent trips we've enjoyed include visits to Birdworld, Odds Farm Park and visiting the Look Out Discovery Centre.  We often visit people in our community to learn about the jobs they do including the dentist and the fire station for example.

Girls can start their Early Years education at 2½ years of age.  Morning and afternoon sessions are both available. There is a lunchtime club and before and after school wrap around care too.  Ofsted inspected our Early Years classes in April 2005 and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted an inspection of the Preparatory School during May, 2008. In every area of learning we were awarded the highest possible grading. The reports confirm our commitment to excellence in all areas of teaching and learning and reflect the rich enviroment that our girls enjoy. To view the Ofsted report, and the ISI report for the Marist Preparatory School, please click on this link:  http://www.isi.net/report/0650.htm 

If you and your daughter would like to come and visit us, please contact the School Office on 01344 626137.

With best wishes,

Debby Kennett (Head of Early Years)