Highclare Pre-Preparatory School
An enhanced childhood Highclare Pre-Preparatory School is an exciting and marvellous place, an extraordinary environment where your child's educational journey will begin. Each day, dedicated teachers prepare the pre-prep classrooms with activities full of wonder. An abundance of opportunities to play and discover, where learning is present at every opportunity and your child's well-being is our upmost priority. Through a caring and happy environment we prepare your child academically, socially, physically and emotionally. Igniting that first flame of passion for learning and a curiosity about the world around them.
'We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun' Winnie the Pooh
Location, location, location Children can attend Highclare Pre-Prep from the September after their second birthday to the age of 4 at either Highclare Preparatory School: Woodfield or Highclare Preparatory School: St Paul's. Both our schools operate in parallel, with each prep-prep delivering the same high standard of care and education. Parents often make their school decision based on convenience. Situated at the heart of the school community, we provide many opportunities for the whole pre-prep community to come together to celebrate events and to utilise our shared facilities.
Small class sizes, big experiences.
Our size allows for a place where every pupil is known, and every pupil is valued. Small class sizes mean each child has individual attention, with the curriculum tailored to their needs. The unique qualities of each and every pupil are celebrated and encouraged, helping each grow and develop in the way that is best for them, at Highclare no child ever gets 'lost in a crowd'.
Getting it right, right from the start At Highclare Pre-Prep we guide each child through a stimulating and varied curriculum, allowing children to gain an understanding of the world around them at their own pace. Even the youngest child in pre-prep is encouraged to think for themselves, to ask questions and to take age appropriate 'risks' in a supportive and safe environment. The early years of a child’s education are crucial to their future development, enjoyment and achievement. Character-traits such as imagination, resilience, kindness, awareness, free-thinking, ambition, confidence, perseverance, cooperation, curiosity and empathy are embedded throughout the school, and this commences in our pre-prep.
A safe environment Parents find Highclare Pre-Prep an extremely welcoming environment. Our small classes afford teachers quality time to spend with each child during the school day and with parents as needed. We understand how important it is for you to be kept updated of your child’s progress and happiness. Communication diaries are shared with parents daily to ensure a constant link between home and school. In addition, daily records are kept to provide parents with information about their child, and we offer an open door policy – parents are welcome to visit at any time.
Here for you, every step of the way At Highclare Pre-Prep we accept children as rising threes and these, our youngest pupils, join our Cygnets group anytime following the September after their second birthday. Children joining our Swans group will celebrate their 4th birthday during their time in this class. Our staff ratios, which are 1:4 for Cygnets and 1:8 for Swans, enables us to welcome and nurture each child into the Highclare family and allows children to settle quickly into our stimulating and loving setting. Learning at our pre-prep consists of sessions from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm. We’re open 51 weeks a year, or term time-only places are available if preferred. Full and part time sessions are an option with a minimum of five sessions required per week. We also accept the government funded 30 hours free childcare scheme for those wanting a full time place. All sessions include food, drinks and nappies. Our freshly cooked meals are prepared on-site by our school chef who will be happy to discuss any dietary requirements your child may have.
A typical day at Highclare Pre-Prep If you speak with our inspirational EYFS teachers they will tell you there is no such thing as a typical day at Highclare PrePrep. Children are encouraged to have the confidence to explore, develop and share their interests, allowing curiosity to be developed and both child-initiated and adult-initiated learning to take place. Daily numeracy and phonic sessions, activities in our indoor and outdoor environments and lessons taught by specialist teachers in dance, music and modern foreign languages ensure children make incredible progress in relation to their ability. All children work towards the Early Learning Goals set out in the EYFS statutory framework through our creative curriculum.
An enriched curriculum The pre-prep curriculum is enriched by: regular educational visitors events to which parents are invited celebration assemblies nativities class performances numerous trips Throughout the year children enjoy trips around the main site to the school library and gymnasium, as well as off-site trips to the local area. Utilising our fleet of mini buses, offsite visits to local parks and farms all extend your child's experience and complement classroom topics.
The Highclare Difference: our holistic philosophy Our philosophy of educating the whole person – nurturing the emotional, physical and spiritual intelligence as well as the academic, aligned with exceptional pastoral care – enables us to unlock each child's potential at every step of their journey through school life, starting in our pre-pep. We aspire to equip our children with the skills to make a positive difference in an ever-changing world.
Admissions We are delighted that you may be considering an application for your child to join Highclare Pre-Preparatory School. Parents are always welcome to visit, and you can make an appointment to tour the school and meet with our leadership team by contacting the Admissions Team on 0121 386 8218 / 0121 373 7400 or by emailing admissions@highclareschool.co.uk. We welcome enquiries about admissions to all classes in the school, from pre-prep upwards at any time of the year.
"I’m incredibly overwhelmed with the support I’ve received from Mrs Harris as well as all the Swan & Cygnet Team this term, therefore I want to look at increasing the sessions again from November onwards, as Sebastian has shown such motivation and intellect that it’s all evident to Highclare pre-prep!" Miss Williams, Pre-Prep Parent
Ready to fly The continued small class sizes that offers individual attention and the embedded Highclare ethos all facilitate a smooth learning transition when children make the move from pre-prep to Reception. Minimal disruption to learning and a positive approach to the next stage on their educational journey all ensure your child enjoys a happy and healthy attitude towards their educational future.
Highclare Pre-Preparatory School 0121 386 8218 / 0121 373 7400 admissions@highclareschool.co.uk www.highclareschool.co.uk