Curriculum at Close Lea

The Pre-Preparatory Department at Close Lea House retains the broad intellectual tradition of Rastrick Preparatory School. We believe that the Early Years are crucial in terms of successful intellectual and social development and Close Lea House will represent the foundation stage of this process.

We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum which adheres to the Early Years Foundation Stage of Education as laid down by the National Curriculum. This curriculum is in the form of the Six Areas of Learning, for children aged 3-5 years. The curriculum policy is available on request, is are The Early Years Foundation Stage document.

We place strong emphasis on personal, social and emotional development and the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. A balance of opportunities will be provided to develop creative and performing skills in art, information communication technology, design technology, music, drama, dance, singing, Science, history, geography and PE. Your child’s spiritual, moral and social well-being will be appropriately fostered too. Integrated with this..

We observe your child and assess continuity and progression. We report your child’s achievements to you continually. We issue written reports twice yearly, we also issue invitations to Open Days, to discuss your child and a formal/informal invitation if required to discuss your child’s report and progress.

The Early Years Foundation Stage

Pre-National Curriculum work and The Early Years Foundation Stage for Under Fives as set out by QCA) is begun, including French. This education is through play and includes all the pre-requisite skills such as language and social development.

Children are placed in an environment which closely resembles that of home. Parental love, care and aspirations are reflected in our commitment and complemented by our expert professional knowledge of the needs of the ‘whole’ child.

Children visit the Main School regularly. They are involved in all school productions and other events such as external visits, Sports Day, Awards Evening and the Summer Production.

On Friday afternoons Lower Kindergarten visit Main School and are able to take part in a ‘sports’ afternoon of dance and movement and gymnastics. A Birthday assembly is held with Kindergarten to end the day.

Regular visitors such as Tufty, the Fireman, the Policeman and other interesting people enjoy coming to Close Lea House.

Class Sizes

We have classes of 26 children, as determined by Ofsted, with a ratio of one adult to 13 children. However, our ratio is frequently much lower than this: your child will often work and play in a group of 4-6 children with one adult.

The ratio of adults to children is:

• 2 – 3 years 1: 4
• 4 years 1: 8
• Classes with Qualified Teachers and Nursery Nurses: 1: 13