Preschool

Building Confidence Through Care, Curiosity, and Connection

At this vital stage in your child’s development, our team channels their energy into creating a fun, nurturing, and engaging environment. We know that joy and play are the foundations of curiosity—and curiosity is key to learning.

Children learn through play, guided by the expertise and experience of our dedicated staff. We focus on building the confidence and independence that will support them in reaching—and going beyond—the Early Years Foundation Stage goals. When children feel safe, happy, and valued at preschool, they’re more likely to move into their next stage of learning with enthusiasm and a love for discovery.

Just as important as our relationship with your child is the partnership we form with you. Open communication, mutual respect, and shared reflections help us work together to support your child’s development. We take time to listen, observe, and reflect with families to ensure that each child receives the individual attention and care they need to thrive.

Key Principles

• Care, nurture, and consideration lie at the heart of everything we do, fostering warm relationships and emotional security.
• Listening and reflection guide our approach—both with children and in our ongoing dialogue with parents.
• We plan highly engaging activities using the exceptional facilities and specialist resources available at Holmwood House School and Holmwood Nursery.
• We place a strong focus on developing communication and language, fine and gross motor skills, and personal, social and emotional development—laying important skill foundations for future learning.
• We spend lots of time exploring outside, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and a love for the natural world.

Play-based inquiry and storytelling spark imagination and critical thinking, both indoors and outdoors.
Together with you, we aim to provide your child with the very best start—a joyful, secure foundation from which to grow, explore, and flourish.

Confidence, Curiosity, and School Readiness

As children move into the next stage of Nursery at Holmwood House (ages 3–4), they begin to take bold steps towards greater independence, deeper thinking, and readiness for school life. Building on the secure and nurturing foundation formed in our 2–3-year-old provision, this stage is all about growth—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Our passionate and experienced Nursery team is dedicated to supporting the holistic development of every child. We create an environment where children are encouraged to explore their ideas, work with others, and grow in confidence—skills that are essential for a smooth and successful transition into Reception.

Our Nursery experience goes far beyond a traditional setting. Children enjoy a wide range of enriching experiences, including sessions led by subject specialists in Music and Movement, PE and Languages, delivered by our Holmwood House School staff. These opportunities enrich each child’s learning experience, providing meaningful progression across key developmental areas and laying the groundwork for confident, successful transitions into the next stage of their education.

Key Principles

• A strong emphasis on school readiness, with particular focus on building the emotional resilience, social awareness, and independence children need to thrive in a Reception classroom.
• A well-balanced approach that blends structured learning with purposeful play, supporting skills such as turn-taking, sharing, listening, following instructions, and group collaboration.
• A responsive, child-led learning environment where each child’s unique strengths, interests, and pace are respected—while gently introducing more formal elements like early phonics, numeracy, and problem-solving.
• Rich, multi-sensory experiences that encourage creativity, exploration, and discovery, both indoors and in our outdoor learning spaces.
• Specialist-led sessions in Music and Movement, Languages, and PE, helping children develop physical coordination, self-expression, and confidence.
• Strong, supportive relationships with staff and peers that help to develop empathy, emotional regulation, and self-confidence—key building blocks for future learning.
• A clear, intentional path from exploratory play to more purposeful learning, ensuring that each child is emotionally, socially, and developmentally prepared for the step into Reception.

Our aim is for every child to move forward from this stage not only ready for school—but eager and excited for what comes next: confident, curious, and full of enthusiasm for learning.

Baby Room

Bluebells

Poppies