As we return to a sense of normality, it cannot be ignored that some of the effects on our children’s learning and confidence have been profound. We offer 5 reasons (although there are more!) why we believe our setting is the right place for your child to boost their confidence, develop their social skills, and take advantage of the health benefits our rural setting provides.
1 – Outside learning
Time spent in the outdoors is needed now more than ever to maintain healthy lifestyles and build children’s natural curiosities with our natural world. Our children engage in a variety of playful experiences outside; whether it be building dens, exploring wildlife and gardening, playing on bikes, engaging in simple science experiments with water, or undertaking a range of physical exercises - making effective use of the outdoors in our woodland setting is a part of everyday learning at Stonyhurst.
2 – Swimming lessons
Is anyone else struggling to find swimming lessons for their children in the local area? Or are you stuck on a waiting list? We hear you! Every child at our Pre-Prep has the opportunity to enjoy a weekly swimming lesson in our onsite heated indoor pool; taught by qualified swimming teachers as part of the school day.
3 – Confidence building
The early years are recognised as a crucial time for children’s development, impacting their short- and long-term health and wellbeing. Our school days are full of fun where we play games, enjoy experiential learning, and always encourage individual creative expression during lessons in drama, music, art, and crafts. We see the confidence of our children grow through the many opportunities we offer; specifically through drama, music, and singing where they have the chance to showcase their talents within our professional onsite theatre.
4 – Standards of learning
Our children work and play in small class sizes under the care and guidance of experienced fully qualified teachers, allowing children to grow and flourish. Our continuous provision challenges thinking, inspires creativity, pushes boundaries, and encourages children to make independent choices. Children are able to bring their own interests and fascinations to the setting, allowing them to develop their own learning and individual interests. In the classrooms, we teach phonics, mathematics, humanities, ICT, music, and French.
5 – Wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing is at the heart of the Stonyhurst educational experience. Our teachers look after the children as if they were their own and nurture them to ensure they reach their full potential. The atmosphere within our Pre-Prep is one of compassion and great encouragement, with close, supportive and understanding relationships between teachers and children. We nurture growth in our children’s aspirations and challenge them to develop resilience. By ensuring that our boys and girls feel safe and loved we encourage them to express their views, feelings, and opinions, and, crucially, we listen when they do.
