Pre-School

My daughter is in Pre-School and is absolutely LOVING the Taekwon-Do classes that have been introduced. She comes home every Monday absolutely buzzing to show us her new skills and won’t stop talking about how much fun it is.”

Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory curriculum guidance for all children from birth to age five.  In Pre-School, this is delivered through our imaginative Creative Curriculum. Our activities are multi-sensory and fun so that children are kept engaged and enthused.  They reflect each child’s stage of development and unique learning journey. We offer a huge range of opportunities led by specialist teachers to enhance learning and introduce children to various subjects through play and exploration.  These include Phonics, French, Music, PE, Forest School, Ballet, Cycling, Library, Leaps & Bounds and Tae Kwon Do.  Children use our interactive whiteboards to enhance all areas of learning.

Partnership with Parents

At Walthamstow Hall, we understand that partnership with parents is essential for every child to reach their potential. Our Early Years team take the time to build strong face-to-face relationships with parents and carers.

We offer ‘open classroom’ every half term so that children can share their learning.

We use Famly, the digital platform, so that ‘wow’ moments can be shared instantly and feedback can be quickly given and acted upon.  We recognise that it is vital that parents and school work together as they share their child’s developmental journey.

Parents, carers and the wider school family are invited to the many productions, celebrations and assemblies held throughout the year.

Parents are invited to consultation evenings and Parent Workshop events throughout the year.  A detailed written report is provided by the Pre-School Teacher in the Summer Term.

Co-curricular Activities

Regular workshops such as author visits, dance experiences, theatre shows and hands on science events happen throughout the year to inspire, promote curiosity and promote the joy of learning.

Food

Children in Early Years have healthy snacks in the morning and afternoon.

Our nutritionally balanced snacks and menus are prepared on-site and our Early Years children eat in our family dining room.  The warm and friendly kitchen staff know all children by name and serve them individually and during mealtimes.  Children learn good table manners and how to make good food choices for a healthy body and mind.  A cooked breakfast and tea is available for those staying at school for a longer day.

Wraparound Care

We understand that family life can busy and many of our parents work or have other commitments so we offer reliable and flexible Pre-School provision all year round between 7.15am and 6.15pm.  Parents choose the sessions their children attend from a minimum of four per week.  Parents have the flexibility to choose term-time only, 50 weeks or somewhere in between.

Nursery & Pre-School Session Times

Uniform

We want children to be comfortable and able to move freely, our uniform supports our approach to learning through active play.  The Nursery and Pre-School uniform is:
Walthamstow Hall red polo shirt*, Walthamstow Hall red hoodie, black leggings or jogging bottoms in winter, black cycling shorts in summer, trainers, white socks, wellington boots. (The Walthamstow Hall red polo shirt and hoodie are available from Horncastles in Sevenoaks which has a 5% discount on uniform bought or ordered in July).

Welcoming Boys into Walthamstow Hall’s Nursery & Pre-School

Walthamstow Hall now accepts boys into its Nursery and Pre-School. 

This change has been introduced to help make life easier for busy parents.  Their young sons and daughters can now be cared for at the same place with one morning drop off and afternoon pick up, especially convenient for parents commuting from Sevenoaks station. 

There are no plans to admit boys further up the School, so Nursery and Pre-School boys will move on from Walthamstow Hall to begin in Reception class elsewhere. 

Our Forest School, outdoor play focus (whatever the weather!) and existing sports offering which includes football and cricket makes our learning environment an exciting one where all Nursery and Pre-School children can thrive.  

Walthamstow Hall Junior School remains a girls’ school and with this in mind, priority will be given to the boy siblings of our existing Early Years and Junior School pupils.  

Moving up to Reception

Walthamstow Hall Pre-School pupils are well-prepared for the start of full-time education.  Girls in Walthamstow Hall’s Nursery and Pre-School are guaranteed a place in Walthamstow Hall’s Reception class.