Birkenhead Prep School
The Pre-Prep
The Pre-Prep at B.P.S. is set in the delightful landscaped grounds which form part of the Birkenhead School campus.
It is housed in its own purpose-designed building which provides a bright, spacious and modern facility in which the children thrive. Each child is valued, encouraged and supported as an individual. We are a caring community. For every child, the exciting journey of their educational life begins here.
A fully qualified and dedicated staff works with the children, introducing them to a wide range of valuable learning experiences through focused activities and daily use of sand, water, paint, malleable materials, construction toys, etc.
We enrich and extend the children’s learning experiences throughout their time in Pre-Prep with outings and opportunities for which we have planned extensively.
Our Aims
We fully understand the vital importance of an effective early years education. We firmly believe that the Pre-Prep is the foundation for future development and the beginning of a continuum of learning that will benefit children throughout the primary phase and beyond.
We are committed to providing an environment which is bright, exciting, well equipped and welcoming.
We aim to promote stimulating, interesting activities where each child’s achievements can be fully recognised, developed and celebrated.
Supported by an excellent team of staff, we provide a happy, secure and caring environment in which all children learn to care for and value each other.
We recognise and value the importance of parents in the learning process and we actively encourage partnership with them in making their child’s education a unique experience.
Pre-Prep Curriculum
We aim to address all aspects of the needs of young children by ensuring that their curriculum experiences are appropriate to their stage of development. Children are learners before they came to Pre-Prep and we value and build on what they already know. The importance of play and first hand experiences are recognised in planning learning opportunities.
The Pre-Prep staff encourage and promote active learning by helping children to develop their independence and confidence, allowing them to make choices and take risks. Positive support enables children to cope with minor failures and build on their successes.
At B.P.S. we follow the QCA curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage enabling a smooth transition into our Infant Department. The Foundation Stage stresses the importance of a child’s personal, social and emotional development.The curriculum is organised into six areas of learning:
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Communication, language and literacy
- Mathematical development
- Knowledge and understanding of the world
- Physical development
- Creative development
We aim to provide a coherent curriculum that provides clear focus for learning and draws together relevant activities that contribute to the development of the whole child. Thus children are able to use and extend what they know and can do within a realistic context.
Personal social, emotional development
Children are given opportunities to grow in confidence and independence. We teach mutual respect and promote an inclusive ethos allowing each child to feel valued in such a way that a strong self-image and self-esteem are developed. There is a clear expectation of responsibility for the use and care of equipment and other people’s work and we encourage a sharing, co-operative approach to all activities. Our staff are dedicated in promoting positive attitudes, enabling children to develop effective social skills by learning how to co-operate and to work harmoniously alongside and with each other. We believe that all children have the right to experience the full range of activities and we are committed to developing your child’s sense of awareness and respect for their widening world.
Communication, language and literacy
The curriculum is planned to give children opportunities to practise speaking and listening in a range of situations and to respond appropriately to adults and to each other. Children are encouraged to extend their range of vocabulary and communication skills through a variety of activities. They are able to experience a rich variety of books and we focus on the preliminary skills that need to be fully developed before reading and writing can be taught more formally.
Mathematical Development
We provide a broad range of learning opportunities for all children to develop their understanding of number, shape, pattern, measurement and space. Planned practical activities allow children to explore, enjoy, demonstrate and practise their learning.
Knowledge and understanding of the world
We aim to stimulate children’s curiosity of the world around them and encourage them to question, explore and find out about their environment and the people and places that have significance in their lives. We incorporate a range of stimulating topics to enhance their awareness and enrich this through outings and by inviting visitors to our setting.
Physical development
Children develop co-ordination, balance, dexterity and control through a range of activities enabling them to grow in their understanding of how their bodies work and what they need to be healthy and safe. We have a range of equipment to promote physical development – for example scooters, trikes and climbing frame, and we encourage children to be outdoors whenever possible. Fine motor skills are developed through activities using equipment such as construction toys, sand, paint or playdough.
Creative development
We nurture creative development by providing the children with opportunities to confidently explore, express and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through art, design and technology, music, movement, imaginative and role play activities. They are encouraged to evaluate and appreciate their own work and that of others. In our planning and resourcing of Pre-Prep we seek to provide a challenging and enjoyable learning environment. Our dedicated staff support children’s learning through play activities and they support and extend children’s spontaneous play while assisting in developing their language and communication.
