Learning through play at Colston’s Nursery By Stuart Smart, Head of Colston’s Lower School.


he Nursery Department at Colston’s Lower School is as popular as ever, with a limit of 24 places at any one time.


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We continually upgrade facilities, both indoors and outdoors, and know how important it is that the children feel happy, settled and comfortable – and have fun!


Under the guidance of a qualified teacher and her classroom assistants, they follow a carefully structured Foundation Stage with the emphasis on planned play.


Young children learn through play, and each activity we introduce has a learning focus. This provides the right foundation for the Reception Classes and beyond where the curriculum gradually becomes more formal, providing children with strong basic skills and preparing them for Key Stage 2.


The transition to Reception works well because


Deputy Head, Martin Weavers with Colston’s Lower School pupils


the Nursery is an integral part of Colston’s Lower School. From the very start of their time with us, Nursery children are able to join in with the rest of the Lower School for assemblies and a range of other events.


Colston’s Upper School is two minutes away, and it is not unusual for Sixth Formers to come over and spend time with the little ones. Some of the 18-year-olds will themselves have gone all the way through the school from the Nursery.


Colston’s is a school for the family, and that close bond is firmly established at Nursery and Reception levels.


Small Steps 25


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