school life
pre-prep
In our nurturing environment, children from Reception to Year 2 grow in confidence, inspired by a genuine love of school and learning. Guided by our shared values of curiosity, compassion and courage, children celebrate each other’s efforts, developing respect for people around them and a sense of responsibility for both themselves and the wider school community.
Inspiring a love of learning from the very beginning
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Shared journey from day one
We are committed to building a strong and positive relationship between home and school that lasts throughout your child’s time with us. From day one, we keep communication open and regular, including those important moments at school drop-off and pick-up.
Parents are invited to see their children in action through Open House events, performances and open swim sessions for Reception families. Alongside reports and Parents’ Evenings, these opportunities offer valuable insight into life at school and your child’s learning journey.
We also host special events, like our annual Grandparents’ Day, which brings families together at school to enjoy every child’s journey.
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A warm welcome to Reception
Children begin full-time education in Reception in the September following their fourth birthday.
Many move up from our Nursery, while others join directly into Reception. For children new to St Margaret’s, our Reception teachers visit them in their current nursery towards the end of the Summer Term. These visits help our team to get to know each child in a familiar setting. Where this is not possible, we offer a home visit ensuring every child feels known and supported from the very start.
Our bright and spacious Reception classroom is thoughtfully designed to support different learning styles, with two distinct teaching areas. Children continue to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, with a growing focus on independence, curiosity and a strong sense of self.
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Literacy and numeracy
Literacy is taught through the ‘Success for All’ phonics programme every morning. Children apply their learning through individual reading and group work. As their confidence grows, they begin to write independently, using their phonics skills to ‘have a go’ at unfamiliar words – a key step in linking reading and writing.
In numeracy, children explore numbers and calculations using practical resources such as Numicon, while developing language for everyday concepts including size, shape, weight, time and money. Learning is deepened through both play and guided tasks.
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Expert teaching from the start
Reception children also enjoy specialist teaching in swimming, music, games, computing, French and Forest School. Our Eco Outdoor Learning (EcoOL) programme encourages exploration and care for the natural world, making use of our beautiful outdoor setting.
To support transition to Year 1, each Reception child is paired with a Year 5 ‘buddy’, offering reassurance, friendship and a familiar face throughout their early school journey.
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Exploring, discovering and growing
In Years 1 and 2, children continue their learning journey with growing confidence, independence and imagination. While they begin to follow the structure of the Primary National Curriculum, the core principles of the Early Years remain at the heart of their experience – learning through play, exploration, active participation and thoughtful reflection.
Literacy and numeracy skills are developed through engaging, carefully structured lessons that build on the foundations laid in Reception. Alongside these, subjects such as science, design and technology, humanities and art are introduced through a rich, topic-based approach. This way of learning allows children to make meaningful connections across the curriculum, helping them understand how ideas link together and encouraging curiosity that lasts far beyond the classroom.
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Specialist teachers
Specialist teaching enriches the timetable. Children enjoy weekly lessons in Forest School, swimming, games, computing, French and music – all taught by experienced subject specialists. In Year 1, art also becomes a specialist subject, with lessons taking place in our vibrant art studio, where children experiment with techniques and materials in an inspiring setting.
We aim to shape learning experiences to reflect the interests, cultures and backgrounds of our children. This might mean linking a topic to a family’s heritage, celebrating a festival or inviting parents and carers to share their expertise. These moments help bring learning to life and ensure every child sees their own identity reflected and valued in the classroom.
ST MARGARET’S CO-EDUCATIONAL PREP SCHOOL
Start your journey
Discover a nurturing, forward-thinking community where every child is known, supported and inspired to thrive.
Join us at St Margaret’s Prep and be part of our exciting journey.