Pupils under the age of five are rarely required to meet more than the very basic practical requirements, although the head will wish to meet the child in advance. Some schools also set relatively simple tests. Most schools offer entry at the beginning of each term. Pre-school generally refers to the period of schooling between ages of three and five although many primary schools now have their own playgroups and nursery departments.

Curriculum and Teaching

Private schools are not required to follow strictly the National Curriculum, but most have chosen to do so, supplementing it with British and Montessori as desired. The following is a guide to studies and activities at each level.

Preparatory

Very young children usually begin nursery school by attending mornings only, progressing gradually to a full day at school. The emphasis is on the development of academic, social, language and aesthetic skills through play, music, art, drama and handicrafts. Children cover basic letter and number work, handwriting and spelling which will equip them for school life.

Exploration of mathematical concepts, for example, is encouraged through the use of simple apparatus such as puzzles, sand and clay. Language skills are developed with rhymes, stories and singing, physical development through music and movement and games. The development of general knowledge and enjoyment of learning is encouraged through topics work, cooking, nature work and outings. Classes are usually between 10 and 20 in number, usually with three members of staff on hand, normally a teacher plus ancillary staff or trained nursery nurse to supervise groups of about five pupils.

Approaches vary, from traditional teaching styles to more modern ‘child-centered' teaching, which encourages children to learn by discovery, working at their own pace under supervision. Classes may often be divided into smaller sub-groups, which work at different activities on a rotating basis. One group, for example, might be absorbed in a math-based activity while another concentrates on English or art. Montessori schools teach according to the principles developed by Maria Montessori in the last century.

Pupils under the age of five are rarely required to meet more than the very basic practical requirements, although the head will wish to meet the child in advance. Some schools also set relatively simple tests. Most schools offer entry at the beginning of each term. Pre-school generally refers to the period of schooling between ages of three and five although many primary schools now have their own playgroups and nursery departments.

Curriculum and Teaching

Private schools are not required to follow strictly the National Curriculum, but most have chosen to do so, supplementing it with British and Montessori as desired. The following is a guide to studies and activities at each level.

Very young children usually begin nursery school by attending mornings only, progressing gradually to a full day at school. The emphasis is on the development of academic, social, language and aesthetic skills through play, music, art, drama and handicrafts. Children cover basic letter and number work, handwriting and spelling which will equip them for school life.

Exploration of mathematical concepts, for example, is encouraged through the use of simple apparatus such as puzzles, sand and clay. Language skills are developed with rhymes, stories and singing, physical development through music and movement and games. The development of general knowledge and enjoyment of learning is encouraged through topics work, cooking, nature work and outings. Classes are usually between 10 and 20 in number, usually with three members of staff on hand, normally a teacher plus ancillary staff or trained nursery nurse to supervise groups of about five pupils.

Approaches vary, from traditional teaching styles to more modern child-centered' teaching, which encourages children to learn by discovery, working at their own pace under supervision. Classes may often be divided into smaller sub-groups, which work at different activities on a rotating basis. One group, for example, might be absorbed in a math-based activity while another concentrates on English or art. Montessori schools teach according to the principles developed by Maria Montessori in the last century.