Forest Prep School provides a nurturing and engaging Early Years experience for children aged 2–5. It is a place where they can learn, play, and develop as we lay the groundwork for their future education.
Based in Timperley, on the border of Altrincham, we offer a supportive setting where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace, while being gently challenged to discover what they can achieve.
Early Years Education at Forest Prep
We break Early Years Education down into three distinct groups, each tailored to the specific needs of each age group. Each one is distinct in its approach and priorities, while providing a natural progression towards the next part of a child’s education.
Nursery
Our Nursery welcomes children from the age of two turning three during their time in Nursery, providing a carefully prepared environment for their first experiences of school. Children learn through play, exploration, and interaction. We also offer a 48-week provision for our nursery, giving families greater flexibility beyond the standard school terms.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten is for children who are three-turning-four during the academic year. It builds naturally on the experiences gained in our Nursery and encourages children to be ask questions and learn by exploring what interests them. Through this, children become active participants own learning.
Basic literacy and mathematics become more prominent during kindergarten, alongside creative activities and fun outdoor experiences. We keep our focus on making learning enjoyable, while helping children develop the skills and confidence needed for Reception.
Reception
Reception is for children aged four-turning-five and marks the final step in our Early Years educational experience. It is a period in which we slowly introduce children to the kinds of structured learning they can expect in our Lower Prep School. This transitionary period helps children adjust gradually, so that they are ready for the next stage of their education.
Learning and Development in the Early Years
At Forest Prep, learning is not confined to a desk. Children are given opportunities to investigate, create, communicate, and solve problems through a varied programme of activities and experiences.
Learning Through Play and Exploration
Play provides an important foundation for learning during our Early Years. Children can follow their interests, experiment with ideas, and develop social skills while teachers introduce new experiences and encourage deeper thinking.
Building Early Literacy and Numeracy Skills
As children progress through Nursery, Kindergarten, and Reception, we develop their foundations for reading, writing, and mathematics. Teaching is carefully matched to their stage of development, helping children build knowledge without losing their enthusiasm for discovery.
Outdoor Learning and Physical Development
Time outdoors forms an important part of the pastoral care we offer. Physical activities and exploration help children develop coordination, confidence, and an awareness of the world around them.
Find Out More About Pastoral Care
Wraparound and All-Year-Round Provision
We offer flexible provision to support families at different stages of their child’s early education. Nursery and Kindergarten are available beyond the standard school terms, while wraparound care provides additional options around the school day.
Find Out More About Wraparound Care
Visit Our Early Years School in Altrincham
If you are considering an early years setting for your child, we would be delighted to welcome you to Forest. A visit gives you the opportunity to meet our team, explore the learning environment, and see how we support children during these important first years of education.
