Building independence from the very first step.

Our morning starts with a focus on settling happily in a warm, calm environment.

• Growing Independence: Children are encouraged to take charge of their morning by hanging up their own coats and putting their bags away.

• The "Cosy Toes" Feel: To create a cosy, indoor-learning environment, children change into their slippers as they arrive—making the nursery feel just like home.

• Fine Motor "Finger Gym": Before we start our play, children engage in "Finger Gym" activities—like playdough, threading, or tweezers—to strengthen their hands for future writing.

• Welcome Circle & Morning Song: We gather together to start our day with our "Morning Song" and the register.

• Inclusive Communication: We use Makaton signs during our welcome circle to ensure every child—regardless of their stage of speech—can communicate, feel included, and join in the fun.

The heart of our morning, where curiosity leads the way.

During this time, the Nursery transforms into a hub of exploration. We balance "Child-Initiated" play (where children lead) with "Teacher-Led" activities (where we stretch their learning).

• The Creative Zone: From large-scale painting to clay modelling and messy play, we encourage children to express themselves and get stuck in!

• The Mud Kitchen & Garden: Our secure outdoor area is open daily. Whether they are "cooking" in the mud kitchen or building dens, children develop physical confidence and a love for nature.

• Expert Teacher-Led Sessions: In small, supportive groups, our qualified teachers introduce activities to lay the foundations for Reading, Writing, and Maths.

Nurturing confidence through our unique Year 5 Buddy system.

Lunchtime at Butterflies isn't just about refueling; it’s about building a sense of belonging within the wider school community.

• Social Dining: Children enjoy a healthy meal together, practicing their table manners and conversation skills in a relaxed setting.

• Outdoor Play with Year 5: To build confidence, our Nursery children share their outdoor play with our Year 5 pupils.

• Friendships for the Future: These "Big School" buddies act as role models, helping our littlest learners feel safe, inspired, and excited about their future journey through the school.

• A Supportive Transition: By playing with older children now, the transition to Reception feels natural and fearless.

Welcoming new friends and diving deeper into discovery.

Our afternoon session mirrors the high-quality learning of the morning, ensuring a consistent and calm experience for every child.

• Afternoon Carpet Time: We start the session by gathering together to welcome our friends joining us for the afternoon. It’s a time for a quick story or song to settle everyone in.

• Free-Flow Exploration: Children have the freedom to "Free Flow" between our indoor and outdoor environments. This allows them to return to a project they started in the morning or begin a brand-new adventure in the Mud Kitchen.

• Afternoon Snack & Social Time: Just like in the morning, we have a dedicated healthy snack time. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to sit together, share stories about their day, and develop those vital "small-talk" social skills over a piece of fruit and milk.

• Sustained Shared Thinking: Our staff use this time to join in with children's play, asking "What if?" and "How?" to extend their vocabulary and problem-solving skills.

• Story, Song & Home Time: As the day draws to a close, we gather one last time for a high-quality picture book and a goodbye song, ensuring every child leaves feeling proud of what they have achieved.

Children are collected by their parents or carers at 2.45 PM unless staying for the optional (chargeable) additional half hour to tie in with the end of the main school day.

• Universal 15 Hours: All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time, starting the term after their 3rd birthday.

• Extended 30 Hours: Working parents may be eligible for an additional 15 hours (30 hours total).

• How to Apply: You must apply for your 30-hour code via the Gov.uk website.

If you need care beyond your funded hours, we offer additional sessions:

• Morning/Afternoon Session: £13.75 per session.

• Full Day Rate: £27.50 (plus any applicable lunchtime care).

• Late Pick-up (2:45–3:15 PM): £2.60 per half-hour (must be pre-booked via Hivelink).

• Hivelink: All bookings and payments are managed through our easy-to-use Hivelink app.

• Tax-Free Childcare: We accept Tax-Free Childcare vouchers, which can save you up to £2,000 a year per child.

• Voucher Providers: We accept most major childcare voucher schemes. Please contact the school office to register your provider.