Welcome to King’s Hawford Nursery
With a dedicated Nursery and Pre-school (known as Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2 respectively at King’s Hawford) situated in the very heart of the school, the Early Years journey at King’s Hawford starts at the age of two.
King’s Hawford is often described as “one big happy family” and I truly believe that this stems from our warm and nurturing Nursery environment. Our Nursery provides the stability young children need to develop in confidence and independence, whilst the breadth of opportunities and activities introduces them to the fun and adventure that awaits as they start their learning journey.
Our Nursery children experience everything that King’s Hawford has to offer. Whether it’s caring for our chickens and birds, swimming in our indoor, heated pool, exploring our Forest School, or taking part in exciting musical sessions, there really is something for everyone.
Anna Kingston
Head of Early Years
Children have opportunities to investigate and experience things whilst playing and exploring. They learn to concentrate, to solve problems for themselves, develop their own ideas and to make links by thinking creatively and critically.
FAQs
How old do my children have to be to join the Kindergarten at King’s Hawford?
We take children as soon as they turn two. If you’d like them to start around the time of their second birthday feel free to come and visit us in advance so we can complete the registration process.
We do not anticipate that all children will be potty trained at this stage and we will support with any transition.
What are the opening hours for Kindergarten?
We offer a term-time provision from 7.45am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. You can choose half-day or full-day sessions.
During school holidays we offer an Early Years Holiday Club, which also operates between 7.45am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
**From September 2023 we will be operating as a year round nursery**
What is included within the fees?
Fees cover all meals, snacks, and even outdoor waterproof clothing for Forest School sessions or outdoor walks around our extensive grounds.
Children enjoy a morning snack of fruit and milk. Lunch is a two-course cooked meal, and we provide sandwiches during afternoon break. We also provide a light snack at 5.00pm at a small additional charge if children stay for our ‘late club’ provision.
Parents simply need to provide nappies and wipes where required, a pair of wellington boots, and sun cream during the summer months.
Do Kindergarten children wear a uniform?
Yes, children need to wear uniform during term-time. This can be purchased through schoolblazer. Alternatively, we run second-hand uniform sales throughout the year. Children wear their own clothes during Holiday Club.
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
Yes, we accept childcare vouchers and payments made through child tax accounts.
Do you honour the free Early Years education funding?
We accept Nursery funding towards payment. Please contact our Registrar for details.
What facilities do children have access to?
Children take advantage of the extensive range of facilities available within the school. We spend a lot of time outside, which includes regular trips to our outdoor garden. Children also enjoy PE in the ‘Barn’, with Kindergarten 2 children enjoying one term learning trampoline skills, weekly Forest School sessions, and swimming lessons in our indoor pool. We also run ‘Shake, Rattle and Groove’ music sessions.
How do you communicate with parents?
Each child has a Key Worker who will take overall responsibility for your child’s well-being and will keep you up to date on their progress.
Communication really is key at this young age, so staff are always willing to chat to you during drop-off and pick-up time. Each child has a daily diary for communications with parents. We also host regular Parents’ Evenings so we can discuss your child’s well-being and progress in greater detail, alongside a yearly report at the end of the academic year.