At Pettitts Pre-School, we provide a secure, caring, happy and structured environment where the children learn through meaningful and constructive play using materials and equipment, which have been carefully selected by the staff.

Each of the activities at Pettitts provides a learning experience for children, e.g. they are preparing for reading by becoming used to seeing their names on paintings and drawings. This, and other types of labelling, together with books in the book corner and storytelling enable the children to become familiar with the printed word and encourage an interest in books.

The children are preparing for writing by expressing ideas through drawings and learning how to hold and control pens and pencils.

There is preparation for mathematics by sorting, matching, selecting and ordering as they play with materials such as sand, water and construction toys. Jigsaws, games, painting, drawing, and computer programs all encourage recognition of colour and shape.

The children acquire knowledge about the world and participate in physical education and outdoor play. They sing songs and rhymes daily, and also have opportunities to play musical instruments.

The children’s increasing attention span is catered for both individually and in groups. Opportunities are provided for discussing, describing, questioning, listening and recalling so that the children’s language skills are increased. Many practical skills are taught and encouraged during the daily nursery routine e.g. washing and drying dishes, going to the toilet (and washing hands!) and tidying.

In pre-school, the children make new friends and learn to respect and care for each other. They learn to share and take turns and they become more independent. They also learn to follow routines and obey rules and instructions which helps prepare them for school.