The Early Years educational philosophy which was developed internationally and which we believe and live at Chesterhouse ensures work with the key development areas of all children in the early age group – four years old to six years of age; it is in the year in which they are turning seven years old that we enrol children into Year 1:
- Every child is unique, and able to learn from birth to be resilient, capable, confident and self assured
- Through their relationships, children can learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with their parents and/ or a key person
- An enabling environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning
- Children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter connected
The Early Years phase at Chesterhouse comprises the Nursery and Reception classes. Our enrolment age is from four years old in Nursery to five years of age in our Reception classes. The number of children in our Nursery classes is 20, with a trained Nursery class teacher and a trained class assistant. The same number of children remains in the following year in the Reception classes with a trained Reception teacher.
Our internationally acclaimed Stepping Stones Programme which is rated as one of the best foundations for formal schooling runs for a period of two years through the Nursery and Reception years.
The six most important aspects of education that create a solid foundation; Literacy Skills, Numeracy Skills, Creative Skills, Knowledge of the World, Physical Development, Social and Emotional Development and enjoyment are the focus during these two years and are weighted the same.
As part of our Physical Development programme and of great social and emotional benefit, our children participate in the annual Swimming Galas and Sports Days. There are activities during both of these special events that cater especially for our little ones and much enjoyment is had by all. It affords us the opportunity to experience great competitive spirit as well as learning the special lessons of taking turns, being kind and humble in victory and sportsmanship in defeat. Every child at Chesterhouse belongs to two school houses – the Falcons and the Eagles. Our children are placed in these houses on enrolment and remain in them for as long as they are at the school. Siblings are always placed in the same school house.
Our children attend music lessons with the Junior School music teacher every week and begin to learn concepts of rhythm, musical instruments and learn to remember lyrics. Every second year the Chesterhouse Junior School holds a play production which is usually a musical. Every child in the school plays some part whether solo or in groups and our little ones certainly participate. They are encouraged to rehearse their scenes, take part in wearing the appropriate costumes and enjoy singing their tunes for a packed audience.
