Pre-Nursery

A Gentle Start to Learning

Pre-Nursery, or Playgroup, is where your child’s learning journey begins. For children aged 2–3, it’s a safe, happy space where they take their first steps away from home, learning to trust caregivers and interact with peers. Here, play is at the heart of everything — from building with blocks to splashing in water trays — because we know that in these early years, every game is a learning opportunity.

A Blend of EYFS and leading educational philosophies

At Upward, we follow the EYFS framework, focusing on the Prime Areas of Learning — communication and language, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional development. Inspired by the Reggio-Waldorf approach, we encourage children to explore their natural curiosity through sensory play and hands-on activities, rhythm, nature, and imagination into each day. Teachers guide gently, letting children lead their own discoveries while feeling safe and supported.

Nurturing Independence and Joy

In Playgroup, children sing songs, listen to short stories, explore outdoor spaces, enjoy art and messy play, and take part in simple routines like handwashing and snack time. These activities help develop early social skills, fine and gross motor abilities, and a love for learning — all in a warm, caring environment that feels like a second home.

Beyond the Classroom

Alongside our core learning program, children benefit from a range of enriching experiences that set us apart. Weekly twice Gymnastics sessions builds physical strength, balance, and coordination, while Singing and Music sessions nurture creativity, rhythm, and self-expression. Together, these activities provide a well-rounded education that supports every aspect of a child’s growth

Key Focus Areas

Communication and Language (CL) 

• Encouraging listening and understanding through songs, rhymes, and stories
  
• Supporting children to express their needs, ideas, and feelings in simple sentences
  
• Expanding vocabulary through play, conversation, and real-life experiences

Physical Development (PD) 

• Developing gross motor skills through running, climbing, dancing, and outdoor play
• Strengthening fine motor skills with activities like stacking blocks, threading beads, or using playdough
  
• Encouraging healthy habits like handwashing, eating healthy snacks, and self-care skills

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

• Helping children build confidence and independence
  
• Supporting sharing, turn-taking, and building friendships
• Recognising and managing feelings in themselves and others

Specific Areas (introduced gradually through play and exploration):

• Literacy – Listening to stories, recognising pictures, enjoying books, making marks
• Mathematics – Exploring shapes, colours, patterns, size, early counting in play
• Understanding the World – Discovering nature, animals, community helpers
• Expressive Arts and Design – Singing, dancing, painting, pretend play