Reception to Year 2

Entering the Pre-prep department, one has an immediate sense of the nurture and fun which begins your child’s school journey.

Although most of our children start with us in Nursery, for those who join in Reception, a warm welcome awaits with an approach that combines an inspiring academic and creative curriculum with passionate teaching, outstanding pastoral care and exciting outdoor learning opportunities.

Careful transition from Reception to Years 1 and 2 ensures that your child’s learning continues apace with small class sizes which are crucial to support all children in a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. This, combined with an innovative and creative focus to inspire young, inquisitive minds means that academic progress is rapid, and we were pleased to be judged excellent in all areas in our most recent Inspection.

At Bickley Park School we understand that special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should not be a barrier to progress and recognise the need for flexible, creative teaching for all pupils. We have a dedicated learning support team that facilitates support for pupils with a variety of mild learning needs, including Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. We encourage pupils to understand, respect and celebrate their differences.

The majority of teaching takes place in the pupils’ own classrooms and is delivered by the class teacher who provides academic continuity and strong pastoral care ably supported by our classroom assistants. We are also fortunate to have the expertise of specialist staff who further enrich the curriculum in Music, Art, PE and Games, Swimming, Spanish and Forest School.

Showing respect for others at all times, developing tolerance, good manners and kindness are values at the core of daily life in the Pre-Prep. A friendly, caring atmosphere enables pupils to flourish, grow in self-confidence and develop an infectious enthusiasm for learning. We encourage them to be proud of their achievements and to do their best to be their best at all times.

Our learning spaces are large and bright, with classrooms which allow flexibility, encourage active learning, build on a child's natural curiosity and stimulate creative thinking. Superb library spaces and carefully curated books to inspire and enthuse contributes significantly towards a strong reading culture throughout the school. In addition to the bespoke facilities for our younger children, Pre-Prep pupils enjoy the facilities of the whole school including the astro-turf, swimming pool, sports field and theatre, making the move to the Prep Department a natural and seamless progression.