Pre-School Nursery – open all year round from September 2025

All Year Round Nursery

The all year round provision is closed one week at Christmas and all bank holidays. The school calendar for the term time dates is the same as the main school term dates and can be found on the school website.

We are open five days a week, 7:30am-6:00pm. Our daily timetable runs as follows:

Attendance for the term time only provision is a minimum of 5 mornings per week and a minimum of 3 afternoon sessions.

Nursery fees for children below the compulsory school remain exempt from VAT.

Term Time Only Provision

 Term Time Only Fees

Curriculum

In their first year at Holy Cross, our ‘little sparks’ make giant leaps in their personal, social and physical development. Our pre-school captures the imagination of our endlessly inquisitive learners, helping them to take the first small steps towards independence.

The Little Sparks curriculum encompasses The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and more; it provides exciting early exposure to some specialist subjects including art, drama, music, sport, French and Forest School. This broad and dynamic programme is the best possible way of easing your daughter’s transition into the main school, where she will complete the final part of the early years journey. With these robust foundations in place, our Little Sparks will be reception ready and they will fly!

The EYFS has seven interconnected areas of learning and development.

The three prime areas of learning are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – self-regulation, managing self, building relationships  
• Physical Development – gross motor skills (climbing, risk-taking, balance and coordination) and fine motor skills (holding scissors and pencils correctly)
• Communication and Language – listening, attention, understanding and speaking

The four specific areas of learning are:

• Literacy – reading comprehension (story books), phonics (knowing initial sounds, s a t p i n) and writing (early mark making, letter formation and name writing)
• Mathematics – number (1 to 10) and numerical patterns
• Understanding the World – past and present, people and communities, the natural world (using technology and computing)
• Expressive Arts and Design – creating with materials, being imaginative and expressive

Government Funded Early Education

We will participate in the Government’s Funded Early Education (FEE) scheme which enables eligible families to access 15 or 30 hours of funded early education per week for 3 and 4 year olds, in addition to Childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare. More information can be found on the Achieving for Children  Kingston and Richmond’s website or families can apply and check their eligibility on the Childcare Choices site 15 and 30 hours childcare support. Childcare Choices.

Parents will need to complete a Government’s Early Years Funding (EYF) declaration form in order for us to be able to make the appropriate claim on their behalf with Achieving for Children Kingston and Richmond. Government funding will vary for each family depending on their circumstances so when the scheme is available, please contact the bursar for further details.

Childcare Vouchers and Tax Free Education

The school will receive childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare payments. Childcare vouchers can be redeemed for the nursery fees, wraparound care (before and after school) and for co-curricular clubs. The government does not allow vouchers for off-site activities such as trips.

Our pre-school girls will enjoy all the advantages of our school – specialist teachers, renowned care, fabulous facilities and grounds. All in the heart of Kingston.

– Mrs Hair, Headteacher