LEARN
Beautiful, flexible and dynamic spaces to support young learners
Understanding the complex needs of each age group has been paramount in designing the layout of our three buildings. The Infant and Toddler Centre, designed and resourced by Community Playthings, accommodates children from birth to three years.
Babies
from birth to two
Our beautiful baby space allows for the ever-changing needs of this youngest group. Divided into three distinct areas, the first, the Quiet Baby Rooms where babies spend time in one-to-one activities or in small groups as they crawl, listen to stories, play and sleep. A rocking chair is provided so that children can be rocked, held or nursed to sleep.
Next, Atelier Spaces- these frequently changing spaces offer wonderful opportunities for babies to engage in rich sensory and imaginative play with loose parts, creative resources and construction play.
Finally, the Garden. This safe outdoor space is perfectly designed for the exploration of these youngest children. A sunken sand pit, mud kitchen, wooden climbing ramp and water play all support the natural explorative desires of the baby.
Toddlers
from two to three
Toddlers learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning. These active learners are becoming independent, their drive to discover and explore is strong but the skills to communicate their wants and needs is, frustratingly for them, immature.
Their need for physical activity and afternoon naps is balanced in our well-designed toddler space. Here an open plan room gives access to sinks, toilets and coat pegs promoting independence, a quiet library area provides vital opportunity for rest and quiet story times with special people.
Immediate and easy access to a secure, safe garden space is available to all babies and toddlers, a must for these newly mobile children.
“A nurturing and incredibly well-resourced play environment. Staff support babies’ communication skills extremely well and pay exceptional attention to their gestures, babbles and expressions.”
Ofsted Report, February 2018.
Infant & Toddler Centre Rated Outstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your opening hours and holiday dates?
The Prepatoria facility is open 50 weeks of the year, Monday to Friday, excluding Statutory Bank Holidays. We have a shutdown period of five days at Easter and Christmas and two Professional Development (PD) days.
Opening Hours:
Nursery and Pre-school (6 months to 4 years)
Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm Standard Day with additional Late care service until 6:00pm daily.
Morning sessions 8:00am to 12:00noon
Premium morning session from 8:00am to 1:00pm
School (Reception, Year 1 & 2 – 4 to 7 years)
Monday to Friday 8.45am - 3.30 pm
Do you take children on outings?
Yes, where a visit or outing can enhance the experience of a particular topic or theme or help children develop particular skills, we are keen to provide those experiences. We have our own minibus and have in recent years, visited local parks and hills, forest schools and gymnastics sessions off site.
What do your fees include?
Nursery and Pre-school fees include meals. However, not included in our provision is the supply of nappies, nappy cream or formula milk.
School meals are charged at an additional daily rate which is a contribution to the costs.
What are the ratios of staff to children?
For babies, the ratios of staff to babies are 1:3, Toddlers are 1:4, Preschool and Foundation Unit are 1:8 and School are 1:12. We also have kitchen staff and other supernumerary staff to help with some of the general duties looking after the environment so staff can continue to spend meaningful time with children during mealtimes and throughout the day.
How will you inform me of my child's progress?
Children’s learning, progress and observations are updated throughout the day on our nursery software app – FAMLY. Our parent app is centred around a unique personal news feed, making it easy to stay in touch and work together.
Parents are also invited to parent and teacher meetings to discuss progress and given annual reports outlining your children’s progress and development.
We also feedback general information at the end of the day. Should we have any concerns you will be invited for a chat with your child’s key person.
What types of activities do babies take part in?
The babies take part in a variety of sensory, heuristic, and interactive activities both indoor and outdoor, these focus on each child’s characteristics of effective learning and their own interests.
What items do I need to bring in for my child when coming to nursery?
We ask all parents to provide an adequate supply of spare clothes which are labelled.
- Nappies and cream (wipes are provided)
- Pull ups only if toilet training
- Bottles & formula
- Wellies
- Waterproof suit
- Comforters such as dummy & blanket
- Sun cream & hat
Do you have a settling in process for new children?
For reserving a place for a baby we ask that parents make a further commitment to the principals and philosophies of the Prepatoria by attending either Baby drop-in sessions or settling in sessions.
Currently these are held free of charge, but we reserve the right to review this should settling in prove protracted.
Do you provide discounts?
A sibling discount is available for the oldest child.
Do you offer term time only?
We are open all year round so do not offer term time places only.
If there’s anything you’d like to know about Shrewsbury Prepatoria that’s not covered here, please contact us – we’ll be happy to help.
