DERBY HIGH
PRE SCHOOL
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THE FIRST STEPS

PRE SCHOOL

Your child is unique and here in the Pre School department we want to give them the best start on the road to lifelong learning.

Our experienced and enthusiastic staff do this in a caring, creative and fun environment in which your child can flourish. Our Pre School is led by a fully qualified teacher with many years of experience. We offer Pre School places to both girls and boys aged 3 to 4, welcoming children from the start of term after their third birthday.

Our Pre School class is known as the Wrens, and they have their own, purpose-built dedicated Infant School building in which to play, learn and grow. There is always an atmosphere of fun in the Wrens, where the children can be found dressing up, role playing, using the outdoor climbing equipment and sand or water play equipment as well as observing caterpillars transforming into butterflies, learning initial phonics and letter formations, modelling clay, painting and a wealth of other artistic pursuits. Visiting parents are always surprised at how articulate our Early Years pupils are – our small class sizes enable us to give each child the individual attention they need at this age.

Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace and to develop confidence in their own abilities right from the age of three. In the Wrens we offer both full and part-time places, with the Early Years Funding Scheme enabling reduced fees.

The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.

ISI INSPECTION, JANUARY 2023

A Tour of our

Early Years at Derby High Primary

Welcome to our Early Years - we hope you enjoy Toby showing you around!

Our Early Years provision at Derby High Primary provides the best start on the road to lifelong learning. Through specialist lessons, outstanding facilities and experienced teachers, every child is nurtured in a caring and supportive environment.

To watch a video of frequently asked questions from new parents please click the video link above.

LOOKING AFTER

Your Child

Our pre-school team is led by Mrs. Gould, a highly experienced teacher who is very ably supported by dedicated classroom assistants.

There is always an atmosphere of fun in the Wrens, they can usually be found dressing up, role playing, using the outdoor climbing equipment and sand or water play equipment as well as observing caterpillars transforming into butterflies, learning initial phonics and letter formations, modelling clay, painting and a wealth of other artistic pursuits.

Visiting parents are always surprised at how articulate our Early Years pupils are – our small class sizes enable us to give each child the individual attention they need at this age. Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace and to develop confidence in their own abilities right from the age of three.

In the Wrens we offer both full and part-time places. Details of the Early Years Funding Scheme are available by clicking here. Fees can also be paid monthly.

The best way to find out more about Derby High Primary is to come and have a look around, seeing our children in their own environment.

Supporting Your

Child's Development

In the Wrens, children learn through play, exploration and adult-led experiences. We support children's development across the seven areas of learning:
Communication and Language – developing listening and attention, understanding and speaking through conversations, stories, songs and everyday interactions.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development – developing confidence, independence and positive relationships, while learning to understand and manage feelings and behaviour.
Physical Development – building strength and coordination through indoor and outdoor play, as well as developing fine motor skills through activities such as mark making, threading, construction and creative activities. The children have a specialist PE session twice a week.
Literacy – developing a love of books, stories, rhymes and songs, mark making and an understanding that print and writing have meaning. We follow the Little Wandle scheme for phonics.
Mathematics – including counting, subitising, shape, pattern and developing mathematical language through practical activities.
Understanding the World – encouraging children to explore the world around them through exploring nature, science, people, communities, technology and different experiences and celebrations. Specialist French sessions once a week.
Expressive Arts and Design – encouraging creativity and imagination through music (specialist session twice a week), singing, role play, painting, drawing, modelling and exploring a wide range of materials.
Children are given opportunities to develop a range of skills through meaningful experiences and play. 
At Derby High School, we want our Pre-School children to become confident, independent and curious learners. Children are encouraged to make choices, try new things, solve problems and persevere when something is challenging. Staff know each child well and use their interests and individual needs to support their next steps in learning.
All 2 to 4 year olds in the Derby area are most welcome to join the Derby High Little Learners Club. The club runs free Stay and Play sessions every Friday morning from 9am to 10:30am.

Parents and children are warmly invited to join the Pre-School staff for a music session with our primary specialist, fun, activity-based learning and a story. All activities are tailored to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Each week we have a different theme, the follow themes are for this Summer term: 

  • Friday 11th September: Welcome Back! 
  • Friday 18th September: Colour Explorers
  • Friday 25th September: Little Scientists
  • Friday 2nd October: Construction Zone 
  • Friday 9th October: Space Week 
  • Friday 16th October: Nursery Rhymes 
  • Friday 6th November: Light & Dark 
  • Friday 13th November: Music Makers 
  • Friday 20th November: Children in Need 
  • Friday 27th November: Castles and Fairy Tales 
  • Friday 4th December: Polar Adventures 
  • Friday 11th December: Christmas Celebration

If you are considering Derby High School for your child this is a great way to experience our early years provision and meet our team of dedicated teaching staff.