Introduction
'Little Godstowe' is a termly nursery which encourages children from three years old to learn in a natural and pleasurable way. Through the exercise of their imagination and through their powers of imitation, each child develops their own unique potential within a secure and calm environment.
Little Godstowe has been specially designed to meet the needs of our youngest pupils. Its rooms are light and spacious, with resources and toys for every stage of development. Free play is encouraged in the Wendy house and sandpits, and spectacular art projects are completed each term. Children also enjoy structured activities that help prepare them for the move to 'big school'. Through a system called Jolly Phonics, they are soon able to recognise the letters of the alphabet and read and spell simple words. Boys and girls also relax on bean bags in the Quiet Room, which is full of books and games.
Little Godstowe has a computer that children use throughout the day, with software to suit all abilities. In addition, they enjoy a structured lesson each week in the adjacent Computer Suite.
Outside, Little Godstowe has large, fully enclosed gardens with lots of exciting play equipment. Children spend time out of doors exploring woodland and fields in the grounds of Godstowe.
To keep energy levels topped-up, boys and girls have a mid-morning snack of fresh fruit, home-made biscuit and a drink. A healthy, two-course cooked lunch is served each day, and the Little Godstowe children join Pre-Prep pupils in their Dining Room. They are encouraged to practice good table manners and to enjoy the social aspect of sharing a meal with friends. As the School year progresses, Little Godstowe begins to integrate more fully with the Pre-Prep, sharing their playground, attending assemblies and joining the Christmas nativity.
Three members of staff are committed to the welfare of the children in their care. Anxious children soon gain confidence through the one-to-one attention and encouragement they receive. There are never more than eight pupils to one staff member.
The Little Godstowe week is divided into ten sessions - mornings (one session) or all day (two sessions). There are no afternoon-only sessions. Children may attend a minimum of five morning sessions in their first term, rising to a minimum of eight in subsequent terms. These additional sessions may be structured to suit you and your child, and may be increased to the full ten sessions (five days) when he or she feels ready.
Morning sessions are from 8.45am to 11.45am and a full day is from 8.45am to 3.30pm.
If you would like to visit Little Godstowe, please contact Mrs Gainer, the Registrar on 01494 429006 or at registrar@godstowe.org, or by completing an enquiry form.
Click here to download a pdf of the Little Godstowe Ofsted Report.