Pre-school (Acorns) 3-4 Year olds

Welcome to our Pre-School

Our pre-school (Acorns class) is an important part of our school. Acorns provides a relaxed and friendly setting in which young children can play and learn. It is widely recognised that children learn best when they feel happy, secure and are suitably challenged and we aim to provide this through a play-based curriculum with both child and adult-initiated activities and exploration. We provide an environment where children can learn through their play and while we offer adult-led activities and group time the focus is still on play and discovery as the children can learn at their own pace.

About us

Charlton Primary School is a publicly funded school within the Vale Academy Trust. Our Pre-School class (Acorns) admits children aged between two and four years old. The admission number is 26 full time equivalent places.

• A part-time place consists of 15 hours per week and this is fully funded for all 3 - 4 year olds
• Places are offered for 38 weeks per year

Typically, we offer places as a combination of sessions to make up 15 hours.  Depending on availability, some 30 hour places may be available.

At the bottom of this page, you will find a short informative document which include key information to help your child settle into Acorns.

 

The previous pre-school merged with Charlton Primary School in January 2022 and is situated on the grounds of the primary school. It has its own building and entrance with its own playground and garden, directly accessible from our playroom, enabling all children to access a secure outdoor environment at any time of the day.

Our pre-school class has the same ethos as the main school and shares our values – Be Happy, Be Kind, Be Responsible – which run throughout. We believe that quality Early Years education is essential to enhance children’s learning and development and offer a caring, happy, secure and stimulating learning environment. We organise our sessions so that children can choose from, and work at a range of activities.

The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult-led activities in small and large groups to introduce them to new experiences and help them to learn to work with others.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and support your child to master the skills they need in the earliest stages of their development.

 

    

What should my child wear?

Uniform is not compulsory in our pre-school class. Ultimately, we request that children are dressed in comfortable, sensible clothing, ready for a day of creativity and exploration! Children should have trainers for indoors and be provided with wellies for outside (these need to be available every day). 

Nursery Education Funding

Children are usually eligible for the funding in the term after they turn 3 years old. Some children are also entitled to 2 year old funding. More details can be found here.

Our Charges

Session charges (paid sessions that aren't covered with funding)

From January 2025 the following charges will apply.

For those aged two, three and four the charge is £19.50 per 3 hour session.

For admissions information please contact - acornsadmissions@charlton.vale-academy.org