Introduction to the Nursery

“Tell me and I forget, Show me and I remember, Let me do and I will learn"

Welcome to Highfield Priory Nursery School where we guarantee your child will have an enjoyable and excellent start to their education. The nursery is housed in its own fully equipped building within the school grounds. We welcome children from the age of two years old. All of our staff are fully qualified and our nursery has earned high praise from School Inpsectors, Parents, and School Governors.

Ofsted, May 2006 reported "Children are enthusiastically welcomed into the setting, they are valued and respected because staff ensure that each child has the opportunity to engage in all aspects of the curriculum, whether they attend daily or on a part-time basis. The provision of 'helping children make a positive contribtion' is outstanding."

Independent Schools Inspectorate report 2004 stated, "The foundations laid in the school's nursery and reception classes are a significant strength."

We aim to have an environment which is welcoming for you and your child; for parents and staff to work together to enable each child to grow in confidence as they learn to play/work within the security of our nursery.

The nursery accepts children from 2 years. Qualified nursery staff provide a carefully planned and well structured programme of activities where the emphasis is on learning through play, enjoyment and fun.

In each of the 2 nursery groups importance is placed on creating a calm and caring atmosphere where children feel happy, safe and secure.

Children aged 2-3 years are in an adjacent building to the main nursery/school, set in its own gardens and outdoor play area. Inside, the space is divided into a large, attractive, well resourced play area, a generous role play area, a physical development area and a snooze room.

Children aged 3-4 years are in their own purpose built room where learning is based on the Foundation Stage curriculum designed to meet the early learning goals.
The children benefit from an experienced qualified teacher and nursery nurse, who together provide a bright, lively and stimulating atmosphere in which children develop socially, personally, creatively, physically and educationally.

Nursery Sessions

Details : The nursery sessions are flexible to meet your needs - children are accepted on a full or part time basis.

Nursery care is provided from 8am - children needing to be dropped off earlier than this can utilise our breakfast club which is open from 7.30am.

We ask that children arrive by 9am in the morning and a morning session ends at 12.30pm. An afternoon session is from 12.30pm until 3.15pm.

After 3.15pm extended care is available for all nursery children, staffed by nursery staff who the children are familiar with and located in the nursery surroundings.

The nursery is open during term time and outside of term time. Nursery children are able to participate in the holiday club which is open from 8am to 6pm. The holiday club is staffed by nursery staff with whom the children are familiar.

Parent Testimonials

Choosing a nursery for my daughter was a stressful time. Everybody wants the best for their child so I visited several nurseries, finding some to be quite well resourced and some with dirty dolls on the floor! However when I visited Highfield my first impression was very good, the activities on offer were varied and stimulating, the nursery was well resourced and most importantly of all the staff appeared to be very caring and a bit more mature and experienced than other nurseries, not just newly qualified teens. My instincts proved to be right and my daughter enjoyed three very happy years in the nursery. I couldn't wait for my son to turn two so he too could benefit from the excellent care that Highfield Priory Nursery has to offer. I am pleased to say that after only three weeks at nursery my son settled in very well, been potty trained and is even asking to go to nursery at the weekends! I would definitely recommend Highfield to other parents, the nursery staff are so approachable, caring and enthusiastic. Above all I know that they want to do the best for my child, they do a fantastic job!

Mrs Dryland, parent of Rebecca aged 6 and Joshua aged 2.

We decided to bring Jonathan to Highfield Priory Nursery for different reasons. We were not happy with the quality of the provision, hygiene and care at his previous nursery in the 2+ group. After visiting other private nurseries we opted for Highfield Priory because we liked the fact that the little ones had a separate building which is ideal. When we spoke to Mrs Evans and had a look round we were very impressed with the quality of provision, care and discipline. The fact that Jonathan could go from nursery to school within the same organisation and with the same little friends was what we wanted. Furthermore Highfield Priory as a school is well known for its good results and the fact that the children can be prepared for the entry exam to Lancaster Grammar was a definite bonus. The broad range of sport which the school can offer is something else which we found attractive.

Jonathan's Mum October 2006

When we attended the open day we were completly amazed by Highfield Priory, "bowled over". The resources were and are fantastic, we were made to feel extremely welcome and without hesitation started Lydia in the summer term 2004, with Morgan starting in January 2006. Both are extremely happy and settled at Highfield Priory and we as parents feel extremely privileged to be able to send our children to Highfield Priory School.

Mr and Mrs Dale