Stepping Stones Pre-School at Mundella Primary School

Indoor and outdoor space gives Stepping Stones its own setting for early learning within Mundella Primary School in Folkestone. The pre-school opened in January 2025 for children aged 3-4. It is a recent addition to the school, with a separate identity as Stepping Stones rather than simply an extension of the older pupils’ day.

Mundella describes the provision as small and says staff make time to understand each child individually. That personal emphasis is the nursery’s stated character: getting to know children alongside providing spaces designed for learning and play.

The indoor space and outdoor area are both designed for pre-school children. This gives families a concrete starting point for understanding the setting: early learning has space inside and outside, rather than being described solely through classroom work.

Mundella’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) goals connect learning with conversation, movement, relationships and creativity. These are goals for the end of the foundation stage, rather than expectations that a three-year-old should already meet. Communication includes listening to stories, asking questions and exchanging ideas with adults and other children. The emphasis is on understanding as well as speaking.

Physical development brings together energetic movement and finer hand control. Drawing and using tools sit alongside balance and coordination. Social development includes taking turns, recognising feelings and growing independence in personal care. Literacy and mathematics have their place too, alongside exploring nature and creating with materials. Together, these goals explain the breadth of early learning: language, physical skills and relationships matter alongside letters and numbers.

Stepping Stones says its staff bring experience from early years settings and take time to learn about individual children. This is a stated approach to care, with the child’s particular needs as the starting point.

For family concerns, Mundella has a Senior Family Liaison Officer whose role covers difficulties at home or school. Parents can make contact by telephone. The school’s SENCO is also contactable through the school number, providing a specific route for discussing special educational needs and disabilities.

Attending Stepping Stones does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline.

Nursery attendance does not confer priority in Mundella’s oversubscription criteria. After children with an education, health and care plan naming the school, the allocation order covers looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings, qualifying health or access needs, then distance from home. Applications go through the Kent Primary Admissions Scheme using the Reception Common Application Form. Choosing the nursery and securing a school place are separate decisions.

At its January 2025 opening, Stepping Stones offered funded places for children aged 3-4, with morning sessions running from 8.45 to 11.45, Monday to Friday during term time. This was a morning attendance pattern rather than a full school day.

To register interest in Stepping Stones, families can complete its enquiry form so the school can contact them. Mundella’s office can also be reached on 01303 252265 or at office@mundella.kent.sch.uk. The school address is Black Bull Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5QX.