Michaelchurch Escley Primary School Preschool Review

Streams, muddy puddles and a preschool garden give Michaelchurch Escley’s youngest children plenty to investigate. Outdoor exploration is a defining part of this school’s preschool provision, alongside play with natural materials and resources that children can use in different ways. Families can join from the term following their child’s second birthday.

The preschool follows The Curiosity Approach, with activities shaped around children’s interests and their next steps in learning. Its aim is to develop independence, confidence and curiosity through play. For families drawn to practical exploration, that gives the provision a clear character: children have room to experiment rather than simply complete a prescribed task.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings care and learning together. Here, that means developing conversation, movement and relationships alongside early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Playing, investigating and thinking through ideas happen outside as well as indoors, so learning is woven into activities rather than confined to formal instruction.

Under The Curiosity Approach, natural materials and loose parts become starting points for imaginative play. Children can explore resources at their own pace, make connections and decide how to use them. The preschool aims for adults to extend language through conversation, songs and stories, giving children words to describe their discoveries and share their ideas.

Weekly Forest School sessions add a regular outdoor strand. The Spinney, a fenced woodland beside the main field, includes a gathering circle of logs, shelter and a managed fire pit. A stream leads into a shallow pond with a pontoon. These physical features give outdoor exploration substance: woodland, water and places to gather, rather than just an outdoor play surface. Preschool children also explore the surrounding area in different weather conditions.

In December 2022, Ofsted found that the early years provision supported curiosity and independence. Learning about number and shape included a Norwegian Christmas theme, counting on an advent calendar and constructing triangular Christmas trees. Those examples show how a familiar seasonal activity can carry mathematical learning.

Independence extends to everyday care. Clothes that children can handle themselves are encouraged, with leggings or jogging bottoms suggested; a change of clothing belongs in a small bag on the child’s peg. That connects getting dressed with the same practical independence encouraged through play.

For children who are toilet training, families should pack extra clothing, nappies and wipes. The preschool expects children to be potty trained before three, and staff offer help and advice with the process. This is a practical expectation for families to consider alongside the starting age.

Inclusion is also an explicit aim. The primary school and preschool have signed the Schools of Sanctuary pledge, seeking to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum. Families with concerns about wellbeing or behaviour can contact the school for advice, help accessing services and support for their child. School lunches are booked through Parentpay.

Attending the preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Herefordshire Council’s online route, meeting the deadline set by the local authority. Choosing the preschool and applying for Reception are separate decisions; parents should keep the school application in their plans even when their child already attends here.

Preschool runs on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 8:45am until 3:00pm during term time. That makes the provision relevant to families seeking a day within school terms, with collection planned around the preschool’s own finishing time.

Eligible families can use Nursery Education Funding (NEF). Sessions are invoiced termly, and Parentpay handles payments as well as lunch bookings. Contact the school for current charges.

To arrange a visit, telephone the school office on 01981 510208. Preschool enquiries can also go to admin@michaelchurch-escley.hereford.sch.uk, and there is an online preschool application form. For daily clothing, choose items suited to messy play and independent dressing; limited cloakroom space makes a small bag useful.