Pre-School
At The Beacon, we call ourselves 'One Big Beacon Family' a name that reflects our belief in the strength, joy, and comfort of belonging - and the journey starts right here in Pre-School. We place relationships at the heart of all we do, recognising that secure, trusting relationships are the foundation upon which learning and personal growth are built. Working with parents and carers throughout the Pre-School and school, we provide learning and play experiences which engage children’s interests; inspire them to want to know more; motivate them to persevere with their learning and empower them to develop skills of independence to achieve their full potential.
Our staff team are Miss Becca Simpson and Miss Nicole Chalmers. Other members of our Beacon staff team also work in our Pre-School.
We opened the doors to our Governor-Run Pre-School in February 2023 and now offer places for children from the start of the term after their second birthday during term time and school holidays. Our Pre-School has its own entrance, indoor space and garden within our school site. The Beacon's vision for everyone to 'live life in all its fullness' (John 10:10) starts in Pre-School where our children thrive in a nurturing environment run by qualified and experienced staff, develop new friendships and learn through play and guided activities on site and beyond. Children regularly spent time in our local environment, exploring the outdoors as a core element of learning to live life in all its fullness.
Choosing your child's Pre-School/Nursery is a very important decision. We welcome visits to our Pre-School, so get in touch to arrange a visit - 01395 264300 or admin@beacon-ce-primary.devon.sch.uk
Our Holiday Clubs welcome children from other Pre-Schools and Nurseries as well as our own.
These are our Four Guiding Principles that guide our practice:
- Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships
- children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnerships between practitioners and parents and/or carers.
- Importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates. Our curriculum covers the education and care of all children in Early Years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Our vision focuses on flourishing together through belonging, we are a relational community, where everyone is welcomed and celebrated. Our curriculum is carefully planned to meet the needs of the individual child, so their Pre-School journey forms the very first of many wonderful life-long memories of their learning journey. Their Pre-School experiences will develop a the characteristics of learning that empower children to flourish in their Reception year and beyond.
What you can expect at The Beacon's Pre-School.
Wide-ranging activities and experiences linked to your child's interests, to stories, events in the year and your child's life - for example art, craft, songs & music, small and large-world play, water and sand play, ride-ons and trikes, climbing equipment, hoops, balls and running games to mention just a few. Our nature garden is adjacent to the Pre-School garden, but your child will also regularly spend time with their Pre-School friends off site exploring the changing seasons, investigating the natural world visiting places of interest: we use Manor Gardens, our own allotment garden at Holy Trinity Church, the beach, the dinosaur park to mention just a few.
Further advice, support and information.
What to expect in the EYFS - guide for parents and carers giving examples of milestones and the sort of things you can expect from Pre-School and Reception years.
Best start in life website - a Government website dedicated to providing support and information for parents and carers of children from pregnancy to 5 years old.
Development Matters - the Department for Education's non-statutory Curriculum guidance for the EYFS.
