Preschool
“In Cubs and Fawns, children build the confidence, curiosity and skills they need to thrive at school – all while experiencing the magic of farm life every day.”
Our Preschool Rooms
Our preschool provision is split across two beautiful rooms: Cubs for younger preschool children (30 months+) and Fawns for those in their final year before starting primary school. This progression ensures every child is in an environment suited to their stage of development, often alongside friends who will move on to local schools together. Planned and spontaneous activities prepare them for school and the wider world.
As part of our cultural capital focus, children enjoy role play experiences such as crossing the road or buying fruit from the market stall. Communication truly flourishes at this stage, through expanding vocabulary, conversation and continued use of signing, as little ones grow into confident, curious and capable young learners.
What makes our preschool special is the blend of outstanding Early Years education, led by an exceptionally passionate team, and rich outdoor experiences where children don’t just learn about the world, they live it.
Cubs (30+ months)
Cubs is our younger preschool room, where the foundations for school readiness are built through play-based learning, small group times and plenty of outdoor exploration. The space encourages independence, creativity and curiosity, with dedicated areas for role play, construction, art and books.
Early phonics and numeracy are introduced through playful, hands-on activities, while social skills develop through cooperative play, sharing and learning to manage emotions. Each child has their own named peg and drawer, a proud place to keep (and share) their many wonderful creations.
Fawns (final year)
Fawns is our final preschool room, designed for children in their last year before starting primary school. Here, school readiness becomes the focus, with support for stage 1 phonics, early writing, maths, and the social and emotional skills needed to thrive in Reception.
Learning remains play-based and engaging, but we also introduce gentle structure, sitting at tables, following instructions and working collaboratively. By the time children leave Fawns, they are confident, capable and excited for “big school.”
School Readiness
School readiness isn’t just about academic skills, it’s about the whole child. Alongside stage 1 phonics, early writing and maths, we focus on the social, emotional and physical skills children need to thrive at school. Our school readiness programme helps build emotional resilience, confidence and independence.
We ask simple but important questions: are they confident enough to ask to go to the loo? Can they describe how they feel – happy, sad or scared? Every child is unique, but our goal is for all Manor Farm children to transition smoothly and happily into school life.
We work closely with local primary schools to support this process. Once a school place is confirmed, we contact the Reception teacher to invite them to visit your child in our setting. Primary schools then arrange their own visits to help children feel excited and prepared. With your consent, we send a full School Transition Report in early July, covering progress across all seven areas of learning.
A Typical Day
Each day follows a flexible routine that balances structure with freedom. Morning and afternoon sessions include outdoor exploration, themed craft or messy play, snacks, mealtimes, and group activities such as singing, rhyming or story time.
Mealtimes are calm and unhurried, with quiet moments and a focus on hand washing. Afternoon sessions include a snack and a light, chef-prepared tea at 4pm, followed by more play which is often outdoors again.
