Preschool

Become a St. Nic's Mini Explorer! 

St. Nic’s offer preschool provision for 3 year old's as part of our EYFS class. We offer placements between 8.45-3.15 Monday to Friday term time and can offer full or half days. Preschoolers at St. Nics are called Mini Explorers. Each day is a learning adventure where the children are presented with a broad range of playful activities and opportunities to explore the world around them. We are fortunate to have a large classroom and an inspiring outdoor space with a sea view. We use our local area including a beach and woodland to give our preschoolers a variety of outdoor and adventurous activities. 

Our preschoolers are also welcome to attend our wraparound care including our breakfast club which opens at 7.30am and our after school club which runs until 5.30pm. 

Our EYFS classroom is teacher led by Chrissy Gardiner and Ruth Belton. We also have our full-time preschool teaching assistant Ruth Miller. We are an experienced and dedicated team who endeavour to create the best experiences possible to spark a love of school and learning from a young age. We achieve this by celebrating every child’s uniqueness and planning activities that are tailored to children’s interests, abilities and needs. We are passionate about ensuring that learning is an adventure from the very start. 

All 3 year old's qualify for 15 hours free universal weekly funding and some families are entitled to up to 30 hours free childcare a week. Parents are able to pay for additional hours if they require them. 

Mini Explorers will learn to create and maintain meaningful and fulfilling relationships with both the adults and the other children in the setting -finding friends and experiencing a sense of community.

Mini Explorers are encouraged to take risks and enjoy adventurous activities. Preschoolers regularly participate in Wild Tribe and Forest school type activities led by our very own adventure leader Suzie. We enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening, foraging, cooking and building. 

Mini Explorers will be provided the opportunity to learn through play as well as small fun and playful group activities led by adults. 

Mini Explorers are encouraged to initiate their own activities and learning, supported by experienced staff. This allows children to become independent learners as well as encompassing the skills that will prepare them for their next adventure in school and beyond. 

Each morning we enjoy listening to traditional tales with the big explorers (reception) whilst enjoying a healthy snack. We always have fresh fruit and milk to give us energy.  

For the Mini Explorers that choose to stay for lunch, you can bring your own packed lunch or we welcome you to try our delicious  school dinners. Our dinners are cooked onsite with fresh ingredients and provide a well-balanced nutritious meal. Please see the menu on our website for further information. We cater to all dietary needs and politely ask that parents keep open communication in regards to this. 

If you are interested in our preschool provision we would be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions that you may have. Please contact Chrissy Gardiner cgardiner@stbarnabasmat.com or  Or ring the office for more details on 01503 250565 and to fill out an expression of interest form.